James Halstead (AIM:JHD) – the usual positive update from one of AIM’s blue chips
The AIM quoted commercial flooring company and maker of Polyflor issued its usual pre Christmas trading update.
Commercial flooring hasn’t been the easiest sector of the past few years and although the last trading statement wasn’t as positive as usual ‘Jimmy’ rarely disappoints!
The Chairman reported growth in turnover (FY 2013: £217m) both in the UK and overseas markets, albeit modest. Overseas markets represent approximately 67% of overall Group turnover with Europe and Scandinavia the largest segment. Central Europe and in particular France are continuing to grow with Australia and New Zealand on a par with last year.
This cash rich business with a history of issuing special dividends has been a core component of many an IHT planning portfolio!