Travis Perkins (LSE:TPK) reported a return to growth in the third quarter, supported by a return to growth in its merchanting division as efforts to "sharpen the competitive position" have begun to yield results.
Group like-for-like revenue growth came to 1.8% for the third quarter of 2025 or 0.3% on a total basis that includes a shrinking of the outlet network. This compares to a 2.1% revenue decline in the first half of the year.
Merchanting LFL sales were up 1.7%, compared to declines of 1.0% in Q2 and 3.2% in Q1.
Toolstation delivered solid trading, with a 2.3% rise in LFL revenue, which was slower than the 2.9% in the first half.
Year-to-date, group revenue was down 1.3%, with Toolstation showing growth of 2.8% and Merchanting flat on volumes.
Chair Geoff Drabble said the business had focused on "building top-line momentum and regaining market share” in Merchanting, and was pleased with the progress.
"In what remains a highly competitive market, we have invested in pricing and targeted promotions and will continue to do so in the near-term," he said.
He hailed ongoing improvements in cash generation, with capital discipline and cost control seen as allowing for further reinvestment, ahead of incoming CEO Gavin Slark’s arrival in January.