Watkin Jones expects to see a “small operating profit” when it releases its half-year figures in May.
The Group, which specialises in the delivery of student housing and Build-to-Rent, has released a trading update ahead of the results, saying that it has continued to focus on delivery, cost management and cash generation while facing challenging market conditions over the period.
The update said: “Our strong operational focus is expected to result in a small positive operating profit for the period, with good construction delivery on in-build schemes which have traded in line with our stated margin guidance.”
The trading update said that as a result of the Group’s continued effective cash control, it has remained in a robust cash position through the period, with gross cash standing at around £87million and net cash at around £73million. This compares to £67million and £44million respectively in 2024.
During the six months to 31 March 2025, the Group signed two development partnerships, a new homes scheme in St Helens and an aparthotel development in Southwark, both of which have started on-site.
The update continued: “We continue to actively market and engage with investors on our development opportunities which are attracting good levels of interest. We remain positive on the outlook for our Refresh model and continue to grow this pipeline and that for our development partnerships.”
“We are monitoring market volatility and conditions closely, in particular those relating to residential transactional liquidity, but our current pipeline continues to provide the potential to deliver an expected stronger second half.”
