The chain has decided to restore shareholder dividends as confidence grows about the outlook.
During the last two months sales at the building materials division were 10% ahead of the same period last year. Margins though were slightly down.
The Wickes-led retail division also faired better in the last 9 weeks, with sales up by 1.6%.
Geoff Cooper, chief executive, said: “We are pleased with the overall progress the Group has made in the first six months of the year.
“Current trading continues to be ahead of management expectations and we now have the confidence to contemplate recommencing paying dividends.”