Half Year Results (Part 2 of 2)

Kingfisher PLC

17 September 2024

 

Kingfisher plc

2024/25 INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

		Half year ended 31 July 2024				Half year ended 31 July 2023
£ millions	Notes	Before adjusting items	Adjusting items (note 5)	Total		Before adjusting items	Adjusting items (note 5)	Total
Sales	4	6,756	-	6,756		6,880	-	6,880
Cost of sales		(4,276)	-	(4,276)		(4,385)	-	(4,385)
Gross profit		2,480	-	2,480		2,495	-	2,495
Selling and distribution expenses		(1,583)	(9)	(1,592)		(1,605)	(21)	(1,626)
Administrative expenses		(510)	2	(508)		(511)	-	(511)
Other income		10	-	10		12	2	14
Other expense		-	(3)	(3)		-	-	-
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures and associates		(13)	-	(13)		(5)	-	(5)
Operating profit	4	384	(10)	374		386	(19)	367
Finance costs		(67)	-	(67)		(64)	-	(64)
Finance income		17	-	17		14	-	14
Net finance costs	6	(50)	-	(50)		(50)	-	(50)
Profit before taxation		334	(10)	324		336	(19)	317
Income tax expense	7	(91)	4	(87)		(87)	7	(80)
Profit for the period		243	(6)	237		249	(12)	237
Earnings per share	8
Basic				12.8p				12.4p
Diluted				12.6p				12.2p
Adjusted basic				13.2p				13.0p
Adjusted diluted				13.0p				12.8p

The proposed interim ordinary dividend for the period ended 31 July 2024 is 3.80p per share (2023/24: 3.80p per share).

Kingfisher plc

2024/25 INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

		Year ended 31 January 2024
£ millions	Notes	Before adjusting items	Adjusting items (note 5)	Total
Sales	4	12,980	-	12,980
Cost of sales		(8,204)	-	(8,204)
Gross profit		4,776	-	4,776
Selling and distribution expenses		(3,143)	(87)	(3,230)
Administrative expenses		(982)	(8)	(990)
Other income		23	2	25
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures and associates		(1)	-	(1)
Operating profit	4	673	(93)	580
Finance costs		(133)	-	(133)
Finance income		28	-	28
Net finance costs	6	(105)	-	(105)
Profit before taxation		568	(93)	475
Income tax expense	7	(153)	23	(130)
Profit for the year		415	(70)	345
Earnings per share	8
Basic				18.2p
Diluted				18.0p
Adjusted basic				21.9p
Adjusted diluted				21.6p

Kingfisher plc

2024/25 INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

£ millions	Notes	Half year ended 31 July 2024	Half year ended 31 July 2023	Year ended 31 January 2024
Profit for the period		237	237	345
Remeasurements of post-employment benefits	11	1	(9)	(42)
Inventory cash flow hedges - fair value losses		(6)	(40)	(32)
Tax on items that will not be reclassified	7	34	14	28
Total items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss		29	(35)	(46)
Currency translation differences
Subsidiaries		(28)	(10)	(3)
Joint ventures and associates		2	(4)	(1)
Transferred to income statement		-	(2)	(2)
Inventory cash flow hedges - losses transferred to income statement		-	9	12
Tax on items that may be reclassified		-	-	(2)
Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss		(26)	(7)	4
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the period		3	(42)	(42)
Total comprehensive income for the period		240	195	303

Kingfisher plc

2024/25 INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

												Half year ended 31 July 2024
£ millions		Share capital (note 13)				Share premium		Own shares held		Retained earnings	Capital redemption reserve		Other reserves (note 14)	Total equity
At 1 February 2024			294			2,228		(31)		3,741	82		290	6,604
Profit for the period			-			-		-		237	-		-	237
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the period			-			-		-		34	-		(31)	3
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period			-			-		-		271	-		(31)	240
Inventory cash flow hedges - losses transferred to inventories			-			-		-		-	-		15	15
Share-based compensation			-			-		-		12	-		-	12
New shares issued under share schemes			-			-		-		1	-		-	1
Own shares issued under share schemes			-			-		11		(11)	-		-	-
Purchase of own shares for cancellation			(5)			-		-		(100)	5		-	(100)
Purchase of own shares for ESOP trust			-			-		(26)		-	-		-	(26)
Dividends			-			-		-		(159)	-		-	(159)
Tax on equity items			-			-		-		-	-		(3)	(3)
At 31 July 2024			289			2,228		(46)		3,755	87		271	6,584
				Half year ended 31 July 2023
£ millions	Share capital (note 13)					Share premium		Own shares held		Retained earnings	Capital redemption reserve		Other reserves (note 14)	Total equity
At 1 February 2023			305			2,228		(22)		3,796	71		285	6,663
Profit for the period			-			-		-		237	-		-	237
Other comprehensive expense for the period			-			-		-		(4)	-		(38)	(42)
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period			-			-		-		233	-		(38)	195
Inventory cash flow hedges - losses transferred to inventories			-			-		-		-	-		12	12
Share-based compensation			-			-		-		12	-		-	12
New shares issued under share schemes			-			-		-		2	-		-	2
Own shares issued under share schemes			-			-		9		(9)	-		-	-
Purchase of own shares for cancellation			(6)			-		-		(103)	6		-	(103)
Purchase of own shares for ESOP trust			-			-		(24)		-	-		-	(24)
Dividends			-			-		-		(165)	-		-	(165)
Tax on equity items			-			-		-		-	-		(4)	(4)
At 31 July 2023			299			2,228		(37)		3,766	77		255	6,588

