Russian sales boost Kingfisher’s Q3

LONDON — Kingfisher lost some £10 million in profits to volatile foreign exchange rates, but was buoyed by a jump of almost 40% in sales in Russia, where the company says economic uncertainty has encouraged homeowners to renovate before the ruble further weakens. The group’s retail profits increased 1.4% to £150 million, or 0.8% in comparable sales. The Screwfix chain, which caters to contractors in Britain, saw an increase of 15.4% to £244 million in comparable sales.