Resilient headline margin and operating profit
Group headline adjusted operating profit of GBP 99.1m with an adjusted operating margin of 9.6%, described as resilient and in line with expectations despite challenging markets.
Revenue and stabilization outlook for 2026
Headline revenue was GBP 1,030m in 2025 (organic constant currency decline of 3.3%). Management expects organic constant currency end-market revenue growth of 1%–2% in 2026, and adjusted operating margin to return to around 10%.
Strong free cash flow and working capital improvement
Headline free cash flow was an inflow of GBP 45.4m. Working capital showed an inflow of GBP 50.4m, comprised of approximately GBP 13m underlying improvement plus GBP 38m of non‑recourse working capital arrangements.
Durable pricing and efficiency offset inflation
Pricing actions delivered c.3.5% for the year and simplification/efficiency programs contributed c.1.7 percentage points to margin, offsetting a c.5% increase in cost of goods sold.
Technical Ceramics outperformance—Aerospace strength
Technical Ceramics delivered revenue growth in 2025 with Aerospace & Defense up 22%, supporting an operating margin of 11.5% and low single-digit growth in industrial technical ceramics despite an industrial downturn.
Fire protection and targeted growth wins
Fire protection achieved double-digit growth overall and a 60% revenue increase in the Middle East in 2025 through local partnerships and product qualification efforts.
Progress on transformation and cost savings roadmap
Simplification program nearing completion: GBP 16m of in‑year benefits delivered in 2025; implementation to date GBP 35m with GBP 24m benefits realized. Management expects net transform benefits of c. GBP 11m in 2026 and a target of 12% EBITDA margin by 2028.
Portfolio actions and liquidity events
Sale of Molten Metal Systems (MMS) completed with net GBP 10m received after tax and fees (balance due later in 2026). Foseco India holding valued at GBP 47m as of 31 Dec 2025 (would be ~GBP 54m on more recent results) with an intention to sell down post lock‑up.