		Year ended 31 January 2024
£ millions	Share capital (note 13)	Share premium	Own shares held	Retained earnings	Capital redemption reserve	Other reserves (note 14)	Total equity
At 1 February 2023	305	2,228	(22)	3,796	71	285	6,663
Profit for the year	-	-	-	345	-	-	345
Other comprehensive expense for the year	-	-	-	(20)	-	(22)	(42)
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year	-	-	-	325	-	(22)	303
Inventory cash flow hedges - losses transferred to inventories	-	-	-	-	-	33	33
Share-based compensation	-	-	-	22	-	-	22
New shares issued under share schemes	-	-	-	4	-	-	4
Own shares issued under share schemes	-	-	15	(15)	-	-	-
Purchase of own shares for cancellation	(11)	-	-	(153)	11	-	(153)
Purchase of own shares for ESOP trust	-	-	(24)	-	-	-	(24)
Dividends	-	-	-	(237)	-	-	(237)
Tax on equity items	-	-	-	(1)	-	(6)	(7)
At 31 January 2024	294	2,228	(31)	3,741	82	290	6,604

Kingfisher plc

2024/25 INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

£ millions	Notes	At 31 July 2024		At 31 July 2023		At 31 January 2024
Non-current assets
Goodwill		2,397		2,407		2,398
Other intangible assets	10	338		372		368
Property, plant and equipment	10	3,171		3,168		3,206
Investment property	10	30		28		27
Right-of-use assets		1,871		1,934		1,881
Investments in joint ventures and associates		8		12		19
Post-employment benefits	11	216		243		212
Deferred tax assets		8		19		10
Other tax authority asset	17	70		67		68
Other receivables		15		16		15
		8,124		8,266		8,204
Current assets
Inventories		2,979		3,132		2,914
Trade and other receivables		385		393		344
Derivative assets	12	3		4		2
Current tax assets		54		44		73
Cash and cash equivalents		485		344		360
Assets held for sale		-		3		3
		3,906		3,920		3,696
Total assets		12,030		12,186		11,900
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables		(2,653)		(2,665)		(2,445)
Borrowings	12	(63)		(28)		(7)
Lease liabilities		(356)		(350)		(366)
Derivative liabilities	12	(15)		(54)		(23)
Current tax liabilities		(16)		(2)		(12)
Provisions		(8)		(9)		(9)
		(3,111)		(3,108)		(2,862)
Non-current liabilities
Other payables		(4)		(4)		(3)
Borrowings	12	(50)		(101)		(102)
Lease liabilities		(1,968)		(2,048)		(2,001)
Derivative liabilities	12	(1)		(3)		(1)
Deferred tax liabilities		(190)		(207)		(207)
Provisions		(6)		(11)		(7)
Post-employment benefits	11	(116)		(116)		(113)
		(2,335)		(2,490)		(2,434)
Total liabilities		(5,446)		(5,598)		(5,296)
Net assets		6,584		6,588		6,604
Equity
Share capital	13	289		299		294
Share premium		2,228		2,228		2,228
Own shares held in ESOP trust		(46)		(37)		(31)
Retained earnings		3,755		3,766		3,741
Capital redemption reserve		87		77		82
Other reserves	14	271		255		290
Total equity		6,584		6,588		6,604

The interim financial report was approved by the Board of Directors on 16 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Thierry Garnier, Chief Executive Officer

Bernard Bot, Chief Financial Officer

Kingfisher plc

2024/25 INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

£ millions	Notes	Half year ended 31 July 2024	Half year ended 31 July 2023	Year ended 31 January 2024
Operating activities
Cash generated by operations	15	858	796	1,438
Income tax paid		(48)	(68)	(117)
Net cash flows from operating activities		810	728	1,321
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets		(153)	(164)	(363)
Disposal of property, plant and equipment, assets held for sale and intangible assets		-	-	2
Purchase of businesses		-	(3)	(3)
Disposal of subsidiaries and associates, net of cash disposed		(3)	9	9
Interest received		12	7	16
Interest element of lease rental receipts		-	-	1
Principal element of lease rental receipts		2	1	3
Advance payments on right-of-use assets		(2)	(1)	(4)
Net cash flows used in investing activities		(144)	(151)	(339)
Financing activities
Interest paid		(4)	(2)	(7)
Interest element of lease rental payments		(62)	(62)	(126)
Principal element of lease rental payments		(198)	(176)	(348)
Arrangement fees paid		(2)	-	-
New shares issued under share schemes		1	2	4
Purchase of own shares for cancellation		(92)	(99)	(160)
Purchase of own shares for ESOP trust		(26)	(24)	(24)
Ordinary dividends paid to equity shareholders of the Company	9	(159)	(165)	(237)
Net cash flows used in financing activities		(542)	(526)	(898)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts		124	51	84
Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at beginning of period		353	270	270
Exchange differences		(5)	(4)	(1)
Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at end of period		472	317	353

Kingfisher plc

2024/25 INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.         General information

Kingfisher plc ('the Company'), its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (together 'the Group') supply home improvement products and services through a network of retail stores and other channels, located mainly in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.

