When the FTSE 100 crashed back in March, few investors would have been able to predict which companies would be able to trade normally.
Kingfisher (LSE:KFG), the owner of B&Q (amongst other retail brands), has benefitted from the lockdown. A nation of budding DIY-ers has unleashed itself on the home improvement stores across the country.
FTSE 100 opportunity
Kingfisher boasts over 1,300 stores across Europe under retail banners such as B&Q, Screwfix, and Tradepoint. This is supported by over 75,000 employees.
Kingfisher was forced to close all its UK stores in March but reopened in April albeit with new ways of working in place. Many people decided to turn to home improvements to occupy themselves and complete tasks that were time consuming.
The FTSE 100 crash had an impact on the Kingfisher share price. Between the beginning of the year and the lowest point of the crash, its share price fell from 219p per share to 124p. This equates to a significant drop of over 40%. Its current price sits at over 250p per share which means it has recovered nicely as sales have rocketed.
I think for an established business that has found a new customer base in the casual home improvement enthusiast, this is a very cheap price.
Sales through the roof
A trading update released by Kingfisher just today showed me impressive sales figures. Like-for-like sales jumped by nearly 22% in the three months to 18 July. While store openings boosted revenue, online sales more than tripled. Kingfisher made click-and-collect and home delivery options available which was a shrewd move in my eyes. This boosted online sales more than 200% in both May and June. Kingfisher also pointed out that the good weather helped demand. I particularly liked its ability to adapt in unprecedented times with the changed services that helped boost its sales.
According to the Office of National Statistics, retail sales recovered in the UK in large part due to a 42% increase in sales at household goods stores such as hardware, furniture, and paint shops.
My verdict
A favourable trading update and a price I consider too good to miss are what draw me towards Kingfisher compared to some of its FTSE 100 counterparts. I would class it is a major player in its industry. Analysts had projected doom and gloom in earnings prior to this update. I would go as far as saying it could well beat these projections.
For more than five years Kingfisher has reported average earnings per share of 24p. If earnings were to reach similar levels the stock would be trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of close to 10. With that in mind I feel there a healthy margin of safety from an investment perspective.
Kingfisher has a new lease of life under a new management team and a refreshed growth strategy. With a healthy balance sheet and diverse operations I feel Kingfisher is a bargain right now. Its share price has been climbing so don’t be surprised if you begin to see higher prices in the coming months along with those of other FTSE 100 companies.
