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PZ Cussons PLC (GB:PZC)
LSE:PZC
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PZ Cussons (PZC) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:PZC

PZ Cussons

(LSE:PZC)

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Neutral 54 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:54Neutral
Price Target:
78.00p
▲(2.09% Upside)
PZ Cussons' overall stock score reflects a mixed financial performance with challenges in profitability and cash flow. However, positive earnings guidance and strong corporate events suggest potential for improvement. Technical indicators and valuation metrics indicate a cautious market sentiment.
Positive Factors
Strategic Cost Savings
The planned cost savings and strategic portfolio simplification, including asset sales, are expected to strengthen the balance sheet and improve financial health.
Market Growth in Asia Pacific
Consistent revenue growth in Indonesia and market share gains in Australia indicate strong market positioning and potential for sustained growth in the Asia Pacific region.
Brand Building Success
Effective brand-building campaigns enhance consumer loyalty and market penetration, supporting long-term revenue growth and competitive advantage.
Negative Factors
Profitability Challenges
The negative net profit margin indicates ongoing profitability challenges, which could hinder the company's ability to reinvest in growth and maintain financial stability.
Revenue Decline
A decline in group revenue, particularly impacted by currency fluctuations, suggests potential vulnerabilities in international markets and revenue streams.
Cash Flow Management Issues
Negative free cash flow growth indicates challenges in cash generation, which may impact the company's ability to fund operations and strategic initiatives.

PZ Cussons (PZC) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

PZ Cussons Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPZ Cussons Plc manufactures, distributes, markets, and sells baby, beauty, and hygiene products in Europe, the Americas, the Asia Pacific, and Africa. It offers toiletries, pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, fats and spreads, nutritional products, shampoos, body washes, toothpastes, toothbrushes, skin and hair care, food pouches, cereals, snacks, flavors, and fragrances; beauty soaps, lotions, wipes, creams, shower gels, foam-bursts, bar soaps, deodorants, bath infusions, handwashes, and conditioners; dishwashing liquids, dishwasher tablets, dishwasher gels, dishwasher capsules, rinse aids, liquid detergents, laundry soaps, and laundry solutions; and cooking and vegetable oils. The company also provides refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners, washing machines, microwaves, table and standing cookers, generators, stabilizers, TVs, DVDs, and home theatres. It sells its products under the Cussons Kids, Rafferty's Garden, Cussons Baby, St.Tropez, Sanctuary Spa, Fudge Professional, Charles Worthington, Fudge Urban, Venus for You, Carex, Imperial Leather, Original Source, Premier Cool, Joy, Premier Cool, Haier Thermocool, Morning Fresh, Bayley's of Bond Street, Canoe, Zip, Robb, Radiant, Mamador, and Devon King's brand names. The company was formerly known as Paterson Zochonis Plc and changed its name to PZ Cussons Plc in 2002. PZ Cussons Plc was incorporated in 1884 and is headquartered in Manchester, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyPZ Cussons generates revenue primarily through the sale of its consumer products across various retail channels, including supermarkets, drugstores, and online platforms. The company's revenue model is driven by multiple key streams: direct sales of its branded products, private label offerings, and partnerships with retailers for exclusive distributions. The company benefits from economies of scale in manufacturing and distribution, allowing it to maintain competitive pricing. Additionally, PZ Cussons invests in marketing to enhance brand visibility and consumer loyalty, which contributes to steady sales growth. Significant partnerships with large retail chains and e-commerce platforms also play a crucial role in expanding the company's market reach and driving revenue.