The Company is incorporated in England and Wales, United Kingdom, and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The address of its registered office is One Paddington Square, London, W2 1GG.

The interim financial report does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Audited statutory accounts for the year ended 31 January 2024 were approved by the Board of Directors on 24 March 2024 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under sections 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The interim financial report has been reviewed, not audited, and was approved by the Board of Directors on 16 September 2024.

2.         Basis of preparation

The interim financial report for the six months ended 31 July 2024 ('the half year') has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and with IAS 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the United Kingdom. It should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2024, which have been prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the IASB. The consolidated income statement and related notes represent results for continuing operations, there being no discontinued operations in the periods presented. Where comparatives are given, '2023/24' refers to the six months ended 31 July 2023.

Going concern

Based on the Group's liquidity position and cash flow projections, including a forward-looking remote downside scenario, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, a period not less than 12 months from the date of this report, and they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended 31 July 2024.

Considering whether the Group's condensed consolidated financial statements can be prepared on a going concern basis, the Directors have reviewed the Group's business activities together with factors likely to affect its performance, financial position and access to liquidity (including consideration of financial covenants). As of 31 July 2024, the Group had access to over £1.1bn in total liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents of £472m (net of bank overdrafts) and access to a £650m revolving credit facility (RCF), due to expire in May 2027.

In forming their outlook on the future financial performance, the Directors considered the risk of higher business volatility and the potential negative impact of the general economic environment on household and trade spend.

The Directors' review also included consideration of a remote scenario that models the impact of a significant demand or supply shock preventing the Group from realising a large part of its sales over the period of a month followed by subdued demand for the following 11 months. The total loss of sales in this scenario is c.£1.4bn (10% over the impacted period). The scenario assumes the impact of lost sales is partially offset by a limited set of mitigating actions on variable and discretionary costs, capital expenditure and the suspension of capital returns to shareholders. Even under this remote scenario, which requires drawing on the RCF for a few months, the Group retains sufficient liquidity and remains in compliance with financial covenants on credit facilities. Should a more extreme scenario occur than currently forecast by the Directors under this remote scenario, the Group would need to implement additional operational or financial measures.

New and amended accounting standards

New standards, amendments and interpretations are in issue and effective for the Group's financial year ended 31 January

2025, but they do not have a material impact on the interim financial report.

Principal rates of exchange against Sterling

	Half year ended 31 July 2024		Half year ended 31 July 2023		Year ended 31 January 2024
	Average Rate	Period end rate	Average rate	Period end rate	Average rate	Year end rate
Euro	1.17	1.19	1.15	1.17	1.15	1.17
US Dollar	1.27	1.28	1.24	1.29	1.25	1.27
Polish Zloty	5.05	5.09	5.25	5.14	5.20	5.08
Romanian Leu	5.84	5.91	5.66	5.77	5.71	5.83
Turkish Lira*	42.54	42.54	34.61	34.61	38.64	38.64

* Turkish Lira average exchange rates represent the closing rates for the periods presented due to the application of hyperinflation accounting in Turkey.

Risks and uncertainties

The principal risks and uncertainties to which the Group is exposed are set out on pages 59-64 of the Kingfisher plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 January 2024. These have been reviewed as part of the Group's half year procedures and are listed in the Financial Review in part 1 of this announcement.

Use of non-GAAP measures

In the reporting of financial information, the Group uses certain measures that are not required under IFRS, the generally accepted

accounting principles ('GAAP') under which the Group reports. The Group believes that retail profit, adjusted pre-tax profit, adjusted effective tax rate, and adjusted earnings per share provide additional useful information on performance and trends to shareholders. These and other non-GAAP measures (also known as 'Alternative Performance Measures'), such as net debt, are used by the Group for internal performance analysis and incentive compensation arrangements for employees. The terms 'retail profit', 'adjusting items', 'adjusted', 'adjusted effective tax rate', 'net cashflow' and 'net debt' are not defined terms under IFRS and may therefore not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies. They are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures.

Retail profit is defined as continuing operating profit before central costs, the Group's share of interest and tax of joint ventures and associates and adjusting items. Central costs principally comprise the costs of the Group's head office before adjusting items.

