# Victrex plc Q1 FY2026 Trading Update: Volumes down, Outlook unchanged

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/victrex-plc-q1-fy2026-trading-update-volumes-down-outlook-unchanged/4121238510
- Published: 2026-02-06T07:35:41+00:00
- Author: Amilia Stone

**Victrex plc **(LON:VCT) is an innovative world leader in high performance polymer
solutions, focused on the strategic markets of Automotive, Aerospace, Energy & Industrial,
Electronics and Medical. Today’s trading update covers the first quarter (Q1) of
FY 2026, from 1 October 2025 to 31 December 2025.

**Q1 performance summary**

o Q1 (3 months ended 31 December 2025) volumes reduced by 4%, reflecting growth 
in Energy & Industrial offset by a more subdued performance in Transport, Value 
Added Resellers (VARs) and Medical

o Average selling price (ASP) was broadly in line with the prior year

|  |  | **Quarter ended 31 December 2025 (Q1)** | 
|  |  | **Q1 2026** | ** ****Q1 2025** | **% change** | 
| Sales volume (tonnes) |  | 858 | 898 | -4% | 
| Revenue (£m) |  | 62.4 | 66.6 | -6% | 
| ASP (£/kg) |  | 73 | 74 | -2% |

**Year to date (‘YTD’) performance**

·      YTD (4 months ended 31 January 2026) volumes in line with prior year, with
January recovering some of the shortfall from a weaker December

·      YTD revenues slightly lower than prior year, primarily reflecting sales mix

·      As previously communicated, FY 2026 performance is expected to be weighted
to the second half

·      Performance in H1 2026 is expected to be weaker than H1 2025, reflecting 
the weaker end to Q1 and the currency headwind being weighted to the first half

**Divisional and end-market performance**

In our Sustainable Solutions business, Energy & Industrial continues to perform 
well as activity levels remain healthy within this end market. Whilst VARs saw a
slower start in Q1, momentum improved at the start of Q2. YTD volumes in VARs are
now ahead of the prior year.

Medical revenues remain slightly below the prior year on a YTD basis, with January
seeing the normal seasonal improvement over Q1.  

**Financial position**

Net debt at 31 December was £21.1m, with cash of £28m. This is prior to payment 
of the FY 2025 final dividend (46.14p/share), totalling approximately £40m, later
this month. Total dividends per share for FY 2025 were 59.56p.

**Profit Improvement Plan**

Actions are progressing at pace to deliver our Profit Improvement Plan which is 
focused on three pillars: Portfolio simplification, operating efficiency and overhead
costs. We are targeting annualised cost savings of at least £10m to be realised 
in FY 2027, with some initial benefits during the latter part of H2 2026. We will
provide an update on progress at our interim results.

**Outlook: full-year guidance unchanged**

> **Dr James Routh, Chief Executive Officer of Victrex, said:**
> “The start of FY 2026 reflected usual Q1 seasonality, alongside a subdued performance
> across some end-markets. On a year to date basis, our second quarter started solidly,
> with YTD volumes now in line with the prior year. Whilst we continue to be mindful
> of wider macroeconomic conditions, our full year guidance remains unchanged. As
> previously communicated, performance will be weighted to the second half. The 
> first half is expected to be weaker than the prior year.
> “At this early stage of my tenure, I have been impressed with our innovation know-
> how, our breadth of growth opportunities and the passion of our talented people
> to rapidly adapt and improve our financial performance. FY 2026 will be a transitional
> year, with our Profit Improvement Plan helping us become a more efficient, growth
> focused and performance oriented company. By further differentiating our business
> and creating a more agile and customer-focused organisation, we will unlock Victrex’s
> potential and better position the company for sustainable growth over the medium
> to longer term.”

**Annual General Meeting**

Victrex’s Annual General Meeting will be held today, starting at 11.00am GMT and
taking place at [JP Morgan](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/company/news/funds),
1 John Carpenter Street, London EC4Y 0JP, United Kingdom.

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