ANALYST VIEWS:?DO CARPETRIGHT’S FIGURES SPELL A RECOVERY?
KEITH BOWMAN | HARGREAVES LANSDOWN
The results provide few if any surprises. Profits have recovered in line with the economic rebound in the UK, while currency movements have provided the group’s overseas operations with a favourable tailwind. Furthermore, the group’s move to supply the insurance industry has contributed, albeit in a small fashion.
PETER SMEDLEY | CHARLES STANLEY
The results are positive in that Lord Harris is no longer talking about the possibility of a double dip recession. The company seems to be well run and well placed when economic conditions improve. It seems that things have stabilised at least and that must be a good thing for the sector.
FREDDIE GEORGE | SEYMOUR PIERCE
We are concerned that the housing market is beginning to stall as evidenced from the latest data and the fact that mortgage volumes, which are a key driver of carpet sales, are slowing. There will also be a negative impact on revenues from a VAT (sales tax) increase to be introduced on 4 January.