British personal care manufacturer PZ Cussons has returned to profitability in 2025.
The owner of body care business Sanctuary Spa and tanning brand St. Tropez reported statutory pre-tax profits of £6.5m for the year ended 31 May, up from the £95.9m loss seen in 2024.
However, on an adjusted basis, pre-tax profits sank 8.1% to £41.1m.
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.
“FY25 has been a year of continued progress against our strategy,” said Jonathan Myers, CEO of PZ Cussons.
“We have delivered good momentum across most of our portfolio, driven by our renewed focus on more competitive brand activation, strengthened innovation and successful commercial partnerships.
“At the same time, we have taken action to address our cost base, as we embed our new operating model.
“The UK saw a stronger profit performance, while Indonesia has seen its fifth consecutive quarter of revenue growth.”
In June 2025, the company announced the sale of its 50% stake in PZ Wilmar, a palm oil refinery in Nigeria, Africa, for $70m, which the business claimed materially strengthened its financial position.
It also decided to retain St.Tropez in 2025 rather than selling it, and support the brand by creating “more value through a new strategic direction and operating model”.
Myers added: “We know there is more to do to fully transform PZ Cussons into a business with stronger brands in a more focused portfolio, delivering sustainable, profitable growth.”
With the strategic actions and operational improvements delivered through 2025, we are confident in the long-term potential for PZ Cussons.”
Following the positive trading update, PZ Cussons has adjusted its guidance for the 2026 financial year.
Group like-for-like revenue growth to the end of September is expected to be 10%, driven by growth of 39% in Africa and 7% in APAC.
This growth has been partly offset by Europe and the Americas, which is expected to decline 2% reflecting strong comparatives and challenging trading in St.Tropez.