PZ Cussons Shares Surge After Profit Upgrade and Debt Reduction

Shares in consumer goods group PZ Cussons (LON: PZC) surged on Wednesday after the company issued an upbeat trading update, upgrading its full-year profit guidance and reporting a dramatic reduction in net debt.

The stock climbed as much as 9.8% to an intraday high of 100.4p before settling around 97.8p by mid-session — a gain of approximately 7% on the previous close of 91.4p — with volume already exceeding 1.49 million shares.

The London-listed group, which owns brands including Carex and Imperial Leather, said it expects like-for-like revenue growth of around 6% for the financial year ended 31 May 2026, with reported revenues of approximately £540 million. Performance was described as “broad-based,” with growth across each of its four lead markets.

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Most significantly, PZ Cussons upgraded its adjusted operating profit guidance to at or slightly above the upper end of its previously guided £53–57 million range — well ahead of the £48–53 million range set at the start of the year.

Net debt is also expected to come in below £30 million, representing a reduction of over £80 million compared to FY25, driven primarily by the disposal of the Group’s 50% stake in the PZ Wilmar joint venture.

The ongoing stabilisation of the Nigerian Naira was cited as a key tailwind, with management embedding financial guardrails to limit future currency exposure.

Looking to FY27, the company flagged potential cost headwinds from the Middle East conflict, but said actions already taken should offset the large majority of any resulting inflation.

Full-year results are scheduled for 6 August 2026.