Imperial Leather maker PZ Cussons posts rise in half-year profits

(Sharecast News) - Imperial Leather and St Tropez maker PZ Cussons reported a rise in first-half profit on Thursday as it hailed growth across each of its four lead markets.

In the half year to the end of May, adjusted operating profit rose 8.4% to �59.5m, while revenue ticked up 5.4% to �541.4m, with like-for-like growth of 5.8%. The dividend was lifted 2.8% to 3.70p per share.

In the UK, Cussons highlighted "solid" growth across key washing and bathing brands, led by Sanctuary Spa. In ANZ, meanwhile, it pointed to "innovation-led" growth, with a strong market share performance.

The company's Nigeria business saw double-digit growth, with a balance of price/mix and volume, supported by further distribution gains.

Chief executive Jonathan Myers said: "We delivered a strong trading performance in FY26, with revenue growth across each of our four lead markets and each of our top ten brands. Combined with structural cost savings and more favourable FX movements in Nigeria, this translated into adjusted operating profit growth of nearly 25%, excluding the contribution from the now sold PZ Wilmar joint venture. We also enjoyed good early success with our refreshed strategic approach for St.Tropez which returned to growth in its key market of North America.

"At the same time, we completed our strategic review and established a refreshed strategy with a clearer financial framework and capital allocation policy. We are now a more focused and resilient business, leveraging competitive advantages from our locally-loved brands, go-to-market capabilities and manufacturing scale, with a portfolio balanced across developed and emerging markets."

At 0817 BST, the shares were down 3% at 105.20p.

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