KINGFISHER

J.P. Morgan has placed Kingfisher on "Negative Catalyst Watch" ahead of its half‑year results and expects pre‑tax profit for the first half of £359m, about 3% below consensus. The bank cites a heatwave weighing on the B&Q business in the UK and forecasts a 1% decline in B&Q like‑for‑like sales. J.P. Morgan retains its "Underweight" rating and 290p price target, flags uncertainty over the CEO successor and the UK property market, and sees full‑year results at the lower end of guidance. » More on de.investing.com

Kingfisher has appointed Goldman Sachs International to conduct the second tranche of a £50 million share buyback programme. Purchases, which begin today, will end no later than 15 September 2026; all acquired ordinary shares are to be cancelled. The tranche is part of an overall commitment of £300 million, with the first £75 million tranche already completed; up to 169,003,381 ordinary shares may be acquired at 15 5/7 pence each. » More on de.investing.com

Thierry Garnier resigned his position as CEO of Kingfisher after almost seven years, after being appointed on the same day as the new CEO of Ahold Delhaize. Kingfisher’s board has launched a search for a successor and is considering internal and external candidates. Garnier will remain in his role for 12 months to oversee the transition. » More on de.investing.com