Grafton Group Plc (LON:GFTU) has highlighted a “strong start to the year”, ahead of the release of interim results due at the end of August.
The building materials firm said that revenue rose by 2.4% to £1.48bn, and at constant currencies grew by 2.6%. Like-for-like group revenue improved by 3.9%, it added.
READ: Grafton gets revenues boost at the start of 2019
The FTSE 250-listed group noted that trading in the months of May and June was measured against very strong prior year comparatives.
In the UK, the company’s markets were softer than anticipated during the same months, reflecting weaker demand in the residential repair, maintenance and improvement and house building markets.
Chief executive Gavin Slark said: "Following a strong start to the year Grafton saw some easing of trends in recent months. We expect a continuation of the positive trading conditions in our markets in Ireland and the Netherlands.
“Activity over the summer in the UK will be an important determinant of momentum entering the significant trading months of September through to November.”
He added: “Our current expectations for full year profitability, including the benefit of the recently completed Polvo acquisition, remain broadly unchanged."