Kitchens specialist Howdens should report a reassuring trading update (2 November) for the period from July to end-October) according to Citi, which expects market share gains to offset subdued market trends.
The US bank expects same-store sales growth to be down 2% in the UK and up by around 3% in Europe.
“Although the group faces strong comparatives in the UK, the roll-out of new ranges at the entry and mid-price points, focus on solid surface kitchens and the use of designers to facilitate customer conversions should support share gains delivering more resilient performance versus the market.”
Consensus profits forecasts for the year are £347 million with Citi’s estimate at £340m.