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Kingfisher PLC (LSE:KGF), B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) and Next PLC (LSE:NXT) were named as RBC Capital Markets' preferred UK retail plays as the broker predicted that the housing market would "hold up rather than surge". RBC said subdued housing activity and fragile consumer confidence would continue to weigh on home-related spending.
B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) continues to split City opinion, with its first-quarter trading update sending Deutsche Bank to upgrade the discount retailer on signs that profit margins are stabilising, while Panmure Liberum abandoned its long-standing bullish stance. The contrasting reactions underline the uncertainty surrounding new chief executive Tjeerd Jegen's efforts to revive growth after several disappointing quarters.
B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) shares fell after the discount retailer reported a decline in underlying UK sales, although analysts said the update was largely in line with expectations and did little to alter the investment case. Shares in the FTSE 250-listed group fell 5.8% to 192.1p by early afternoon on Wednesday.
Discount retailer B&M reported a 2% rise in its first-quarter group revenue on Wednesday, as strong growth in France and a recovery at Heron Foods unit offset a decline in like-for-like sales at its core UK business.
British discount retailer B&M named Asda [RIC:RIC:WMTAS.UL] executive Atheeq Akbar as its next chief financial officer on Wednesday, with the company pushing ahead with efforts to boost its UK business.
B&M European Value Retail plc (BMRRY) Q4 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Deutsche Bank has downgraded B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) and Wickes Group PLC (LSE:WIX) from 'hold' to 'sell', cutting price targets sharply as inflationary headwinds threaten to test consumer spending and retailer margins more severely. B&M's target was cut from 175p to 155p, while Wickes Group saw its target slashed from 235p to 165p, reflecting analyst Adam Cochrane's concern about the timing and intensity of upcoming demand erosion.
B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) is being judged from two angles by the City, with Deutsche Bank turning more cautious on the cost of its turnaround while Shore Capital argues the risks are already priced in. Deutsche has cut its price target to 175p from 180p and reiterated its 'hold' rating, leaving the shares trading close to fair value after their recent recovery.
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