Sparks commentary

Industrials

Sparks

James Halstead (LON: JHD) – H125 results shows margin improvement
Published by Andy Murphy

Difficult market conditions across many geographies contributed to James Halstead’s c 5% decline in H125 revenue. However, due to management action to reduce costs, operating profit was up by 3%, with an implied increase in the operating margin. At the end of the period, net cash increased modestly to £63.7m (H123: £62.4m) and the interim dividend was lifted 10% to 2.75p per share.

James Halstead’s H225 has started well with revenue growth of 9% in the UK (43% of group sales) in January and management is optimistic that market fundamentals remain in Halstead’s favour.