Carlisle-based agriculture and engineering firm Carr’s Group on Monday published a trading update for the 20-week period ended July 17 saying its performance for the full financial year is anticipated to be “moderately ahead” of the board’s expectations.
“Speciality agriculture continues to perform strongly across the UK, USA, and Europe,” said Carr’s.
“Livestock prices remain buoyant which, together with a continued recovery in our animal health business, has led to a significant improvement in performance compared with the prior year.
“Our agricultural supplies division is slightly ahead of expectations, with strong machinery revenues and an improved retail performance more than offsetting the negative impact of raw material price increases seen earlier in the year.
“Resilient farmgate prices continue to drive farmer confidence in the UK.
“Engineering performance significantly improved over the 20-week period, driven by contract wins, reduced overhead costs and a recovery in oil & gas prices.
“Order books, particularly across the nuclear and defence sectors, are encouraging, having grown significantly during the financial year.
“Cash flow remains strong, with net cash from operating activities materially higher compared with the equivalent period in the prior year owing to robust working capital management.
“A second interim dividend of 1.175 pence per share will be paid on 1 October 2021 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 27 August 2021.
“The ex-dividend date will be 26 August 2021.
“The group’s performance remains encouraging owing to the strength of its businesses, range of products and services, and market positions globally.
“Activity levels across the group remain high and ongoing standardisation programmes are expected to enhance future performance.
“The company expects to announce its results for the year ending 28 August 2021 on 22 November 2021.”
Carr’s Group CEO Hugh Pelham said: “Trading conditions have remained positive in agriculture and have improved in engineering.
“Our business improvement initiatives remain on track.
“Carr’s is well positioned to continue driving further growth.“