Essentra Regulatory News (ESNT)

Essentra PLC

("Essentra", the "Group" or the "Company")

AGM Trading Update

Trading in line, FY26 expectations unchanged

Essentra plc, a leading global provider and manufacturer of essential components and solutions, provides a trading update for the four months ended 2 May 2026 (the "period"), ahead of its Annual General Meeting, to be held at 13:00 BST today.

Trading update

Despite the volatile macroeconomic backdrop, the Group traded in line with the Board's expectations during the first four months of 2026. Order intake momentum was maintained and is ahead of sales, supported by a disciplined approach to pricing and a continued focus on faster-growth end-markets.

Group revenue increased by 7.2%, on a constant currency, trading day adjusted basis compared to the same period in 2025. Like-for-like1 sales increased by 5.2%, reflecting a combination of pricing and volume, alongside 2.0% inorganic growth from the acquisition of Device Technologies which completed in December 2025.

Regional performance in the period was mixed. On a like-for-like, day adjusted basis, EMEA delivered high-single digit growth driven by both volume and pricing, including some early, albeit modest, indications of recovery across West Europe and continued strength in Turkey. The Americas delivered low single-digit growth in the period primarily reflecting ongoing pricing actions. APAC trading was broadly flat compared to the prior year.

Across all three regions, faster‑growth end‑markets, including digital infrastructure and energy transformation continue to offset modest softness in traditional core markets such as automotive.

The business remains focused on operating efficiency initiatives, including automation investments and rigorous cost control, supporting Group margin.

The Group's direct exposure to the Middle East is limited and there was no material direct impact on trading in the period. Essentra remains well-positioned with a diversified customer base, in‑region manufacturing and localised supply chains. The Group also retains pricing agility with management implementing a further round of pricing actions across all regions in Q2 to help mitigate inflationary pressures.

The balance sheet remains robust. Net debt leverage at the half year is expected to be c1.6x following the agreement to acquire Boteco, an expert designer and manufacturer of mechanical components, for an initial cash consideration of €7.4m, announced separately today. Boteco is expected to be accretive to Group margins and adjusted EPS in the first full year post-completion.

Outlook

The Board's FY26 expectations remain unchanged. While mindful of ongoing geopolitical events the Group remains well-positioned, benefitting from agile supply chains and operational capacity. Essentra will continue to focus on enhancing its customer proposition in faster‑growing end‑markets whilst also remaining focused on margin-enhancing activities and shareholder value creation through business simplification and a segmented customer approach. This will position the Group well to deliver further growth and strategic progress towards its medium-term targets during 2026.

Enquiries

Notes:

1. Like-for-like ("LFL") excludes the impact of Device Technologies acquisition and foreign exchange

Notes to Editors

About Essentra plc

Essentra plc is a leading global provider of essential components and solutions, focusing on the manufacture and distribution of plastic injection moulded, vinyl dip moulded and metal items. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Essentra's global network extends to 28 countries worldwide and includes c.3,000 employees, 14 manufacturing facilities, 25 distribution centres and 35 sales & service centres serving c.76,000 customers with a rapid supply of low cost but essential products for a variety of applications in industries such as equipment manufacturing, automotive, fabrication, electronics, medical and renewable energy. For further information, please visit www.essentraplc.com

LEI: 5493007MOZNA03BVNE96

Cautionary forward-looking statement

These results contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results to differ from future results or developments expressed or implied from the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company accepts no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements publicly or adjust them to future events or developments, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.