Pz Cussons Regulatory News (PZC)

Correction to the announcement made at 07:00 (RNS No 5993N) on 26 September 2023: The final dividend will be paid to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 3 November 2023, not 2 November 2023 as previously announced. All other details remain unchanged. The corrected announcement is set out below.

26 September 2023

RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023

Third year of like for like revenue growth

Continued strategic progress against a challenging external backdrop

Jonathan Myers, Chief Executive Officer, said: "We have delivered a third consecutive year of like for like revenue growth and increased operating profit by over 10% since launching our strategy nearly three years ago. We have achieved these improvements by investing in our brands and capabilities, serving cost-conscious consumers better with targeted innovation and productivity initiatives helping us to reduce complexity across the Group.

In FY23 sustained momentum in our ANZ business and the return of the UK Personal Care business to growth by the end of the year demonstrated our ability to improve and sustain business unit performance even in a year when we had to absorb further significant cost inflation.

Group performance in the new financial year has been in line with our expectations and, with clear near-term priorities, we expect to deliver another year of LFL revenue and strong constant currency operating profit growth in FY24. There is more to do as we seek to maximise the company's full potential, and there are well-documented challenges to be navigated in Nigeria. However, we continue to believe that we can build a higher growth, higher margin, simpler and more sustainable business."

See page 14 for definitions of key terms and page 15 for the reconciliation of Alternative Performance Measures to Statutory Results

All numbers are shown based upon continuing operations, unless otherwise stated

With the exception of LFL revenue growth, all % changes are shown at actual FX rates

[1] FY22 restated as a result of certain prior year adjustments - see note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for further details

Delivering against the strategy

· Third consecutive year of like-for-like (LFL) revenue growth.

· Majority of Must Win Brands in growth and strong performance in Portfolio Brands.

· A successful first full year of ownership of Childs Farm with 12% revenue growth in FY23.

· Continued expansion from the core, with the launch of Morning Fresh into the auto dishwash market and the geographic expansion of Original Source and Imperial Leather.

· Supply Chain transformation is on track, reducing complexity across the Group and improving innovation, efficiency and capabilities.

· Further strengthening of the leadership team, including the appointment of a new Chief People Officer and Chief Information Officer as well as new local leaders for our Nigerian and Indonesian businesses.

· Intention to buy out the minority shareholding of PZ Cussons Nigeria plc, and de-list, creating value for Group shareholders and significantly simplifying and strengthening our future business in Africa.

[2] Original Source and Imperial Leather launches took place following the end of the FY23 financial year

Financial results

· Reported revenue grew 10.7% as a result of LFL revenue growth, the contribution of Childs Farm, which was acquired in March 2022, and favourable FX movements.

· Adjusted operating profit margin broadly flat as an 80bps improvement in gross profit margin funded increased investment in capabilities and offset cost inflation. Adjusted operating profit margin improved, excluding Childs Farm.

· Continued profitable revenue growth in Nigeria contributed to the Group's 12.6% growth in adjusted profit before tax but the impact of the resulting tax charge and increased non-controlling interest led to an adjusted EPS decline of 10.7%.

· On a statutory basis, the operating margin declined by 200bps and EPS declined by 26.8%, reflecting a £16.5 million impairment of the Sanctuary Spa brand, as well as increased investment related to transformation.

· Improved cash generation with free cash flow of £69.9 million (FY22: £58.0 million) primarily driven by an improvement in working capital, resulting in a net adjusted cash position of £5.7 million.

· Increase in gross borrowings to £251.2 million (FY22: £174.0 million) reflecting the challenges of repatriating cash from Nigeria, where the cash balance was approximately £200 million.

· Proposed final dividend unchanged versus the prior year, reflecting the devaluation of the Naira following the year end, which is expected to have a material adverse impact on the near-term reported financial performance.

[3] See page 15 for definitions of key terms

Current trading and outlook

Current trading

FY24 performance to date has been in line with expectations, with modest year on year growth in LFL revenue and a higher operating profit margin. We have seen continued good revenue growth in Nigeria and ANZ, a stable performance in the UK, offset by a further decline in Indonesia.

FY24 Outlook

The macroeconomic environment in Nigeria, including the foreign exchange market and other fiscal reforms, will be a key determinant of our overall Group FY24 financial results. We have operational and corporate plans in place to mitigate these challenges and are already executing a number of these to improve the performance of the business and to optimise the Group's cash position.

We expect to deliver a fourth consecutive year of Group LFL revenue growth, with strong constant currency operating profit growth, benefiting from the changes already made to strengthen the business as well as a slightly more benign input cost environment. We therefore expect to deliver adjusted operating profit within the range of current market expectations. More details on the translational impact of the recent devaluation are provided on page 13.

