Travis Perkins first-quarter sales power ahead

24th Apr 2014 07:05

- First-quarter sales surge 15.6 per cent- Strong demand across all divisions- On course to meet trading targetsTravis Perkins said all of its businesses recorded strong sales growth in the first quarter of 2014 and it remains on course to meet targets it set out in February.Britain's biggest supplier of building materials said like-for-like (LFL) sales grew 12.7% while total sales increased 15.6%, as overall trading stayed consistent with expectations at the start of the year.Among its divisions LFL sales at General Merchanting surged 16.6%, Plumbing climbed 13.2%, Consumer advanced 6.9% after strong demand at Toolstation and Wickes while Contracts advanced 12.8%."The strong sales growth helped by weak 2013 comparatives owing to unseasonably cold weather in 2013 across much of the country," the group said.Chief Executive John Carter added: "All of our businesses recorded strong sales growth in the first quarter of 2014 and lead indicators for our different markets are encouraging and performing and we remain on course to meet our targets set out in February. "We are confident that the plans we have in place will support our drive to outperform our markets, improve earnings and ultimately increase return on capital."The group said there has been no significant change in its financial position.CJ