PZ CUSSONS

PZ Cussons reported a 5.4% revenue increase to £541 million for fiscal 2026 and an adjusted operating profit of £59.5 million. Adjusted earnings per share fell to £0.0714, while free cash flow rose to £54.7 million and net debt fell to £25 million. The board proposed a 2.8% dividend increase and confirmed 2027 operating guidance in a range of £58.0m to £61.2m. The shares fell about 5.5% as investors raised concerns over earnings quality, the accounting for the joint venture and higher marketing spend. » More on de.investing.com

PZ Cussons reports H1 2026 revenue up 8% to £269.3m and like‑for‑like sales growth of 9.5%. Operating profit rose 32% to £35.6m, operating margin improved to 13.2% and EPS increased 12.3% to 4.37p; the dividend remains at 1.50p. Net debt fell to £84.3m (NetDebt/EBITDA 1.1x) and Africa contributed particularly strongly with like‑for‑like growth of 27.7%. Due to the strong half‑year results, the company lifts its full‑year guidance for adjusted operating profit to £53–57m. » More on de.investing.com

After a strategic review, PZ Cussons decided to retain its Africa business because received offers did not reflect its intrinsic value. The company plans a balanced portfolio focused on the UK, Australia/New Zealand and emerging markets, and will pursue a three‑pillar strategy in Africa: build out the core business in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana; expand into adjacent product categories (notably men’s grooming and cosmetics); and pursue geographic expansion from existing sites. Nearly 80% of sales in Nigeria come from market‑leading brands; in the first half of the financial year the company recorded double‑digit sales growth in Africa. PZ Cussons identified about £7m of non‑core assets for disposal, has previously sold its 50% stake in PZ Wilmar for $70m, and will present further strategy details alongside half‑year results on 11 February 2026. » More on de.investing.com