[4] Consensus adjusted operating profit range of £61.5 to £68.2 million based on Bloomberg as at 21 September 2023

Announcement regarding Auditor

As previously announced, the Group has been conducting a tender process for the role of external auditor for the financial year ending 31 May 2024. The Group is pleased to confirm that PwC has been selected and their appointment is expected to be proposed to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in November.

For further information please contact:

Investors

Simon Whittington - IR and Corporate Development Director +44 (0) 77 1137 2928

Media

Headland PZCussons@headlandconsultancy.com +44 (0) 20 3805 4822

Susanna Voyle, Stephen Malthouse, Charlie Twigg

Investor and Analyst webcast and conference call

PZ Cussons' management will host a live webcast for analysts and institutional investors at 10.30am UKT to present the results and provide the opportunity for Q&A. The webcast is available via the PZ Cussons corporate website (www.pzcussons.com) and directly at www.investis-live.com/pzcussons/65096621673c270c0094bd37/olkkq

For those wishing to ask a question, the dial-in details are as follows:

Dial in: +44 20 4587 0498

Access code: 256066

Notes to Editors

About PZ Cussons

PZ Cussons is a FTSE250 listed consumer goods business headquartered in Manchester, UK. We employ nearly 3,000 people across our operations in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and Africa. Since our founding in 1884, we have been creating products to delight, care for and nourish consumers. Across our core categories of Hygiene, Baby and Beauty, our trusted and well-loved brands include Carex, Childs Farm, Cussons Baby, Imperial Leather, Morning Fresh, Original Source, Premier, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez. Sustainability and the wellbeing of our employees and communities everywhere are at the heart of our business model and strategy and captured by our purpose: For everyone, for life, for good.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated results, performance or events. Such statements are subject to normal risks associated with the uncertainties in our business, supply chain and consumer demand, along with risks associated with macro-economic, political and social factors in the markets in which we operate. Whilst we believe that the expectations reflected herein are reasonable based on the information we have as of the date of this announcement, actual outcomes may vary significantly owing to factors outside the control of the PZ Cussons Group, such as cost of materials or demand for our products, or within our control such as our investment decisions, allocation of resources or changes to our plans or strategy. The PZ Cussons Group expressly disclaims any obligation to revise forward-looking statements made in this or other announcements to reflect changes in our expectations or circumstances. No reliance may be placed on the forward-looking statements contained within this announcement.

This announcement contains inside information for immediate release. 

GROUP REVIEW

Introduction from our Chief Executive Officer  

We are now approaching three years into our strategy and we have continued to make good progress. We have sought to regain our focus on the consumer while re-investing in our brands and building capabilities. We are also being selective about where we should play and how we can win. In doing so, we have sought to build a higher growth, higher margin, simpler and more sustainable business.

It is therefore encouraging that we have delivered a third consecutive year of LFL revenue growth. Our improved gross profit margin compared to FY22 has also allowed us to invest in marketing and capabilities while broadly maintaining the Group's adjusted operating profit margin. This progress has been achieved whilst responding to the well-documented macroeconomic challenges - absorbing for example approximately £80 million of inflationary costs over the last three years whilst continuing to meet the needs of the cost-conscious consumer. While much remains to be done, we have made good progress to date.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the PZ Cussons teams worldwide for their continued energy and tenacity in these challenging conditions and our suppliers and customers for their valued partnership. 

Our strategic progress: Building brands for life. Today and for future generations.

In March 2021, we set out our new strategy: 'Building brands for life. Today and for future generations.' We defined where we will play, focusing on the core categories of Hygiene, Baby and Beauty in our four priority markets of the UK, ANZ, Indonesia and Nigeria, with a particular focus on our Must Win Brands, using the 'PZ Cussons Growth Wheel' as our repeatable model for successful execution. Underpinning this strategy, our growth will be enabled by strengthening our approach to capabilities, talent and leadership, culture and sustainability. Running through everything we do is a drive to dramatically reduce complexity across our business.

Our strategy is built upon attractive market and category fundamentals. Our revenue is split approximately evenly by developing and developed markets, allowing us to balance the revenue growth typically seen in faster-growing markets with the more attractive margin profiles in more established markets. Our brands are 'locally-loved' in their respective categories - benefitting from local consumer insight and proximity to customers but supported by our global capabilities and efficiencies. We see significant potential for long-term market growth with, for example, a £3.5bn market opportunity in Baby personal care across our largest markets with Nigeria and Indonesia amongst the largest five markets globally for birth rates. Across our businesses, we are increasingly adopting a position and mindset of a 'challenger' - bringing scale to compete against smaller, local players and bringing agility and strong consumer and customer understanding to compete against larger players.

