Wickes shares have reacted well to a very positive third-quarter report of accelerating sales growth, driven by rising volumes in its core retail business.
Investors would have also been encouraged to hear the company say it remains on track to meet full-year forecasts despite the general gloom around the UK currently.
Wickes shares were 3% higher at the time of writing.
The home improvement retailer said group revenue rose 4.5% in the quarter, up from 2.3% in the previous one, with like-for-like sales up 4%.
Its retail arm, which serves DIY customers and local trade, led the way, rising 6% as growing customer numbers drove volumes and the company gained market share in categories such as timber, flooring and garden. Its TradePro trade business grew sales 8%.
The weaker spot was its design and installation business, where sales were broadly flat. While its mid-range kitchens and bespoke bathroom ranges grew, customers were more cautious over larger purchases such as bespoke kitchens.
Wickes said it continued to open and refit stores and had bought the freehold of one site to secure its future. It said its value-led model left it well placed to keep outperforming the market, and that it was on track to meet forecasts implying around 10% growth in adjusted pre-tax profit this year.