Ferguson PLC (LON:FERG) told investors that trading has steadily improved since April.
The plumbing products firm said that revenue trends through May, June and July sequentially improved and the shortfall since the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has narrowed.
Whilst revenue from continuing operations reduced in the month of April by 15.3%, the period from May 1 to July 21, 2020, saw a decline of just 3.6%.
READ: Ferguson says UK revenues plunged 60% in April
Ferguson highlighted ways in which it has adapted its business and customer-facing locations, and noted the re-opening of its counter locations in the US in mid-June and that its customers continue to use the firm’s e-commerce tools.
"Despite the challenges of COVID-19, our trading improved in the fourth quarter driven by the commitment of our associates to serve our customers and as we re-opened our counter and showroom locations,” Kevin Murphy, Ferguson chief executive said in the trading update.
“Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our associates and customers remains critical and we continue to follow appropriate CDC guidelines. Our actions to reduce the cost base will ensure that the business is better positioned for the medium-term economic environment. Ferguson has a strong balance sheet with good liquidity and the Group remains well-positioned to deliver consistent outperformance," he added.