PZ Cussons lifts FY profit guidance after strong first half

(Sharecast News) - Imperial Leather maker PZ Cussons lifted its full-year profit guidance on Wednesday following a strong first-half performance. In results for the six months to 29 November 2025, the company said adjusted operating profit grew 31.9% to £35.6m, while pre-tax profit was 50.5% higher at £29.8m. Revenue rose 8% to £269.3m, with like-for-like revenue growth of 9.5% and growth in each of its four lead markets of UK, ANZ, Nigeria and Indonesia.

Cussons said it was particularly encouraging to see continued strong growth in Nigeria, which delivered a return to volume growth in the first half against a "much more benign" macroeconomic backdrop and a stable currency.

The company - which also owns Carex, Childs Farm and Original Source, among others - said trading to the end of January has been in line with its expectations, with continued strong LFL revenue growth.

"Given the strong financial performance to date", Cussons lifted its guidance for full-year adjusted operating profit to between £53m and £57m, from £50m to £55m.

Chief executive Jonathan Myers said: "We have delivered a strong performance in the first half of the year across our four lead markets. This performance, with a healthy balance of price and volume increases, and growth in each of our largest ten brands, has been driven by targeted investment in innovation, brand-building and continued strong commercial execution. Combined with tight cost control, we delivered double-digit growth in adjusted operating profit and adjusted earnings per share allowing us to increase guidance for the full year.

"We have concluded our strategic review, which has resulted in a significantly strengthened balance sheet and a more focused and more resilient business. Against this backdrop, we are setting out plans in our Capital Markets Event to deliver sustainable shareholder value, building winning portfolios of locally-loved brands in four lead markets. With a balance between developed and emerging markets and building on competitive go-to-market capabilities and manufacturing scale, we are targeting double-digit total shareholder return through the cycle."