[5]Estimates based upon Euromonitor data

Our strategic progress in FY23

Throughout the year, we made good progress across the key areas of our strategy:

#1 Build Brands: investing in our brands to drive awareness and loyalty

Following the acquisition of Childs Farm in March 2022, we have sought to further strengthen the brand in FY23 and, in March, launched 'SlumberTime' - an innovative three-part range which has been created using sleep-enhancing technology to aid the sleep of babies as well as their parents. We have also started to accelerate international expansion, with a launch in the US on Amazon, whilst strengthening our existing footprint in markets such as the Middle East. Childs Farm revenue grew 12% in FY23 and we believe we can triple the brand's revenue over the next five years.

In February, we launched Morning Fresh, our market-leading hand dishwash brand in Australia, into the auto dishwash category as we seek to take our existing brands into new category adjacencies. The auto dishwash segment is around twice the size of the hand-dishwash segment and is growing significantly faster. Early signs are promising, with strong feedback from key customers in Australia.

Original Source was launched into the Spanish market for the first time in July 2023 with a launch campaign focused on Out of Home and social media activations. The sector in Spain is worth around £300m and is Europe's third largest bath and shower gel market, signalling the strength and ambition of the brand to continue to grow.

In Nigeria, we launched 'Joy Black', a consumer-insight-led innovation for the Beauty soap. Establishing a differentiated position in the soap segment and with a campaign which speaks to local cultural themes, results have been strong, with revenue growth in the year of over 20%, a doubling of gross margin and an 11 percentage point increase in consumer awareness.

There remains more to be done to fully maximise the opportunity for a number of brands however and to understand the brands' responsiveness to promotional and marketing activity. We continue, for example, to seek to strengthen St.Tropez's presence in the UK, where it has underperformed compared to the US, reflecting the brand's positioning and relative historic levels of investment. Similarly, we have seen more challenging trading in Sanctuary Spa where, against a difficult category backdrop, the brand's re-staging, whilst allowing for improvements in price/mix, has fallen short of our first-year expectations.

More broadly, we continue to strengthen brand-building capabilities across the organisation, rolling out 3-year brand plans for each of our markets with a focus on our Must Win Brands and assessing opportunities for geographic and category expansion. A number of these, such as the Morning Fresh auto dishwash launch, have already been enacted. Brand Investment increased in FY23 and we continue to prioritise spending on the highest-returning brands.

[6] Euromonitor

#2 Serve consumers: winning where the consumer shops

In Nigeria, we sought to improve overall distribution and customer service levels, in turn growing consumer penetration by transforming our route-to-market capabilities, differentiating by region and channel. We have increased the number of stores we serve directly by nearly 50% compared to FY22, with priority stores, benefiting from greater focus and a wider range of products, increasing from 500 to 3,000.

Elsewhere, given Amazon's increasing importance and previously unexploited opportunity, we have established a cross-category, multi-functional, dedicated Amazon 'centre of excellence'. The team is focused on driving optimal online performance, returns on marketing investment and the longer-term strategy across commercial, supply chain and marketing. We are using Amazon's vast amount of data to glean consumer insights to better understand our consumers and how they engage with our brands online. Online represents 9% of revenue across the Group and we see an opportunity for this to increase over time. 

#3 Reduce complexity: simplifying our operations and portfolio to improve returns and reduce risk

As part of our initiatives to simplify our operations, we have been executing a number of transformational supply chain projects. During FY23, these included outsourcing fragrance supply to third parties, the near-shoring of our procurement function from Singapore to Manchester, and the closure of our Thai soap factory with corresponding outsourcing. These projects are now well-progressed and are anticipated to achieve annualised cost savings in the region of £2-3 million. Moreover, it is anticipated that overall efficiency and capability within the supply chain will be improved due to these initiatives.

In September 2023, we announced our intention to buy out and de-list the minority shareholding of PZ Cussons Nigeria plc. Should the transaction gain the necessary approvals, we anticipate that it will significantly simplify and strengthen our business in Africa.

#4 Develop people: investing in our teams to strengthen capabilities

During the year, we made a number of new appointments to strengthen organisational capabilities. As with earlier investments, we are focused on bringing together the best external and internal talent. In keeping with this, we hired a new Chief People Officer and Chief Information Officer - both with strong experience from senior positions at consumer goods companies - and were delighted to promote internal talent to the roles of Managing Director in Indonesia and Nigeria. For the first time in recent history, Indonesian and Nigerian nationals are leading their respective businesses. 