Adjusting items, which are presented separately within their relevant income statement category, include items which by virtue of their size and/or nature, do not reflect the Group's ongoing trading performance. Adjusting items may include, but are not limited to:

·      non-trading items included in operating profit such as profits and losses on the disposal, closure, exit or impairment of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and investments which do not form part of the Group's ongoing trading activities;

·      the costs of significant restructuring and incremental acquisition integration costs;

·      profits and losses on the disposal/exit of properties, impairments of goodwill and significant impairments (or impairment reversals) of other non-current assets;

·      prior year tax items (including the impact of changes in tax rates on deferred tax), significant one-off tax settlements and provision charges/releases and the tax effects of other adjusting items;

·      financing fair value remeasurements i.e. changes in the fair value of financing derivatives, excluding interest accruals, offset by fair value adjustments to the carrying amount of borrowings and other hedged items under fair value (or non-designated) hedge relationships. Financing derivatives are those that relate to hedged items of a financing nature.

The term 'adjusted' refers to the relevant measure being reported for continuing operations excluding adjusting items.

The adjusted effective tax rate is calculated as continuing income tax expense excluding prior year tax items (including the impact of changes in tax rates on deferred tax), significant one-off tax settlements and provision charges/releases and the tax effects of other adjusting items, divided by continuing profit before taxation excluding adjusting items. Prior year tax items represent income statement tax relating to underlying items originally arising in prior years, including the impact of changes in tax rates on deferred tax. The exclusion of items relating to prior years, and those not in the ordinary course of business, helps provide an indication of the Group's ongoing rate of tax.

Net debt comprises lease liabilities, borrowings and financing derivatives (excluding accrued interest) less cash and cash equivalents and short-term deposits, including such balances classified as held for sale.

Refer to the Financial Review for definitions of all of the Group's Alternative Performance Measures, including further information on why they are used and details of where reconciliations to statutory measures can be found where applicable.

3.         Accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2024, as described in note 2 of those financial statements, except where set out below. The critical accounting estimates and judgements are set out in note 3 of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2024 and remain unchanged.

Taxes on income for interim periods are accrued using the best estimate of the effective tax rate that would be applicable to expected total annual earnings.

4.         Segmental analysis

Income statement

	Half year ended 31 July 2024
£ millions	UK & Ireland		France	Poland		Other		Other International	Total
Sales	3,376		2,099	941		340		1,281	6,756
Retail profit/(loss)	325		69	50		(24)		26	420
Central costs									(29)
Share of interest and tax of joint ventures and associates									(7)
Adjusting items									(10)
Operating profit									374
Net finance costs									(50)
Profit before taxation									324

	Half year ended 31 July 2023
£ millions	UK & Ireland		France	Poland		Other		Other International	Total
Sales	3,346		2,311	880		343		1,223	6,880
Retail profit/(loss)	306		104	35		(12)		23	433
Central costs									(36)
Share of interest and tax of joint ventures and associates									(11)
Adjusting items									(19)
Operating profit									367
Net finance costs									(50)
Profit before taxation									317

	Year ended 31 January 2024
£ millions	UK & Ireland		France	Poland		Other		Other International	Total
Sales	6,387		4,246	1,694		653		2,347	12,980
Retail profit/(loss)	555		139	82		(27)		55	749
Central costs									(60)
Share of interest and tax of joint ventures and associates									(16)
Adjusting items									(93)
Operating profit									580
Net finance costs									(105)
Profit before taxation									475

Balance sheet

	At 31 July 2024
£ millions	UK & Ireland		France	Poland		Other		Other International	Total
Segment assets	2,915		1,688	1,123		321		1,444	6,047
Central assets									92
Goodwill									2,397
Net debt									(1,952)
Net assets									6,584

	At 31 July 2023
£ millions	UK & Ireland		France	Poland		Other		Other International	Total
Segment assets	2,974		1,784	1,186		352		1,538	6,296
Central assets									66
Goodwill									2,407
Net debt									(2,181)
Net assets									6,588

	At 31 January 2024
£ millions	UK & Ireland		France	Poland		Other		Other International	Total
Segment assets	2,931		1,753	1,195		360		1,555	6,239
Central assets									83
Goodwill									2,398
Net debt									(2,116)
Net assets									6,604

The operating segments disclosed above are based on the information reported internally to the Board of Directors and Group Executive, representing the geographical areas in which the Group operates. The Group only has one reportable business segment, being the supply of home improvement products and services. The majority of the sales in each geographical area are derived from in-store and online sales of products.

The 'Other International' segment consists of Poland, Iberia, Romania, the joint venture Koçtaş in Turkey, NeedHelp, Screwfix International and results from franchise agreements. Poland has been shown separately due to its significance. On 18 July 2024, we completed a divestment of our c.80% equity interest in NeedHelp.

Central assets comprise unallocated head office and other central items, principally relating to central tax assets, partially offset by central creditors and accruals including insurance and payroll.

The Group's sales, although generally not highly seasonal on a half yearly basis, do increase over the Easter period and during the summer months leading to slightly higher sales usually being recognised in the first half of the year. However, due to the continued uncertainty around the current macro-economic environment, the phasing of sales is less predictable.

