Elementis plc (LON:ELM), the pure-play specialty chemicals business, has announced a scheduled trading update for the three months ended 30 September 2026.
Elementis now expects FY26 adjusted operating profit of $133-135 million, slightly above its previous guidance and in line with the latest market expectations1. The improved outlook reflects continued trading progress despite mixed market conditions. Our performance demonstrates good progress under the Elevate Elementis strategy launched in 2025 to accelerate sustainable growth, be the first choice for customers and build a simpler, leaner business.
Revenue up 7% for the nine months to September 20262
Revenue for the nine months to 30 September 2026 increased by 7% on an organic constant currency basis to $479 million, with particularly strong growth in Personal Care, continued momentum in Asia, and improved performance in the Americas.
In line with the Group’s typical seasonality, fourth quarter revenue is expected to be lower than in the third quarter which this year has benefitted from fulfilling earlier than anticipated customer orders. The Group remains on track to deliver further progress in the second half of the year.
Personal Care
Personal Care revenue growth accelerated in all regions, over a weaker prior year comparator, with further improvement in the Americas. Personal Care also benefitted from favourable order phasing in September.
Coatings
The Energy business within Coatings continued to perform strongly, benefitting from further operational improvements at our St. Louis plant (US) and a good demand environment. Coatings performance in the Americas improved following a weak first half. Continued performance in Asia helped offset weaker results in EMEA in the quarter. Growth is expected to moderate in the fourth quarter reflecting a strong prior year comparator in Asia.
Commenting on the results, Luc van Ravenstein, CEO, said:
“Our ‘Elevate Elementis’ strategy is progressing well, with revenue up 7%2 for the nine months to September 2026 despite mixed end market conditions. This is being driven by Elementis’ high-quality capabilities in specialty chemicals and a simpler, leaner model that puts customers first. We look forward to sharing more about our innovation that underpins this growth and differentiation at our Innovation Day next week.”
Notes:
- Company compiled consensus, the mean adjusted operating profit for the year ended 31 December 2026:
- HY consensus : $132.5 million (range $129.4–136.5 million)
- Current consensus: $134.7 million (range $132.0-140.1 million).
- Organic constant currency rates are comparisons to the corresponding prior year period and determined as the reported rates excluding the impact of acquisitions and changes in the average translation exchange rates during the period.
- Elevate Elementis medium-term targets (i) Mid-single digit revenue growth through the cycle, (ii) Adjusted operating profit margin 23%+, (iii) Three-year operating cash conversion
>90%, (iv) Return on capital employed (excluding goodwill) >30%.
