Resilient headline margin and profitability
Headline adjusted operating profit of GBP 99.1m with an adjusted operating margin of 9.6%, showing resilience despite challenging markets; return on invested capital of 14.1% (slightly below through-cycle range).
Positive free cash flow and improved working capital
Headline free cash flow inflow of GBP 45.4m and a working capital improvement/inflow of GBP 50.4m (underlying improvement ~GBP 13m plus GBP 38m of non‑recourse arrangements), reflecting stronger inventory and receivables management.
Selective end-market outperformance
Technical Ceramics revenue growth driven by Aerospace & Defense up 22%; Fire Protection (Thermal strategic growth area) delivered double-digit growth and Middle East revenues increased by 60% in 2025.
Pricing and simplification helped offset inflation
Pricing increases of around 3.5% partly offset ~5% inflation on cost of goods sold; simplification and continuous improvement delivered c.1.7 percentage points of margin benefit and GBP 16m of in‑year benefits in 2025.
Clear strategic actions and targets
Announced three strategic levers (transform operational effectiveness, drive stronger growth, maximize portfolio value) with a roadmap to reach c.12% EBITDA margin by 2028 and procurement/site initiatives expected to deliver at least GBP 20m of margin improvement by 2028.
Portfolio optimization underway
Sale of Molten Metal Systems completed with net GBP 10m after tax and fees received in 2025 (balance due in 2026); initiated strategic review of Thermal Products to maximize portfolio value and consider disposal or other options.
Prudent capital allocation and guidance
Net debt at GBP 232m (excluding leases) at c.1.8x EBITDA with management targeting to return leverage to ~1.5x over next two years; 2026 guidance: organic constant currency revenue growth 1%–2% and adjusted operating margin returning to around 10%.