Taylor Woodrow PLC
26 April 2005
AGM TRADING STATEMENT
Iain Napier, Chief Executive of Taylor Woodrow, will make the following
comments at today's AGM.
'Turning to the outlook for 2005, overall, Taylor Woodrow is performing in line
with our expectations.
In the UK, the housing market has improved from the end of last year, but
remains more difficult than the buoyant conditions in early 2004. In this more
competitive environment we are seeing increased use of incentives, but prices
have remained broadly stable. Total net reservations in the year to date are
only slightly lower than in the strong comparative period last year. As we
indicated in March, having started the year with a smaller order book than 2004,
we are likely to report lower year on year completions in the first half.
With the present uncertainty over interest rates, the distraction of the general
election and a more cautious approach from buyers, it remains too early to
predict the UK market for the full year. However, over the medium term, the
market remains attractive, underpinned by low interest rates, the strongest
economy in Western Europe and a chronic shortage of new housing.
In North America, which now generates around 30% of our operating profit, all
our markets remain very strong. Having entered the year with a record order
book, we have a high level of confidence that we will deliver significant profit
growth from a combination of higher volumes, selling prices and margins.
The outlook for the Group remains good. Our balance of profit generation between
the UK, North America and Spain provides us with alternative growth channels and
the ability to mitigate exposure to any one market. '
Notes to editors:
Taylor Woodrow plc is a housing development company. Its primary business is the
development of sustainable communities of high quality homes in the UK and in
selected markets in North America and Spain. The company is listed on the London
Stock Exchange and in the year ending 31 December 2004 turnover increased to
£3.3 billion.
For further information please visit the company's website -
www.taylorwoodrow.com
For further information please contact:
Taylor Woodrow Media Enquiries:
Ian Morris - Tel: 0121 600 8520 / 07816 518 767
Taylor Woodrow Investor Relations:
John Holland-Kaye - Tel: 07816 517 200
Maitland Consultancy:
William Clutterbuck - Tel: 0207 379 5151/ 07785 292 617
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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