**Summary of Nichols PLC 2025 Preliminary Results**
Nichols PLC, a diversified soft drinks group, reported its 2025 preliminary results, highlighting strong profit growth driven by strategic initiatives. Key financial and operational highlights include
### **Financial Highlights**
**Revenue Growth** Group revenue increased by 1.3% to £175.1 million, driven by higher volumes in the UK packaged segment and a strategic shift to a concentrate model in international markets.
**Profitability** Adjusted operating profit rose by 9.9% to £31.7 million, with adjusted profit before tax (PBT) up 7.0% to £33.6 million. Operating profit increased by 27.1% to £27.3 million, and PBT by 21.5% to £29.2 million.
**Margins** Adjusted PBT margin improved to 19.2% from 18.2%, while PBT margin rose to 16.7% from 13.9%.
**Cash Position** Cash and cash equivalents increased by 3.8% to £55.7 million. Free cash flow was £13.8 million, down from £17.8 million due to timing differences in working capital.
**Dividends** Proposed final dividend increased by 9.4% to 18.7p, with total ordinary dividend up 5.3% to 33.7p.
### **Strategic and Operational Highlights:**
**UK Packaged Growth** Achieved record Vimto Retail Sales Value (RSV) of £129.1 million, driven by innovation, distribution gains, and market share growth across dilutes, energy, and ready-to-drink (RTD) categories.
**International Expansion** Successfully transitioned to a concentrate model in West Africa, improving margins despite lower revenue. Middle East revenues declined due to phasing of concentrate shipments, but new product launches maintained brand equity.
**Out of Home (OoH) Simplification** Exited the low-margin Starslush brand, focusing on profitable growth in post-mix and ICEE segments.
**ERP System Implementation** Completed a £4.4 million investment in a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
**Brand Licensing** Expanded partnerships with Myprotein and Applied Nutrition, broadening Vimto’s presence in health and wellness categories.
### **Current Trading and Outlook**
**Positive Trading** 2026 trading has started well, in line with expectations.
**Strategic Focus** Nichols remains committed to its diversified, asset-light model, leveraging its strong brand portfolio and balance sheet to drive growth and shareholder returns.
**Dividend Policy** Plans to reduce dividend cover to 1.5x in 2026, reflecting confidence in cash generation and future growth.
### **CEO Commentary**
Andrew Milne, CEO, emphasized the successful execution of the growth strategy, particularly in the UK and Africa, and highlighted the company’s focus on innovation, brand strength, and operational efficiency. He expressed confidence in Nichols’ ability to deliver sustained growth and attractive shareholder returns.
### **Sustainability and Governance**
**Environmental Initiatives** Completed the first phase of packaging lightweighting, reducing plastic and aluminum usage by 750 tonnes. Transitioned to local production in West Africa, reducing environmental impact and creating local jobs.
**Employee Engagement** High employee engagement levels, with initiatives to support mental health, reward, and workplace flexibility.
**Sustainability Rating** Improved EcoVadis sustainability rating from bronze to silver, placing Nichols in the top 15% of companies surveyed.
### **Board Changes**
**Leadership Transition** Rebecca Hughes appointed as Interim Finance Director, with Matthew Rothwell joining as CFO in April 2026.
**Board Appointments** Alan Williams joined as Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee in March 2025.
Nichols PLC remains well-positioned for future growth, supported by its strategic initiatives, strong financial performance, and commitment to sustainability and shareholder value.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Revenue (£'m) | 175.1 | 172.8 | +1.3% |
| Adjusted Operating Profit (£'m) | 31.7 | 28.9 | +9.9% |
| Operating Profit (£'m) | 27.3 | 21.5 | +27.1% |
| Adjusted Profit Before Tax (£'m) | 33.6 | 31.4 | +7.0% |
| Profit Before Tax (£'m) | 29.2 | 24.0 | +21.5% |
| Adjusted PBT Margin (%) | 19.2 | 18.2 | +1.0ppts |
| PBT Margin (%) | 16.7 | 13.9 | +2.8ppts |
| Adjusted EBITDA (£'m) | 33.8 | 30.8 | +9.6% |
| EBITDA (£'m) | 29.4 | 23.5 | +25.2% |
| Adjusted Earnings per Share (p) | 67.53 | 64.02 | +5.5% |
| Earnings per Share (p) | 58.67 | 48.84 | +20.1% |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents (£'m) | 55.7 | 53.7 | +3.8% |
| Free Cash Flow (£'m) | 13.8 | 17.8 | -£4.0m |
| Adjusted Return on Capital Employed (%) | 34.1 | 31.0 | +3.1ppts |
| Return on Capital Employed (%) | 29.4 | 23.1 | +6.3ppts |
| Proposed Final Dividend (p) | 18.7 | 17.1 | +9.4% |
| Total Ordinary Dividend (p) | 33.7 | 32.0 | +5.3% |
| Special Dividend (p) | - | 54.8 | (54.8p) |