Shares of Manchester consumer products company PZ Cussons plc rose as much as 15% after it published a trading update for its Annual General Meeting and increased its guidance for full-year adjusted operating profit.

The maker of Carex and Imperial Leather soap said: “Like-for-like (LFL) revenue growth for H1 FY26 is expected to be c.9%.

“This primarily reflects growth of over 25% in Africa, driven by both price and volume with the majority of brands gaining share during the first half of the year. Excluding Africa, LFL revenue growth is expected to be c.2%.

“As a result of this performance to date, the group is today increasing its guidance for FY26 adjusted operating profit to a range of £50 to £55 million, compared to a range of £48 to 53 million previously.

“Adjusted operating profit is expected to be weighted towards the first half of the year, with an increase in marketing spend in the second half.

“The transaction to sell the Group’s 50% stake in PZ Wilmar remains on track to complete by the end of the calendar year.

“The Group expects to announce the outcome of the strategic review of its Africa business by the time it reports FY26 interim results on Wednesday 11 February.”