Mark Crouch, market analyst at eToro, says Kingfisher (LSE:KGF) is "caught between two very different consumer realities".
The B&Q and Screwfix owner is challenged by a market of households strained by higher borrowing costs, and years of inflation, even as some inflationary pressure begins to ease. Moreover, Crouch says the late arrival of spring further dented footfall and seasonal spending at B&Q and warns that renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could push energy prices higher and re‑squeeze household budgets.
Away from the consumer, however, Crouch points to Screwfix's trade‑focused model, convenience offering and value credentials as evidence of market‑share gains.
The analyst also notes management has maintained guidance amid strong digital momentum-group e‑commerce penetration around 22%, trade penetration around 31%, marketplace GMV up 39% to £163m-while B&Q like‑for‑likes remain a near‑term watch point.
