PZ Cussons has seen its share price jump by over 12% after it upgraded its operating profit guidance for the 2026 financial year.

The personal healthcare products and consumer goods firm said that due to continued strong trading and ongoing stability in the Nigerian Naira, it now expects its adjusted operating profit to be at, or slightly above, the upper end of its £53m to £57m previous guidance range in the year to 31 May.

This compares to its initial guidance range of £48m to £53m provided at the start of its financial year.

PZ Cussons, which owns brands such as Imperial Leather, Carex and St. Tropez, stated that its net debt is expected to be less than £30m, which represents a year-on-year reduction of over £80m, adding that this has been driven primarily by the sale of its 50% stake in the PZ Wilmar joint venture.

It added that the "financial guardrails" which its management has embedded to mitigate volatility in Nigeria have continued to reduce its sensitivity to future movements in the Naira.

Looking ahead to the 2027 financial year, the personal healthcare products and consumer goods firm stated that it is mindful of the Middle East conflict and its impact, and has already taken actions which are set to offset a "large majority" of any cost inflation.

PZ Cussons will announce its full-year results on 6 August.

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