Shares in protective gloves manufacturer Ansell rose 14% to A$35.51 after unveiling a US$200 million share buyback and measures to counter the impact of United States tariffs.
The company reported a 33% rise in net profit to US$101.6 million for FY25, though it fell short of market expectations of US$136.9 million. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS), excluding significant items, increased 19% to US126.1 cents, the upper half of guidance.
Group sales reached US$2 billion, up 7.7% on an organic constant currency basis and 23.7% on a reported basis. Earnings before interest and taxes were US$282.1 million, representing organic growth of 10.4% and a reported increase of 44.3%. Stronger sales and margin growth across industrial and healthcare divisions underpinned results despite challenging market conditions.
Tariff response
Ansell flagged an annualised US$80 million tariff impact but confirmed it is passing on full cost increases. Initial pricing adjustments were implemented in June, with further increases tied to new tariff rates introduced in July.
Chief executive Neil Salmon said: “We believe we are well positioned to adapt to this new environment due to the essential nature of our products, the significant value they provide to our customers, and our diversified and flexible manufacturing and sourcing network.”
Outlook
The group expects adjusted EPS of US133–145 cents in FY26, ahead of consensus of US135 cents. Healthcare demand is forecast to remain solid, partly offset by weaker demand across some industrial markets.