5.         Adjusting items

£ millions	Half year ended 31 July 2024	Half year ended 31 July 2023	Year ended 31 January 2024
Included within selling and distribution expenses
Net store asset impairment losses	(6)	(14)	(76)
Operating model restructuring	(3)	(7)	(11)
	(9)	(21)	(87)
Included within administrative expenses
NeedHelp goodwill impairment	-	-	(8)
UK guaranteed minimum pension credit	2	-	-
	2	-	(8)
Included within other income/expenses
Loss on disposal of NeedHelp	(3)	-	-
Profit on disposal of Crealfi associate investment	-	2	2
	(3)	2	2
Adjusting items before tax	(10)	(19)	(93)
Prior year and other adjusting tax items	4	7	23
Adjusting items	(6)	(12)	(70)

In consideration of H1 2024/25 performance to date in France, we have revised future projections for a number of stores. This has resulted in the recognition of £6m of net store impairment charges in the period. 

During the prior year, the Group commenced formal consultation with employee representatives regarding the Group's Technology operating model restructuring programme. Operating model restructuring costs of £3m have been recorded in the period relating to this programme. The programme is expected to be completed in the second half of the year at a total cost of c.£15m, in line with previous expectations.

During the period, we have updated the methodology under which the liability relating to guaranteed minimum pension equalisation is calculated, to reflect the methodology chosen by the Trustees, which has resulted in a £2m credit. 

During the period, the Group completed the disposal of its 80% interest in NeedHelp for nil proceeds, resulting in a loss on disposal of £3m.

Prior year and other adjusting tax items relate principally to deferred tax credits recorded in respect of the impairment and restructuring expenses noted above, movements in prior year provisions to reflect a reassessment of expected outcomes, and refunds from tax authorities.

Refer to note 5 of the 2023/24 interim accounts for further details on adjusting items for the half year ended 31 July 2023, and to note 6 of the 2023/24 annual accounts for further details on adjusting items for the year ended 31 January 2024.

6.         Net finance costs

£ millions	Half year ended 31 July 2024		Half year ended 31 July 2023	Year ended  31 January 2024
Fixed term debt		(4)	(2)	(7)
Lease liabilities		(62)	(62)	(126)
Other interest expense		(1)	-	-
Finance costs		(67)	(64)	(133)
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term deposits		12	7	16
Net interest income on defined benefit pension schemes		3	4	7
Finance lease income		-	-	1
Other interest income		2	3	4
Finance income		17	14	28
Net finance costs		(50)	(50)	(105)

Interest on fixed term debt includes amortisation of arrangement fees on borrowing facilities of £1m (2023/24: £nil). Amortisation of arrangement fees on borrowing facilities for the year ended 31 January 2024 was £nil.

7.         Income tax expense

£ millions	Half year ended 31 July 2024	Half year ended 31 July 2023	Year ended 31 January 2024
UK corporation tax
Current tax on profits for the period	(52)	(46)	(73)
Adjustments in respect of prior years	-	1	2
	(52)	(45)	(71)
Overseas tax
Current tax on profits for the period	(20)	(24)	(37)
Adjustments in respect of prior years	3	2	8
	(17)	(22)	(29)
Current tax	(69)	(67)	(100)
Deferred tax
Current period	(17)	(13)	(25)
Adjustments in respect of prior years	(1)	-	(4)
Adjustments in respect of changes in tax rates	-	-	(1)
	(18)	(13)	(30)
Income tax expense	(87)	(80)	(130)

The adjusted effective tax rate on profit before adjusting items is 27% (2023/24: 26%), representing the best estimate of the effective rate for the full financial year. The adjusted effective tax rate on the same basis for the year ended 31 January 2024 was 27%. The adjusted effective tax rate calculation is set out in the Financial Review in part 1 of this announcement.

An accounting surplus is recognised for the UK defined benefit pension scheme - refer to note 11. The surplus has been recognised on the basis that the future economic benefits are unconditionally available to the Group, which is assumed to be via a refund assuming the full settlement of plan liabilities in the event of a plan wind-up. On 22 November 2023, the UK government announced that the authorised surplus payments charge would be reduced from 35% to 25% from 6 April 2024. Following the enactment of this legislation on 11 March 2024, the deferred tax liability has been reduced by £32m with a corresponding credit to other comprehensive income.

8.         Earnings per share

Pence	Half year ended 31 July 2024	Half year ended 31 July 2023	Year ended 31 January 2024
Basic earnings per share	12.8	12.4	18.2
Effect of dilutive share options	(0.2)	(0.2)	(0.2)
Diluted earnings per share	12.6	12.2	18.0
Basic earnings per share	12.8	12.4	18.2
Adjusting items before tax	0.5	1.0	4.9
Prior year and other adjusting tax items	(0.1)	(0.4)	(1.2)
Adjusted basic earnings per share	13.2	13.0	21.9
Diluted earnings per share	12.6	12.2	18.0
Adjusting items before tax	0.5	1.0	4.8
Prior year and other adjusting tax items	(0.1)	(0.4)	(1.2)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share	13.0	12.8	21.6

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders of the Company. A reconciliation of statutory earnings to adjusted earnings is set out below:

