Adjusted Operating Profit Growth and Margin Expansion
Adjusted operating profit increased 4.6% to $126.7M and group adjusted operating margin improved 150 basis points to 21.2%, demonstrating margin resilience despite a softer demand environment.
Earnings Per Share and Shareholder Returns
Adjusted EPS rose 14.2% to $0.137. The Board recommended a final dividend of $0.03, taking full-year dividend to $0.043 (up 7.5%) and a payout ratio of 31%. The company completed a buyback that cancelled ~4% of issued share capital.
Personal Care Outperformance
Personal Care revenue grew 2.4% to $224.5M; adjusted operating profit rose 16.9% to $72.8M and segment margin expanded 410 basis points to 32.4%, driven by improved volumes, pricing and cost savings.
Portfolio Simplification and Strategic Divestments
Continued transformation into a pure-play specialty chemicals business: Talc previously sold, Chromium exited in 2023, and an agreement reached to sell the pharmaceutical manufacturing business (pharma revenue $35M in prior year). These actions reduce capital intensity and improve pro forma margins.
Bolt-On Acquisition — Alchemy
Acquired Alchemy in November for $20.1M — a bolt-on in Personal Care that is fast-growing, high-margin and strategically synergistic with hectorite and rheology capabilities.
Innovation and R&D Momentum
Innovation sales reached a record 16.4% (doubled over five years); launched 19 new products and sent 1,500+ samples. R&D investment planned to increase from 2% to 3% of revenue, with a medium-term innovation sales target of 20%.
Safety and Sustainability Progress
Achieved first 0 lost time accidents since 2019. Carbon footprint reduced by nearly 80% versus 2019 (divestments and operational changes). Hectorite mine moved to almost entirely renewable energy from a 0% base the prior year.
Cost Savings and Operational Improvements
Delivered $18M of self-help/cost savings in the year; completed the balance of a 2-year $30M program and started an additional $10M program (already delivered $6M, remaining $4M planned by end-2026). Debottlenecking at St. Louis delivered a 20% improvement since H1.