PZ Cussons Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Sep 17, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 11, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong performance in priority markets like the UK and Indonesia, strategic cost savings, and brand-building successes. However, these positives were offset by revenue declines, particularly impacted by currency issues and challenges in the St. Tropez brand, leading to balanced highlights and lowlights.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Performance in Priority Markets
The UK delivered a strong improvement in profitability with revenue growth and gross margin expansion. Indonesia ended the year with its fifth consecutive quarter of revenue growth with high single-digit revenue and volume growth. Market share gains were noted in Australia for top 3 brands.
Cost Savings and Strategic Portfolio Simplification
Announced the sale of a 50% stake in PZ Wilmar for $70 million, expected to simplify the portfolio and strengthen the balance sheet. GBP 5-10 million in cost savings expected in FY '26.
Brand Building Success
Successful brand-building activities with campaigns like Nature Hits Different for Original Source, reaching over 15 million people, and Cussons Baby achieving 10% household penetration in urban Indonesia.
Progress in Nigeria
Nigerian business showed resilience in a high inflation environment with strategic improvements and a new campaign for Carex reaching 125 million people.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Group revenue declined by GBP 14 million to GBP 514 million, largely due to a GBP 47 million reduction from the naira, which was nearly 40% weaker on average versus sterling.
Challenges in St. Tropez Brand
St. Tropez experienced a challenging performance with a focus on recovery needed. The decision to retain the brand was made after unsuccessful sale attempts.
Flat Like-for-Like Revenue Growth Excluding Africa
Excluding Africa, like-for-like revenue growth was flat, indicating challenges outside of the African market.
Adjusted Operating Profit Decline
Adjusted operating profit was GBP 55 million, down 6%, with adjusted operating profit margin lower by 30 basis points at 10.7%.
Company Guidance
In the recent call, PZ Cussons provided comprehensive guidance for the fiscal year 2026. The company expects group adjusted operating profit to range between GBP 48 million and GBP 53 million, excluding contributions from the Wilmar joint venture, which is now classified as an asset held for sale. Revenue is anticipated to grow, with group like-for-like revenue projected to increase around 10% by the end of September. Notably, strong performance is expected in Asia Pacific, driven by Indonesia's sixth consecutive quarter of growth, and ANZ also posting positive results. Europe and Americas could see a 2% revenue decline, with St. Tropez excluded, but the region is expected to strengthen in the coming months. Cost savings of GBP 5 million to GBP 10 million are planned, with some reinvestment into the business. Furthermore, net debt is forecasted to decrease significantly to less than 1x EBITDA, aided by proceeds from asset disposals, including the expected GBP 47 million from the Wilmar sale.

PZ Cussons Financial Statement Overview

Summary
PZ Cussons presents a mixed financial picture. While the company has achieved some revenue growth, it struggles with profitability and cash flow management. The balance sheet shows moderate stability with manageable leverage, but the negative return on equity is a concern. To enhance its financial standing, PZ Cussons needs to focus on improving profitability and cash flow generation.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
PZ Cussons shows a mixed performance in its income statement. The company has experienced a slight revenue growth of 2.74% in the most recent year, but it has struggled with profitability, as indicated by a negative net profit margin of -1.13%. The gross profit margin is relatively healthy at 40.25%, but the EBIT and EBITDA margins are modest at 8.54% and 10.10%, respectively. The company needs to address its profitability challenges to improve its financial health.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The balance sheet of PZ Cussons reflects moderate financial stability. The debt-to-equity ratio stands at 0.78, indicating a manageable level of leverage. However, the return on equity is negative at -2.64%, highlighting inefficiencies in generating returns for shareholders. The equity ratio is not explicitly provided, but the company's total assets and equity suggest a reasonable level of equity financing. Overall, the balance sheet shows stability but lacks strong profitability.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
PZ Cussons faces challenges in its cash flow management. The free cash flow growth rate is negative at -5.68%, indicating a decline in cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is low at 0.10, suggesting limited cash flow relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is healthier at 0.71, but overall cash flow performance needs improvement to support long-term financial health.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue513.80M513.80M527.90M656.30M592.80M603.30M
Gross Profit206.80M206.80M131.10M238.20M207.30M216.30M
EBITDA51.90M51.90M-55.30M86.10M81.50M89.80M
Net Income-5.80M-5.80M-57.00M36.40M47.90M36.90M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets615.20M615.20M649.60M988.40M941.90M780.50M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments45.10M45.10M51.30M256.90M164.30M87.30M
Total Debt172.00M172.00M178.70M264.20M191.00M129.80M
Total Liabilities401.70M401.70M414.40M566.30M493.00M409.00M
Stockholders Equity219.70M219.70M242.30M395.60M427.00M352.70M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow16.60M16.60M6.80M51.50M44.90M43.10M
Operating Cash Flow23.50M23.50M12.90M58.20M53.10M52.00M
Investing Cash Flow-1.70M700.00K12.40M19.50M-5.70M2.70M
Financing Cash Flow-28.30M-28.70M-109.70M43.30M26.60M-38.60M

