**Summary of Persimmon PLCs 2025 Trading Statement (Released 13 January 2026):**
Persimmon PLC reported strong performance in 2025, despite challenging market conditions. Key highlights include
1. **Completions Growth**New home completions increased by 12% to 11,905 units, surpassing market expectations, driven by expanded outlets and broad geographic coverage.
2. **Profitability**Underlying profit before tax is expected to be at the upper end of market expectations (£428m consensus), though housing operating margins are slightly lower than guided (14.2% to 14.5%).
3. **Sales Performance**Average selling price rose by 4% to £278,000, with private sales rates stable at 0.70 per outlet per week. Forward sales increased by 2% to £1.17bn, supported by private sales growth.
4. **Land Investment**Gross land spend was £560m, with owned and controlled plots rising to 84,750. Planning approvals covered 108% of 2025 completions, supporting future growth.
5. **Balance Sheet**Net cash stood at £116m, in line with guidance, after returning £192m to shareholders. Building safety remediation costs were £60m, with provisions expected to reduce in 2025.
6. **Outlook for 2026**Persimmon anticipates stable trading conditions, with early 2026 indications encouraging. Challenges include slower growth in bulk sales and registered provider markets, but the company remains well-positioned to meet market expectations.
The statement underscores Persimmon’s strategic investments, self-help initiatives, and robust pipeline, positioning it for continued growth despite market headwinds.