Our annual engagement survey, in which 96% of employees participated, shows evidence of the progress we are making to strengthen our organisation and culture due to the changes and investment in recent years. Overall engagement is at 73% - slightly ahead of the previous year and benchmark. Particularly pleasing was the 'motivation to go above and beyond' at 76% - an improvement on last year's survey and six percentage points above benchmark. Nevertheless, improvements are still being made in providing clarity and transparency on reward and benefits and clearer career pathways and opportunities. 

#5 Grow sustainably: acting in the right way for long term growth

We are making good progress towards becoming a more sustainable business and environmental considerations are increasingly considered hand-in-hand with commercial considerations, evidenced by our continued strength in refills and the recent launch of bio-degradable wipes in Indonesia.

Specifically, highlights of progress against the sustainability goals which were established last year include:

- A reduction in virgin plastics in our packaging by 7.8% (vs. 2021 baseline) - an improvement from 5.1% reduction in FY22.

- A 49% reduction in waste sent to landfill (vs. 2021 baseline) - an improvement from 20% reduction in FY22.

- An increase in certified or recycled paper to 96% (from 49% in FY22).

- Achievement of carbon neutrality in all operations outside of Africa.

However, further work remains to be done in this area, both with respect to achieving the established targets and fully communicating with stakeholders the progress we are making.

 [7] Further detail, including TCFD required disclosures will be provided in the FY23 Annual Report and Accounts

Serving the cost-conscious consumer

With consumer inflation rates increasing in many of our markets throughout FY23, a key focus for our teams has been on better serving the cost-conscious consumer. This has first and foremost been achieved through targeting efficiencies across our supply chain, as detailed later, reducing the need to pass through inflation. We have, however, used innovation and our portfolio to support the consumer at various price points.

In the UK, for example, recognising the growing importance of the discounter channel in recent years, we developed and launched a new Portfolio Brand, Cussons Creations, in June 2022. Set at a value price point, this launch has allowed us to replace a number of the Imperial Leather SKUs, which played at a similar price. The launch has been positive, allowing us to grow the combined revenue of Cussons Creations and Imperial Leather for the first time in recent history, growing combined market share and distribution points whilst positioning Imperial Leather as a more premium brand.

In Kenya, we have taken the opportunity to relaunch Flamingo - a Portfolio brand with a strong heritage targeting the value consumer, which has lacked attention in recent years. As part of the relaunch, like Imperial Leather, we have been successful in growing the brand for the first time in several years, achieving over 50% revenue growth as we have increased both volumes and pricing whilst maintaining competitive pricing relative to peers.

In Indonesia, the launch of a smaller 55ml pack size of Cussons Baby Hair and Body Wash has allowed us to reduce the absolute price point, enabling Indonesian parents to continue to access high-quality bathing products for their babies despite a significant reduction in disposable income.

Near-term priorities

As we look into FY24, we have established four priorities for the business for the next 12 months, seeking to balance addressing immediate challenges whilst setting the business up well for long-term success. The priorities are:

1. Continue to simplify and strengthen our business in Nigeria.

2. Return the UK market to sustainable, profitable growth.

3. Accelerate brand growth in and beyond the core portfolio.

4. Continue to transform organisational capabilities.

In the long term, we are building a higher growth, higher margin, simpler and more sustainable business. We maintain our LFL revenue growth ambition of mid-single-digits and our ambition for adjusted operating profit margins in the mid-teens.

Summary

In summary, we have continued to make good strategic progress, with a third year of consecutive LFL revenue growth, delivering on expectations despite the significant external challenges of cost inflation and pressures on consumer spending. There is more to do as we seek to maximise the company's full potential, and there are well-documented challenges to be navigated in Nigeria. However, we continue to believe that we can build a higher growth, higher margin, simpler and more sustainable business.

Overview of Group financial performance

We have delivered a solid financial performance in the context of ongoing external volatility and uncertainty. Input cost inflation remained high for much of the year, with approximately £80 million of total inflation over the last three years, and consumer spending remained under pressure in most of our markets. Against this backdrop, we have managed to broadly maintain our adjusted operating profit margin in FY23, as higher gross profits were invested behind strategic capabilities and Brand Investment.

Revenue grew 10.7%. This was driven by LFL revenue growth of 6.1% (£36.9 million), which reflected price/mix growth of 12.1% and volume declines of 6.0%. Childs Farm, which was acquired in March 2022, contributed £10.9 million to revenue growth, and translational FX movements, reflecting a weakening of sterling against most reporting currencies, contributed £15.7 million. We saw growth in most of our Must Win Brands, with Carex, Sanctuary Spa and Cussons Baby declining during the year. LFL revenue growth in the fourth quarter of the year was 6.7%, driven by an 11.2% improvement in price/mix and a 4.5% decline in volume.