PZ Cussons Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price76.40
Price Trends
50DMA
74.87
Positive
100DMA
71.84
Positive
200DMA
74.40
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.15
Negative
RSI
52.88
Neutral
STOCH
11.11
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:PZC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 76.4 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 74.43, above the 50-day MA of 74.87, and above the 200-day MA of 74.40, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.15 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 52.88 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 11.11 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:PZC.

PZ Cussons Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
£39.62B32.3517.41%3.45%-2.41%-16.41%
74
Outperform
£214.20M6.3142.11%2.44%-0.89%1.30%
74
Outperform
£181.77M11.3525.14%5.56%6.38%-10.55%
72
Outperform
£20.56M8.389.67%3.02%2.83%
72
Outperform
£114.01B24.5728.78%3.34%-2.98%-16.91%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
54
Neutral
£286.09M-49.42-2.51%4.71%-2.67%89.86%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:PZC
PZ Cussons
76.40
-9.02
-10.56%
GB:CRL
Creightons
31.50
-3.02
-8.75%
GB:MCB
McBride
122.80
15.11
14.03%
GB:ULVR
Unilever
4,456.00
4.92
0.11%
GB:W7L
Warpaint London
207.00
-297.53
-58.97%
GB:RKT
Reckitt
5,968.00
1,420.68
31.24%

PZ Cussons Corporate Events

DividendsBusiness Operations and Strategy
PZ Cussons Executives Increase Stake Through Share Purchases
Positive
Dec 2, 2025

PZ Cussons has announced that Sarah Pollard, the Chief Financial Officer, and Steve Noble, the Chief Supply Chain Officer, have both engaged in transactions involving the reinvestment of dividends and the purchase of ordinary shares in the company. These transactions, conducted on November 28, 2025, reflect a strategic move by key executives to increase their stake in the company, potentially signaling confidence in the company’s future performance and stability.

DividendsBusiness Operations and Strategy
PZ Cussons Executives Reinvest Dividends in Share Incentive Plan
Positive
Nov 28, 2025

PZ Cussons announced that several of its key executives, including the CEO, CFO, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and General Counsel, have reinvested dividends to acquire additional shares under the company’s Share Incentive Plan 2020. This move reflects a commitment to the company’s growth and aligns the interests of the management with those of the shareholders, potentially strengthening investor confidence in the company’s future performance.

Shareholder MeetingsDividendsFinancial Disclosures
PZ Cussons PLC Successfully Passes All Resolutions at Annual General Meeting
Positive
Nov 20, 2025

PZ Cussons PLC held its Annual General Meeting on November 20, 2025, at which all proposed resolutions were passed. Key resolutions included the approval of financial statements, director remuneration, and the declaration of a final dividend. The re-election of several directors and the re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the company’s auditor were also confirmed. The successful passing of these resolutions reflects strong shareholder support and positions the company for continued stability and growth.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
PZ Cussons Reports Strong H1 FY26 Growth and Raises Profit Guidance
Positive
Nov 20, 2025

PZ Cussons has reported a strong performance in the first half of FY26, with a like-for-like revenue growth of approximately 9%, driven largely by a 25% increase in Africa. This growth has led the company to raise its adjusted operating profit guidance for the year to between £50 and £55 million. Additionally, the company is on track to complete the sale of its 50% stake in PZ Wilmar by the end of the year and plans to announce the results of a strategic review of its Africa business by February 2026.

Business Operations and Strategy
PZ Cussons Executives Engage in Share Incentive Transactions
Positive
Nov 19, 2025

PZ Cussons has announced transactions involving the purchase and grant of shares under its Share Incentive Plan 2020. Key executives, including the CEO, CFO, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and Company Secretary, participated in these transactions, reflecting the company’s commitment to aligning management interests with shareholder value. This move is likely to strengthen the company’s operational focus and enhance its market positioning.