£ millions	Half year ended 31 July 2024	Half year ended 31 July 2023		Year ended 31 January 2024
Earnings	237	237		345
Adjusting items before tax	10	19		93
Prior year and other adjusting tax items	(4)	(7)		(23)
Adjusted earnings	243	249		415

The weighted average number of shares in issue during the period, excluding those held in the Employee Share Ownership Plan Trust ('ESOP trust'), is set out below:

Weighted average number of shares (millions)	Half year ended 31 July 2024	Half year ended 31 July 2023		Year ended 31 January 2024
Basic	1,850	1,918		1,898
Diluted	1,878	1,943		1,921

9.         Dividends

	Half year ended	Half year ended	Year ended
£ millions	31 July 2024	31 July 2023	31 January 2024
Dividends to equity shareholders of the Company
Ordinary final dividend for the year ended 31 January 2024 of 8.60p per share	159	-	-
Ordinary interim dividend for the year ended 31 January 2024 of 3.80p per share	-	-	72
Ordinary final dividend for the year ended 31 January 2023 of 8.60p per share	-	165	165
	159	165	237

The proposed interim ordinary dividend for the period ended 31 July 2024 is 3.80p per share (2023/24: 3.80p per share).

10.        Property, plant and equipment, investment property and other intangible assets

Additions to the cost of property, plant and equipment, investment property and other intangible assets are £126m (2023/24: £152m) and for the year ended 31 January 2024 were £371m. Disposals in net book value of property, plant and equipment, investment property, property assets held for sale and other intangible assets are £nil (2023/24: nil) and for the year ended 31 January 2024 were £2m.

Capital commitments contracted but not provided for at the end of the period are £49m (2023/24: £50m) and at 31 January 2024 were £31m.

11.        Post-employment benefits

	Half year ended	Half year ended	Year ended
£ millions	31 July 2024	31 July 2023	31 January 2024
Net surplus in schemes at beginning of period	99	137	137
Current service cost	(6)	(7)	(11)
Past service credit	2	-	3
Administration costs	(2)	(2)	(4)
Net interest income	3	4	7
Net remeasurement gains/(losses)	1	(9)	(42)
Contributions paid by employer	2	-	5
Exchange differences	1	4	4
Net surplus in schemes at end of period	100	127	99

UK	216	243	212
Overseas	(116)	(116)	(113)
Net surplus in schemes at end of period	100	127	99

Present value of defined benefit obligations	(1,944)	(1,916)	(1,959)
Fair value of scheme assets	2,044	2,043	2,058
Net surplus in schemes at end of period	100	127	99

The assumptions used in calculating the costs and obligations of the Group's defined benefit pension schemes are set by the Directors after consultation with independent professionally qualified actuaries. The assumptions are based on the conditions at the time and changes in these assumptions can lead to significant movements in the estimated obligations, as illustrated in the sensitivity analysis provided in note 28 of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2024.

A full actuarial valuation of the scheme is carried out every three years by an independent actuary for the Trustee and the last full valuation was carried out as at 31 March 2022. Following this valuation and in accordance with the scheme's Statement of Funding Principles, The Trustee and Kingfisher agreed to cease annual employer contributions during the period from August 2022 to July 2025. This agreement was reached with reference to a funding objective that targets a longer-term, low risk funding position in excess of the minimum statutory funding requirements. This longer-term objective is based on the principles of the scheme reaching a point where it can provide benefits to members with a high level of security, thereby limiting its reliance on the employer for future support. The Company monitors the scheme funding level on a regular basis and will reassess with the scheme Trustee the appropriate level of contributions at future valuations.

A key assumption in valuing the pension obligation is the discount rate. Accounting standards require this to be set based on market yields on high-quality corporate bonds at the balance sheet date. The UK scheme discount rate is derived using a single equivalent discount rate approach, based on the yields available on a portfolio of high-quality Sterling corporate bonds with the same duration as that of the scheme liabilities.

The principal financial assumptions for the UK scheme, being the Group's principal defined benefit scheme, are set out below:

	At	At	At
Annual % rate	31 July 2024	31 July 2023	31 January 2024
Discount rate	5.00	5.15	4.85
Rate of pension increases	3.05	3.05	2.95

On 25 July 2024, in the case Virgin Media v NTL Pension Trustees II Limited (and others), the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court's 2023 decision which confirmed that certain rules of a contracted-out DB scheme cannot be altered without the statutory actuarial confirmation having been obtained and that non-compliant alterations are void. The pension trustees have commenced their assessment as to whether the ruling has any implications on the UK defined benefit scheme.

12.        Financial instruments

The Group holds the following derivative financial instruments at fair value:

	At	At	At
£ millions	31 July 2024	31 July 2023	31 January 2024
Foreign exchange contracts	3	4	2
Derivative assets	3	4	2

	At	At	At
£ millions	31 July 2024	31 July 2023	31 January 2024
Foreign exchange contracts	(16)	(57)	(24)
Derivative liabilities	(16)	(57)	(24)

The fair values are calculated by discounting future cash flows arising from the instruments and adjusted for credit risk. These fair value measurements are all made using observable market rates of interest, foreign exchange and credit risk. All the derivatives held by the Group at fair value are considered to have fair values determined by level 2 inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy of IFRS 13, 'Fair value measurement', representing significant observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. There are no non-recurring fair value measurements nor have there been any transfers of assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy.

