B&Q owner Kingfisher is expected to announce profits at the top of market hopes in its full-year results on Wednesday.
Kingfisher buoyed investors with a positive trading update last month and profits have risen to £610 million in the 12 months to January 31 from £521 million in the previous year.
A robust 5.1% increase in like-for-like sales across the group was propelled by a strong performance at B&Q, while an easing of economic conditions in France also helped its Castorama chain make progress.
Fears of a slowdown in consumer spending in the UK and its knock-on effect for the DIY market have clouded the outlook in recent months, but analysts are expecting Kingfisher to grow at a steady rate in 2004 even in a slower spending growth environment.
Monday March 15, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article