0933 GMT - Kingfisher has strong EPS growth prospects given the likely structural growth in digital and trade, RBC Capital Markets analysts Richard Chamberlain and Manjari Dhar say in a note. The home-improvement company has developed a stronger digital and trade offering in the U.K. which can now be developed in other markets, the analysts say. They highlight longer-term margin drivers from marketplace, trade, retail media, better buying and use of AI. Kingfisher's shares have fallen markedly since the start of the Iran conflict mostly due to higher interest-rate expectations, but its direct exposure to the Middle East is very low, the analysts say. Shares are down 0.3% at 295.40 pence. (anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
1000 GMT - U.K. house builder Bellway is being affected by sector headwinds, including the conflict in the Middle East, Interactive Investor analyst Victoria Scholar says in a note. The war in Iran and the ensuing economic uncertainty will likely affect consumer confidence and add pressure in terms of build-cost inflation as the energy shock looks set to push up construction costs such as labor and materials, Scholar says. Furthermore, the Bank of England's monetary policy paralysis has affected shares as they have fallen over 25% since the start of the year on the back of inflation fears, the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates, and worsening mortgage affordability, Scholar says. Shares are down 8.8% at 19.49 pounds. (anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 24, 2026 06:00 ET (10:00 GMT)
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