Nichols plc (AIM:NICL)'s group revenue rose 4.3% year‑on‑year in the three months to 31 March to £41m, and the board reiterated unchanged FY26 revenue and adjusted PBT expectations (Group compiled market consensus: revenue £183.1m; adjusted PBT £35.3m).
Total Packaged revenues climbed 5.6%. UK Packaged increased 3.8% to £22.1m, while International Packaged grew 11.1% to £10m, driven almost entirely by West Africa through accelerated can exports and a shift to a concentrate model. Out of Home fell 3.3% to £8.7m following the planned exit of the lower‑margin Starslush business.
Net cash at period end was £59.8m (31 December 2025: £55.7m), reflecting the expected unwinding of year‑end working capital and completion of investment in the business change programme. Matthew Rothwell joined as chief financial officer on 13 April and is expected to join the board after shareholder approval at today's AGM.
The Group warned the conflict in the Middle East could introduce supply‑chain volatility but said there has been no material impact to date and that some near‑term protection against cost inflation is in place. International Packaged revenue is expected to be weighted to H2, and first‑half profitability is anticipated to be modestly below the prior year, with full‑year expectations unchanged.
"We are pleased to have delivered a strong start to the year, with continued revenue growth and further strategic progress in Q1," Andrew Milne, Chief Executive Officer, said.
