PZ Cussons (LSE:PZC) shares climbed 7% to 97.81p after the consumer goods group upgraded its profit expectations for the past year after continued strong trading across all four of its lead markets.
The owner of brands including Imperial Leather and Carex said it expects like-for-like revenue growth of about 6% for the year to 31 May, with reported revenue of about £540 million.
Adjusted operating profit is now expected to be at, or slightly above, the upper end of its previous guidance range of £53 million-£57 million.
It previously upgraded guidance in February and said in March that it expected profit towards the top of the range, after a strong first half.
The company said continued trading momentum and ongoing stability in the Nigerian naira had supported performance.
Nigeria remains an important market for PZ Cussons (LSE:PZC). Previous sharp devaluations of the naira had weighed on reported earnings, although the group said management actions had reduced its sensitivity to future currency movements.
Net debt is expected to be less than £30 million at year end. That represents a reduction of more than £80 million from the 2025 financial year, primarily reflecting the sale of the group's 50% stake in the PZ Wilmar joint venture.
Looking ahead, PZ Cussons said it remained mindful of the potential impact of conflict in the Middle East but had already taken actions expected to offset the large majority of any resulting cost inflation.
The group is due to report full-year results in early August 2026.
** UPDATE: Adds share price **
