Britain's Kingfisher sees profit rise on pandemic DIY mini boom

LONDON (Reuters) - Home improvement retailer Kingfisher <KGF.L> reported a 23.1% rise in first half profit, driven by a strong sales recovery in its second quarter as consumers took to do-it-yourself (DIY) and gardening projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group, which owns B&Q and Screwfix in Britain and Castorama and Brico Depot in France and other markets, said on Tuesday second quarter to July 31 like-for-like sales had increased 19.5%.

"This recovery has continued into Q3 to date, with growth across all banners and categories," said Chief Executive Thierry Garnier.

"The crisis has prompted more people to rediscover their homes and find pleasure in making them better. It is creating new home improvement needs, as people seek new ways to use space or adjust to working from home," he said.

Kingfisher made an adjusted pretax profit of 415 million pounds ($531 million) in its first half - ahead of analysts' expectations and up from 337 million pounds in the same period last year. Total sales fell 1.3% to 5.92 billion pounds, reflecting the impact of the virus in the first quarter when stores were closed.

E-commerce sales soared 164% and now represent 19% of total sales versus 7% in the same period last year.

"Looking forward, while the near term outlook is uncertain, the longer term opportunity for Kingfisher is significant," added Garnier.

Shares in Kingfisher, up 22% so far this year, closed Monday at 265 pence, valuing the business at 5.63 billion pounds.

(Reporting by James Davey; editing by Sarah Young)