Shares of Manchester consumer products company PZ Cussons plc rose about 13% on Wednesday after it published a trading update for the year ended May 31, 2026.

“The Group expects to report like for like revenue growth of c.6% for FY26, with reported revenue of c.£540 million,” said Cussons.

“Performance continues to be broad-based, with growth across each of our four lead markets.

“Reflecting continued strong trading and ongoing stability in the Nigerian Naira, the Group now expects to report FY26 adjusted Operating Profit at, or slightly above, the upper end of the previously guided range of £53-57 million.

“This compares to an initial guidance range of £48-53 million provided at the start of the financial year.

“Net debt is expected to be less than £30 million. This represents a reduction of over £80 million compared to FY25, driven primarily by the sale of the 50% stake in the PZ Wilmar joint venture.

“In addition, the financial guardrails which management are embedding to mitigate volatility in Nigeria have continued to reduce the Group’s sensitivity to future movements in the Naira.

“Looking ahead to FY27, the Group is mindful of the potential impact of the conflict in the Middle East and has already taken actions which are expected to offset a large majority of any cost inflation.”