Business Operations and Strategy
PZ Cussons Executives Participate in Share Incentive Plan
Positive
Oct 21, 2025

PZ Cussons plc announced the purchase of partnership shares and the grant of matching shares under the Share Incentive Plan 2020 by key executives, including the CEO, CFO, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and Company Secretary. This move reflects the company’s commitment to aligning management interests with shareholder value, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder confidence positively.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
PZ Cussons Announces LTIP Awards to Key Executives
Neutral
Oct 1, 2025

PZ Cussons has announced the grant of awards over ordinary shares under its Long Term Incentive Plan to key managerial personnel, including the CEO, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and Company Secretary. The decision not to grant an award to Sarah Pollard following her resignation notice highlights a strategic move in managing leadership transitions. This announcement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to incentivizing its leadership team, which could impact its operational strategies and stakeholder relations.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
PZ Cussons Announces Deferred Share Awards for CEO and CFO
Neutral
Oct 1, 2025

PZ Cussons has announced the grant of deferred share awards to its CEO, Jonathan Myers, and CFO, Sarah Pollard, as part of the PZ Cussons Deferred Bonus Plan. This move reflects the company’s commitment to aligning management incentives with shareholder interests, potentially impacting its operational focus and stakeholder confidence.

Executive/Board Changes
PZ Cussons CFO Sarah Pollard to Depart for New Role
Neutral
Sep 29, 2025

PZ Cussons announced that Sarah Pollard, the Chief Financial Officer, will be leaving the company to pursue a new role. CEO Jonathan Myers expressed gratitude for her contributions over nearly five years, noting her role in navigating a crucial development phase for the company. The company will announce her replacement and departure date soon.

Shareholder MeetingsFinancial DisclosuresRegulatory Filings and Compliance
PZ Cussons Releases 2025 Annual Report and Announces AGM
Neutral
Sep 25, 2025

PZ Cussons has announced the publication of its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 May 2025, along with the Notice of its Annual General Meeting (AGM). These documents are available on the company’s website and have been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism for public inspection. The AGM is scheduled to take place on 20 November 2025 in Manchester, and stakeholders can submit questions in advance via email. This announcement highlights the company’s commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance, providing stakeholders with essential information about its financial performance and strategic direction.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
PZ Cussons Executives Engage in Share Transactions Under Incentive Plans
Neutral
Sep 24, 2025

PZ Cussons has announced the acquisition and sale of ordinary shares by key executives, including the CEO, CFO, and other senior officers, as part of their long-term incentive and deferred bonus plans. These transactions, conducted on September 23, 2025, involve acquiring shares at no cost and selling some to cover tax and national insurance obligations, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to aligning executive interests with shareholder value.

Business Operations and Strategy
PZ Cussons Executives Engage in Share Transactions Under Incentive Plan
Neutral
Sep 19, 2025

PZ Cussons has announced transactions involving the purchase and grant of shares under its Share Incentive Plan 2020 by key executives, including the CEO, CFO, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and Company Secretary. These transactions, conducted on 17 September 2025, reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to aligning management interests with shareholder value, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder confidence.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
PZ Cussons Reports Strategic Progress and Financial Strengthening
Positive
Sep 17, 2025

PZ Cussons reported continued progress against its strategic goals for the fiscal year ending May 2025, with a focus on operational performance and business transformation. The company saw strong brand activity in the UK and Indonesia, and revenue growth in ANZ, despite a 2.7% decline in reported revenue due to foreign exchange impacts. The sale of its 50% stake in PZ Wilmar for $70 million is expected to strengthen its financial position, and the decision to retain the St.Tropez brand aims to create more value. The company is also reviewing its African business and has implemented cost-saving measures to enhance brand-building capabilities. Looking ahead, PZ Cussons anticipates a 10% LFL revenue growth in FY26, driven by significant growth in Africa and APAC.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 07, 2025