Adjusted operating profit margin declined by 10bps as a combination of successful innovation, RGM activity and productivity initiatives drove a gross profit margin increase of 80bps, funding investment in capabilities. Adjusted EPS declined by 10.7% as 12.6% growth in adjusted profit before tax was more than offset by an increased tax charge and an increased non-controlling interest, each reflecting the growth in operating profit in our Nigerian business. On a statutory basis, the operating margin declined 200bps due to the increased investment in transformation costs and the impairment of Sanctuary Spa (see note 3), leading to a decline in EPS from continuing operations of 26.8%.

Cash flow remained strong, with free cash flow of £69.9 million (FY22: £58.0 million) primarily driven by improved working capital. Our adjusted net cash was £5.7 million. This includes cash of approximately £200 million within Nigerian entities which has been built up as a result of the challenges in repatriating cash outside of the country. The Board have recommended a final dividend of 3.73p, which is unchanged on the prior year, reflecting the material adverse impact the devaluation of the Naira is expected to have on the near-term reported financial performance.

In preparing the Group financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2023, management identified prior year adjustments relating to accounting for impairment on capitalised software in 2020 and the acquisition of Childs Farm. These adjustments result in a £0.6 million increase in total assets and a £0.6 million reduction in profit for FY22. Further information on the nature of these items is provided in note 1.

[8] Based on the 31 May 2023 balance sheet NGN/GBP rate of NGN577

Performance by geography

Europe and the Americas (31.4% of FY23 Group revenue)

Revenue grew 6.6%, driven by £10.9 million revenue contribution from the acquisition of Childs Farm and favourable foreign exchange movements, more than offsetting a 0.5% LFL decline in revenue, which was driven principally by a decline in Carex. LFL revenue growth improved materially in the second half of the year, reflecting price/mix action taken earlier in the year and improved volume trends in most of the brands.

The UK washing and bathing category - the largest category in Europe and the Americas - declined in value terms by 3% in the year as consumers sought to reduce spending against high inflation and squeezed household budgets. Within the category, the hand hygiene and bath segments were down, while we saw good growth in shower and bar soap.

Reflecting these underlying trends, Sanctuary Spa saw revenue decline as the re-staging of the brand fell below our expectations. Carex hand sanitiser volumes fell significantly, but revenue trends improved in the second half of the year.

We saw very strong, volume-driven revenue growth in Original Source as it took share in the shower category. This performance was driven by its successful '360' marketing throughout the year, incorporating digital and out-of-home activity, building on the success of last year's TV campaign and funded by increased overall Brand Investment. Following the successful re-staging of Imperial Leather, together with the launch of our new value brand Cussons Creations, the two brands combined grew revenue compared to Imperial Leather alone last year and represents the first year of growth for the brand in a number of years, with gains in both market share and distribution points.

Total St.Tropez revenue grew strongly, driven by significant share gains in the US following a launch of the Luxe Serum innovation in February, supported by our brand ambassador Ashley Graham and which created a wider halo effect for the brand in the second half of the year. The US also continued to benefit from the distribution gains made during FY22. Trading in the UK was, however, more challenging.

Childs Farm revenue grew 12% in the first full year of our ownership. This has been driven by a renewed focus on the brand proposition, innovation such as SlumberTime and increased distribution in the UK, which has increased by over 20% since acquisition. 

Following a significant decline in the first half of the year, the adjusted operating profit margin improved in the second half of the year, resulting in a decline of 390bps for the year as a whole. This reflected the full-period effect of price/mix actions taken in the first half of the year, lower levels of cost inflation and more normalised Brand Investment. The margin was also lower as a result of the contribution of Childs Farm which, reflecting its investment phase, was slightly loss-making during the year. On a statutory basis, the operating profit margin declined by 1,170bps primarily as a result of the Sanctuary Spa impairment.

[9] Aggregated IRI and Kantar data for the 52 weeks ended 10 June 2023

Asia Pacific (29.1% of FY23 Group revenue)

Revenue grew 9.7% as a result of LFL growth of 4.4% and favourable movements in foreign exchange. LFL revenue growth was driven by double-digit price/mix improvements.

