The group, which owns B&Q and Screwfix in Britain and Castorama and Brico Depot in France and other markets, said on Thursday its total sales rose 1.7% in constant currency to 3.3 billion pounds ($4 billion) in the three months to Oct. 31, with like-for-like sales up 0.2%.

It said it had also got off to a good start in its fourth quarter with like-for-like sales up 2.8% for the three weeks to Nov. 19.

"While the market backdrop remains challenging, DIY sales continue to be supported by new industry trends such as more working from home and a clear step-up in customer investment in energy saving and efficiency," said Chief Executive Thierry Garnier.

The outcome enabled Kingfisher to keep its financial guidance broadly intact, forecasting a year to end-Jan. 2023 adjusted pretax profit in the range of 730 to 760 million pounds ($882-$919 million), down from a pandemic boosted 949 million pounds in 2021-22. It previously forecast 730-770 million pounds.

($1 = 0.8273 pounds)

(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Kate Holton)