Except as detailed in the following table of borrowings, the carrying amounts of financial instruments (excluding lease liabilities) recorded at amortised cost in the financial statements are approximately equal to their fair values. Where available, market values have been used to determine the fair values of borrowings. Where market values are not available or are not reliable, fair values have been calculated by discounting cash flows at prevailing interest and foreign exchange rates. This has resulted in level 2 inputs for borrowings as defined by the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy.

			Carrying amount
£ millions	At 31 July 2024	At   31 July 2023	At  31 January 2024
Bank overdrafts	13	27	7
Bank loans	-	3	3
Fixed term debt	100	99	99
Borrowings	113	129	109
			Fair value
£ millions	At 31 July 2024	At  31 July 2023	At 31 January 2024
Bank overdrafts	13	27	7
Bank loans	-	4	3
Fixed term debt	107	107	101
Borrowings	120	138	111

Cash and borrowings balances at 31 July 2024, 31 July 2023 and 31 January 2024 reflect the grossing up of cash and overdraft balances subject to the Group's cash pooling arrangements to ensure the Group's presentation of these balances is in line with the requirements for offsetting in accordance with IAS 32 - Financial Instruments: Presentation.

Fixed term debt comprises a £50m term loan maturing in June 2025 and a £50m term loan maturing in January 2026.

As at 31 July 2024, the Group had an undrawn revolving credit facility (RCF) of £650m, due to expire in May 2027. This replaced the £550m facility (of which £46m was due to expire in May 2025 & £504m in May 2026) following a refinancing in May 2024.

13.        Share capital

	Number of ordinary shares	Ordinary share capital
	millions	£ millions
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
At 1 February 2024	1,875	294
New shares issued under share schemes	1	-
Purchase of own shares for cancellation	(36)	(5)
At 31 July 2024	1,840	289
At 1 February 2023	1,940	305
New shares issued under share schemes	2	-
Purchase of own shares for cancellation	(41)	(6)
At 31 July 2023	1,901	299
At 1 February 2023	1,940	305
New shares issued under share schemes	2	-
Purchase of own shares for cancellation	(67)	(11)
At 31 January 2024	1,875	294

Ordinary shares have a par value of 155/₇ pence per share and carry full voting, dividend and capital distribution rights.

During the period the Group purchased 36 million (2023/24: 41 million) of the Company's own shares for cancellation at a cost of £92m (2023/24: £99m) as part of its capital returns programme. For the year ended 31 January 2024, the Group purchased 67 million of the Company's own shares for cancellation at a cost of £160m.

14.        Other reserves

			Half year ended 31 July 2024
£ millions			Translation reserve	Cash flow hedge reserve	Other	Total
At 1 February 2024	144			(13)	159	290
Inventory cash flow hedges - fair value losses	-			(6)	-	(6)
Tax on items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss	-			1	-	1
Currency translation differences Subsidiaries				-	-	(28)
		(28)
Joint ventures and associates		2		-	-	2
Other comprehensive expense for the period			(26)	(5)	-	(31)
Inventory cash flow hedges - losses transferred to inventories			-	15	-	15
Tax on equity items			-	(3)	-	(3)
At 31 July 2024			118	(6)	159	271
			Half year ended 31 July 2023
£ millions			Translation reserve	Cash flow hedge reserve	Other	Total
At 1 February 2023			150	(24)	159	285
Inventory cash flow hedges - fair value losses			-	(40)	-	(40)
Tax on items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss			-	9	-	9
Currency translation differences    Subsidiaries			(10)	-	-	(10)
Joint ventures and associates			(4)	-	-	(4)
Transferred to income statement			(2)	-	-	(2)
Inventory cash flow hedges - losses transferred to income statement			-	9	-	9
Other comprehensive expense for the period			(16)	(22)	-	(38)
Inventory cash flow hedges - losses transferred to inventories			-	12	-	12
Tax on equity items			-	(4)	-	(4)
At 31 July 2023			134	(38)	159	255
			Year ended 31 January 2024
£ millions			Translation reserve	Cash flow hedge reserve	Other	Total
At 1 February 2023			150	(24)	159	285
Inventory cash flow hedges - fair value losses			-	(32)	-	(32)
Tax on items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss			-	6	-	6
Currency translation differences Subsidiaries			(3)	-	-	(3)
Joint ventures and associates			(1)	-	-	(1)
Transferred to income statement			(2)	-	-	(2)
Inventory cash flow hedges - losses transferred to income statement			-	12	-	12
Tax on items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss			-	(2)	-	(2)
Other comprehensive expense for the year			(6)	(16)	-	(22)
Inventory cash flow hedges - losses transferred to inventories			-	33	-	33
Tax on equity items			-	(6)	-	(6)
At 31 January 2024			144	(13)	159	290