In Hygiene, Morning Fresh extended its leadership position in hand dishwash in Australia with a value market share remaining around 50% due to continued investment in brand equity and innovation. During the year, we launched Morning Fresh into the auto dishwash category and successfully secured distribution in the two largest grocery retailers which together comprise approximately 80% of the market. Early market share data has been favourable and we are building plans for further marketing activity over the coming months. Radiant, a Portfolio Brand, also increased its market share with very strong growth in both volume and price/mix, with strong growth from innovation with a new capsules product.

Rafferty's Garden revenue grew double-digits with price/mix and volume increases. The brand increased its value market share by nearly two percentage points in the year, remaining the clear market leader in the category.

Cussons Baby Indonesia declined as consumers reduced spending on certain discretionary items, given the squeeze on household budgets resulting from the government's lifting of fuel subsidies in August 2022. Revenue performance became more challenging throughout the year as lower consumer demand resulted in gradual de-stocking. Competition from local players intensified throughout the year, while we elected to continue our focus on growing the higher margin baby toiletry sub-categories such as oils, lotions and creams.

The planned reduction in low-margin, by-product sales to third parties reduced APAC revenue growth by approximately one percentage point.

Adjusted operating margin grew by 240bps, reflecting strong price/mix growth and careful cost containment across the business. On a statutory basis, margins declined by 580bps due to the non-recurrence of profit on disposal of five:am and compensation received from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission relating to a historical legal claim.

[10] Nielsen data 12 months to 15.06.23

[11] Nielsen data 12 months to 15.06.23

Africa (39.1% of FY23 Group revenue)

Revenue grew 15.5%, primarily due to LFL growth of 13.4%. LFL revenue was driven by price/mix improvements of over 20%, with several waves of price increases throughout the year, reflecting the inflationary environment in Nigeria and Ghana. FX movements supported overall revenue growth, reflecting the stronger Naira for most of the year.

Across the Nigerian portfolio, we have continued to benefit from the transformation of our Route to Market approach in recent years. We have sought to optimise the SKUs by region and channel, and over the past year have increased by nearly 50% the number of stores served directly or through our distributors.

Each of our major brands reported double-digit LFL revenue growth. Premier and Joy each saw good growth due to innovation, with their 'Black' variants - with natural, African ingredients and strong links to heritage - performing particularly well. Flamingo, an important Portfolio Brand in Kenya, also grew strongly following a re-launch, with revenue up over 50%.

Cussons Baby grew strongly, as we continue to recruit new parents through our programmes within hospitals, through growth in the rapidly growing baby store channel and due to several innovations in the wipes portfolio.

Our electricals business revenue grew over 10% on an LFL basis, contributing revenue of £105.4 million. Gross margins improved as we continued to prioritise growth in profitability over growth in volumes. As a Portfolio Brand, we reduced our Brand Investment in the electricals business in the year and plan to reduce this further in FY24 to fund higher-priority brands in core categories.

Adjusted operating profit margin grew by 450bps, representing a third consecutive year of continued profit improvement. This was achieved through successful price/mix improvements and a continued focus on optimising product mix despite strong cost inflation. On a statutory basis, the operating profit margin increased by 590bps due to the gains on property disposals.

Other financial items

Adjusted operating profit

Adjusted operating profit for the Group was £73.3 million, which compares to £67.1 million in the prior period (as restated). The adjusted operating profit margin decreased by 10bps to 11.2%. Excluding Childs Farm, the margin would have improved compared to the prior year.

The gross profit margin increased by 80bps to 39.2%. This reflects the benefits of productivity initiatives and price/mix improvements, which more than offset underlying inflation in input costs, as well as an adverse geographic mix effect, which is the result of our lower margin business in Africa growing more strongly than the wider Group. Brand Investment increased in FY23 but decreased as a percentage of revenue by 20bps, reflecting a planned normalisation of the investment in Carex. Overheads increased by 100ps as a percentage of revenue as we continue to invest in capabilities. PZ Wilmar, our joint venture, performed strongly and contributed £7.5 million to operating profit.

Adjusting items

Adjusting items in the year totalled a net expense of £12.3 million before tax. This included a net £2.9 million expense associated with our ongoing transformation programmes and a £16.5 million impairment charge of the Sanctuary Spa brand offset by a £4.2 million reversal of a prior period impairment of the Rafferty's Garden brand. See note 3 for further details on adjusting items.

After accounting for these adjusting items, operating profit decreased 9.3% to £59.7 million.

Net finance costs

Adjusted net finance income was £0.8 million, compared to a cost of £1.3 million in the prior year, as higher interest income on Naira cash deposits more than offset an increase in interest payable on largely-UK borrowings.

Within finance income was £1.3 million for the reduction in the deferred consideration liability for the Childs Farm acquisition, which was classified as an adjusting item.

