Johnson Matthey PLC (LSE:JMAT) shares surged 29% as the chemicals group announced the disposal of its Catalyst Technologies division for £1.8 billion on cash and debt-free basis to Honeywell International.
The disposal of the business, which makes catalysts for the automotive, energy, and chemicals industries, is expected to deliver net sale proceeds of circa £1.6 billion to the group, of which it says it will return £1.4 billion to shareholders when the deal completes, expected in the first half of 2026.
The FTSE 250-listed group said the sale would create "a highly focused, lean and agile group".
Final results were also released, showing revenues down 11% to £3.5 billion, but only 2% lower if currency swings are excluded and slightly higher than the analyst consensus of £3.45 billion. The decline was driven by a 10% fall in Clean Air sales.
Underlying operating profits of £389 million were down 5% but up 5% on an organic basis, beating consensus forecasts of £387.6 million.
This was helped by £80 million of cost savings, in line with management's target.
Adjusted earnings per share rose 6% to 149.2p, beating the consensus of 139.8p.
CEO Liam Condon said the sale of its Catalyst Technologies, which follows the divestment of its Medical Devices last year, "represents a significant milestone in the over 200-year history of Johnson Matthey".
"We will now fundamentally re-shape Johnson Matthey into a more highly focused and leaner business. This will better position us to leverage our strong capabilities and leading market positions in Clean Air and PGM Services as we drive a step change in sustainable cash generation with higher returns to shareholders."