Eurocell delivered modestly improved first-half results, with revenue up 6% to £205m and adjusted operating profit up 10% to £11.1m, but performance remained mixed amid weak housing and discretionary repair markets, pricing pressure, and cost inflation. The stock rose 0.8% after earnings, indicating a broadly neutral market reception rather than a clear upside surprise.
- Organic volumes increased 1%, with Q2 organic sales up 4% after a weak first quarter; management said the momentum continued into the second half.
- Profiles sales fell 5%, reflecting cost-of-living pressures, high interest rates, falling house prices, and a more challenging new-build housing market.
- Branch sales rose 5% and volumes 6%; general RMI volumes declined 2%, partly offset by strategic initiatives, including windows and doors up 29% and e-commerce up 49%.
- Alunet performed strongly, with calendar-year first-half sales growth of 13% and a £2.4m operating profit contribution over the four months post-acquisition.
- Adjusted EPS increased 2% to 6.1p despite higher finance costs, while net leverage remained low at 0.8x; the interim dividend rose 9% to 2.5p. Margin performance was constrained by competitive pricing, labour inflation, and higher raw-material and electricity costs.
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