Taxation

The tax charge on adjusted profit before tax for the year was £20.1 million, representing an effective tax rate of 27.1% (FY22: 19.5%). The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the mix of profits, with Africa and Australia, each with higher tax rates, growing faster than the wider Group. The tax charge on statutory profit before tax was £15.4 million.

Profit after tax

Statutory profit for the year from continuing operations was £46.4 million, compared to £51.4 million in the prior year. Adjusted basic earnings per share were 11.23p compared to 12.57p in the prior year. This represents a decline of 10.7% due primarily to the higher tax charge and the increase in non-controlling interests, each the result of the improved profitability in Nigeria. Basic earnings per share for continuing operations on a statutory basis were 8.70p compared to 11.88p.

Balance sheet and cash flow

Adjusted net cash as of 31 May 2023 was £5.7 million (FY22: adjusted net debt of £9.8 million), including cash and cash equivalents of just over £200 million denominated in Nigerian Naira. The increase was driven principally by cash generated from operations of £76.6 million, £14.4 million proceeds received from the disposal of non-core assets in Nigeria, £11.8 million of interest received on principally Naira-denominated deposits offset by £29.4 million of dividends paid and a £19.3 million adverse foreign exchange movement. Net assets of £422.1 million compared to £448.9 million in the prior period as a result of the increase in currency translation reserve and reduction in retained earnings.

The Group is funded by a £325 million credit facility, which was refinanced during the year with a term of up to 2028. As at 31 May 2023, the Group had drawn £125 million of the term loan under the facility and £127 million under the revolving credit facility, for a total of £252 million. At 31 May 2022, drawings were under the previous credit facility and amounted to £174 million.

Total free cash flow was £69.9 million (FY22: £58.0 million) due to an improvement in cash generated from operations, driven by higher operating profit, and reduced working capital.

[12] Based on the balance sheet NGN/GBP rate of NGN577

Dividend

In light of the recent devaluation of the Naira, which is expected to adversely affect the Group's financial results in FY24, the Board is recommending a final dividend of 3.73 pence which is unchanged on the previous year. This represents a total dividend for FY23 of 6.40p. Subject to approval at the AGM, which will be held on 23 November 2023, the final dividend will be paid on 30 November 2023 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 3 November 2023.

Foreign exchange

The general weakening of Sterling against our other currencies resulted in a £15.7 million uplift to FY23 revenue, as set out below.

[13] Table shows the impact of translating FY22 revenue at FY23 foreign exchange rates

Impact of Naira devaluation and FY24 modelling considerations

We made an announcement on 27 June 2023 regarding impact of the Naira devaluation which took place in June. To provide a further illustration of this matter, we calculate that if our profits in the year to 31 May 2023 had been translated to Sterling at the average rate between July and August 2023 as opposed to the average rate for FY23, the Group's adjusted operating profit would have been £14.7 million lower, as detailed below.

[14] Tables shows only the translational impact of the devaluation of the Naira

In addition, the following effects of the devaluation of the Naira are also expected:

· Group net interest charge in FY24 is likely to be higher, reflecting lower levels of interest earned in Nigeria.

· The Group's ETR and non-controlling interest in FY24 are, all else being equal, expected to be lower.

The recently announced offer to buy out our Nigerian entity minorities and de-list the business there, which is subject to approval by shareholders in the Nigerian listed entity, is expected to benefit the Group from FY25 onwards. The transaction is expected to provide strategic and operational benefits, as well as being earnings accretive as a result of the reduction in the non-controlling interest.

Further guidance on these items will be provided in due course.

GLOSSARY 

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

The Group's business performance is assessed using a number of Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). These APMs include adjusted profitability measures where results are presented excluding separately disclosed items (referred to as adjusting items) as we believe this provides both management and investors with useful additional information about the Group's performance and supports a more effective comparison of the Group's financial performance from one period to the next.

Adjusted profitability measures are reconciled to IFRS results on the face of the consolidated income statement, with details of adjusting items provided in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Reconciliations between APMs and IFRS reported results are set out below:

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted operating margin

* Certain figures for the year ended 31 May 2022 have been restated. Refer to note 1 (c) of the Group consolidated financial statements for details.

Adjusted profit before taxation

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest Depreciation and Amortisation ("Adjusted EBITDA")

* Certain figures for the year ended 31 May 2022 have been restated. Refer to note 1 (c) of the Group consolidated financial statements for details.

** Excludes adjusting items relating to depreciation, amortisation, impairments and impairment reversals.

Adjusted earnings per share

* Certain figures for the year ended 31 May 2022 have been restated. Refer to note 1 (c) of the Group consolidated financial statements for details.

