PZ Cussons PLC (LON:PZC) has repeated its view that its overall full-year performance has been “in line with expectations”, echoing the consumer products group’s update issued in April
In a trading statement for the year ended May 31, the Imperial Leather soap firm added that its “balance sheet remains strong with cash generation for the period also in line with expectations.”
READ: PZ Cussons says full-year outlook remains in line with expectations
The FTSE 250-listed group said its UK performance in the washing and bathing division has been “robust with renovation and innovation continuing to drive good performance across Imperial Leather, Carex and Original Source despite competitive market conditions.”
It added: “In the beauty division, Sanctuary, St Tropez, Charles Worthington and Fudge have all performed well.”
Elsewhere in Europe, performance in the smaller markets of Poland and Greece has been in line with expectations, the group said.
Further abroad, trading conditions challenging
In Australia, PZ Cussons added, new product launches, range extensions and margin improvement initiatives have “continued to improve the profitability of the business despite ongoing challenging trading conditions and all brands are performing well.”
Meanwhile, in Nigeria – one of its biggest markets but beset by economic troubles - the firm said all business units across Personal Care, Home Care, Electricals and Food & Nutrition “continued to trade relatively well in an environment where the consumer is under significant inflationary pressure.”
Performance in the smaller African markets of Ghana and Kenya has been in line with expectations, the group added.
PZ Cussons said it will release its final results for the year ended 31 May 2017 on 25 July.