15.        Cash generated by operations

£ millions	Half year ended 31 July 2024	Half year ended 31 July 2023	Year ended 31 January 2024
Operating profit	374	367	580
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures and associates	13	5	1
Depreciation and amortisation	330	315	641
Net impairment losses	6	14	87
Losses/(gains) on disposals of subsidiaries and associates	3	(2)	(2)
Lease gains	-	(1)	(7)
Share-based compensation charge	12	12	22
(Increase)/decrease in inventories	(82)	(89)	132
Increase in trade and other receivables	(44)	(53)	(6)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables	244	219	(14)
Movement in provisions	(2)	-	(3)
Movement in post-employment benefits	4	9	7
Cash generated by operations	858	796	1,438

16.        Net debt

£ millions		At 31 July 2024	At 31 July 2023	At 31 January 2024
Cash and cash equivalents		485	344	360
Bank overdrafts		(13)	(27)	(7)
Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts		472	317	353
Bank loans		-	(3)	(3)
Fixed term debt		(100)	(99)	(99)
Lease liabilities		(2,324)	(2,398)	(2,367)
Net financing derivatives		-	2	-
Net debt		(1,952)	(2,181)	(2,116)
£ millions	Half year ended 31 July 2024		Half year ended  31 July 2023	Year ended 31 January 2024
Net debt at beginning of period	(2,116)		(2,274)	(2,274)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts	124		51	84
Arrangement fees paid	2		-	-
Net cash flow	126		51	84
Movements in lease liabilities	37		40	71
Exchange differences and other non-cash movements	1		2	3
Net debt at end of period	(1,952)		(2,181)	(2,116)

17.        Contingent liabilities

The Group is subject to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business and provision is made where liabilities are considered likely to arise on the basis of current information and legal advice.

The Group files tax returns in many jurisdictions around the world and at any one time is subject to periodic tax audits in the ordinary course of its business. Applicable tax laws and regulations are subject to differing interpretations and the resolution of a final tax position can take several years to complete. Where it is considered that future tax liabilities are more likely than not to arise, an appropriate provision is recognised in the financial statements.

In October 2017, the European Commission opened a State Aid investigation into the Group Financing Exemption of the UK controlled foreign company rules. While the Group has complied with the requirements of UK tax law in force at the time, in April 2019 the European Commission concluded that aspects of the UK controlled foreign company regime partially constitute illegal state aid. In January 2021, the company received a charging notice from HM Revenue & Customs for £57m, which was paid in February 2021, with a further £7m interest paid in April 2021.

The UK Government and the Company, along with other UK-based multinational groups, appealed the European Commission decision to the European Courts. In June 2022, the General Court of the European Union dismissed several of those appeals, including the UK Government's. The decision of the General Court has been appealed to the Court of Justice and the hearing took place on 10 January 2024. On 11 April 2024, the Advocate General's opinion was published, proposing that the Court of Justice should set aside the judgement of the General Court and annul the European Commission's decision. The final decision is expected on 19 September 2024.

The final impact on the company remains uncertain but, based on advice taken, the Group continues to consider that the amount paid of £64m plus repayment interest accrued of £6m, which is included in non-current assets, will ultimately be recovered.

18.        Related party transactions

The Group's significant related parties are its joint venture and pension schemes as disclosed in note 36 of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2024. In the prior year, the Group completed the disposal of its 49% interest in its French associate investment Crealfi S.A. There have been no other significant changes in related parties or related party transactions in the period.

19.        Post balance sheet events

During the period since the balance sheet date, the Group purchased 2.4 million of the Company's own shares for cancellation at a cost of £8m. This amount was deducted from equity in the half year to 31 July 2024 as a result of an irrevocable buyback agreement which was in place at 31 July 2024.

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directors confirm that the condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", and that the Interim Results includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:

·      an indication of important events that have occurred during the period and their impact on the interim condensed financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remainder of the financial year; and

·      material related party transactions in the period and any material changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report.

The Directors of Kingfisher plc were listed in the Group's 2023/24 Annual Report and Accounts. A list of current Directors is maintained on the Kingfisher plc website which can be found at www.kingfisher.com.

By order of the Board

Thierry Garnier                                                                     Bernard Bot

Chief Executive Officer                                                      Chief Financial Officer

16 September 2024                                                            16 September 2024

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO KINGFISHER PLC

Conclusion

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 July 2024 which comprises the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 19.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 July 2024 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standard 34 and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Basis for Conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use in the United Kingdom (ISRE (UK) 2410). A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted international accounting standards and International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting".

Conclusion Relating to Going Concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for Conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed.

This Conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410; however future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as a going concern.

Responsibilities of the directors

The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's Responsibilities for the review of the financial information

In reviewing the half-yearly financial report, we are responsible for expressing to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report. Our Conclusion, including our Conclusion Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of this report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Deloitte LLP

Statutory Auditor

London, United Kingdom

16 September 2024

 

END