Alternative Performance Measures (continued)

Adjusted net cash/(debt)

Free cash flow

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023

Refer to note 1 for details of the prior year restatements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023

Refer to note 1 for details of the prior year restatements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MAY 2023

Refer to note 1 for details of the prior year restatements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023

Refer to note 1 for details of the prior year restatements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

General information

The financial information in this announcement does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 May 2023 or 31 May 2022. Statutory accounts for 31 May 2022 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The audit of the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 May 2022 is not yet complete. These accounts for the year ended 31 May 2023 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the company's annual general meeting.

1. Accounting policies

While the financial information in this preliminary announcement has been computed in accordance with IFRS, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with IFRSs, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results ultimately may differ from those estimates.

The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position will be set out in the Business Review section of the Strategic Report in the full annual report and accounts. The financial position of the Group and liquidity position will be described within the Financial Review section of the Strategic Report in the full annual report and accounts. In addition, note 17 to the consolidated financial statements in the full annual report and accounts includes the Group's objectives and policies for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; its exposures to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk; and details of its financial instruments and hedging activities.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approving the consolidated financial statements and that, therefore, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2023.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using consistent accounting policies except as stated below.

(a) New and amended accounting standards adopted by the Group

The following amendments to existing standards have been applied for the first time in the year ended 31 May 2023:

· Amendments to IAS 16 'Plant, Property & Equipment' - Proceeds before Intended Use

· Amendments to IFRS 3 'Business Combinations' - Reference to the Conceptual Framework

· Amendments to IAS 37 'Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets' - Onerous Contracts - Costs of Fulfilling a Contract

· Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020

· Amendments to IAS 1 'Presentation of Financial Statements' - Non-Current Liabilities with Covenants

The adoption of the new accounting standards and interpretations listed above has not led to any changes to the Group's accounting policies or had any other material impact on the financial position or performance of the Group.

Corrections of errors

In preparing these consolidated financial statements management identified errors relating to transactions reported in prior periods. In accordance with IAS 8 'Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors' these errors have been corrected by restatement of previously reported figures as described below.

Intangible asset impairment - in the year ended 31 May 2020 a number of businesses were disposed of by the Group, resulting in the recognition of a £6.3 million impairment charge in relation to capitalised software. The accounting treatment of these impairments has subsequently been reviewed and determined to be not in accordance with IAS 36 'Impairment of Assets'. The effects of correcting for this error are to increase the previously reported carrying value of intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheet by £4.7 million as at 1 June 2021 with a corresponding increase in the deferred tax liability of £1.2 million, and to recognise a £0.8 million amortisation charge within previously reported administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 May 2022, with a corresponding £0.2 million decrease in the taxation charge.

Childs Farm business combination - in March 2022, the Group acquired Childs Farm. The non-controlling interest of £3.3 million recognised on the business combination has subsequently been reviewed and determined to be not in accordance with IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'. The effect of correcting for this error is to reduce each of the previously reported carrying values of goodwill and non-controlling interests on the consolidated balance sheet by £3.3 million as at 31 May 2022. There is no impact on the previously reported consolidated income statement.

The impact on the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated income statement of restating previously reported figures for the items described is set out in the tables below:

2. Segmental analysis

The segmental information presented in this note is consistent with management reporting provided to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), which is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM). The CODM reviews the Group's internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources and has determined the operating segments based on these reports which include an allocation of central revenue and costs as appropriate. The CODM considers the business from a geographic perspective, with Europe & the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and Central being the operating segments.

In accordance with IFRS 8 'Operating Segments', the ELT has identified these reportable segments which aggregate the Group's trading entities by geographic location as these entities are considered to have similar economic characteristics. The number of countries that the Group operates in within these segments is limited to no more than five countries per segment, which share similar customer bases and encounter comparable micro-environmental challenges.

The CODM assesses the performance based on operating profit before adjusting items. Revenues and operating profit of the Europe & the Americas and Asia Pacific segments arise from the sale of Hygiene, Beauty and Baby products. Revenue and operating profit from the Africa segment also arise from the sale of Hygiene, Beauty and Baby products as well as Electrical products. The Central segment comprises the activities of our in-house Fragrance business and of the costs associated with the Global headquarters and above market functions, net of recharges to our regions. Intra-Group sales of materials and manufactured goods, and charges for franchise fees and royalties are carried out on an arm's length basis.

Reporting used by the CODM to assess performance does contain information about brand-specific performance but global segmentation between the portfolio of brands is not part of the regular internally reported financial information.

(a) Reportable segments

Continuing operations