Howden Joinery PLC (LON:HWDN) posted much improved revenues in the UK thanks to increases in prices and volume growth.
Revenue climbed 46% on a like-for-like basis in the 16 weeks to 17 April compared to the same period last year, which was impacted by the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Compared to 2019, Howden Joinery UK increased revenue by 9%.
In continental Europe, sales were up 106% compared to last year and by a fifth compared to 2019.
The kitchen designer trades from 751 depots in the UK and 30 depots in continental Europe.
Three new UK depots have been opened so far this year and seven older UK depots have been refurbished.
This year, the group plans to open 35 new depots in the UK and 11 in France, in addition to refurbishing around 40 older UK depots.
“While the group's trading has comfortably outperformed the peer group (which has had its showrooms closed), life is now set to get tougher,” analysts at Peel Hunt noted.
“However, we expect the positive share gains will not all be lost in the balance of the year, given the momentum the group now has.”
The broker increased full-year profit before tax expectations to £270mln from £255mln, compared to consensus of £244mln.
Shares rose 2% to 812p on Thursday morning.