Howden Joinery Group Reports Strong First-Half Performance with Profit Growth Outpacing Sales
Howden Joinery Group (LON:HWDN) reported first-half results that met expectations, maintaining its full-year outlook despite a challenging market. The company achieved group sales growth of 3.3% and underlying profit before tax increased by 4.3% to GBP 122 million. Management highlighted improved profitability driven by pricing strategies, productivity gains, and supply-chain efficiencies. The firm ended the period with GBP 333 million in cash and reaffirmed its commitment to returning value to shareholders through a GBP 100 million buyback program. Howdens also completed the acquisition of DIY Kitchens, expanding into online non-trade kitchens while maintaining its core trade-only model. The company continues investing in depot openings, refits, and digital tools as it expects a broadly flat UK kitchen market for 2026.