PZ Cussons has raised its profit guidance for 2026 on the back of increased growth in Africa.
The British personal care manufacturer’s like-for-like (LFL) revenue growth for H1 FY26 is expected to be 9%, primarily reflecting growth of more than 25% in Africa during the year so far.
The market’s performance has been driven by price and volume increases, and the majority of its brands – including Sanctuary Spa and tanning brand St. Tropez – have gained share during the first half of the year.
Excluding Africa, LFL revenue growth is expected to be 2%.The group has now increased its guidance for FY26 adjusted operating profit to a range of £50m to £55m compared with the range of £48m to £53m previously stated.
“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,” PZ Cussons said in a statement.
“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 increased profit guidance follows PZ Cussons returning to profitability in September 2025.
The brand owner’s statutory pre-tax profits of £6.5m for the year ended 31 May, up from the £95.9m loss seen in 2024.
On an adjusted basis, pre-tax profits sank 8.1% to £41.1m, however.
Despite this, revenues increased 2.7% to US$513.8m during the year, attributed to the company’s pricing strategy in Africa and strong brand activity in the UK and Indonesia.
It comes amid plans to simplify and transform the business by streamlining operations in 2025.