Elementis PLC (ELM), the pure-play specialty chemicals business, has issued its third quarter trading update for the three months ended 30 September 2026, upgrading its full-year adjusted operating profit guidance to $133–$135 million, slightly above its previous guidance and in line with current market consensus of $134.7 million. The group reported organic constant currency revenue of $479 million for the nine months to September 2026, representing 7% growth year-on-year. The improved outlook reflects continued trading progress across Personal Care and Coatings divisions despite what the company describes as mixed market conditions.

Key Points

  • Elementis PLC (ELM), a pure-play specialty chemicals group listed in London
  • FY26 adjusted operating profit guidance upgraded to $133–$135 million, slightly above previous guidance
  • Nine-month organic constant currency revenue reached $479 million, up 7% year-on-year; Innovation Day scheduled for the following week
  • Investors should watch fourth quarter revenue, which is expected to be lower than the third quarter due to typical seasonal patterns and earlier-than-anticipated customer order fulfilment

Elementis Upgrades FY26 Adjusted Operating Profit Guidance Above Previous Range

Elementis now expects full-year 2026 adjusted operating profit of $133–$135 million, a modest upgrade on its prior guidance and broadly aligned with the current company-compiled market consensus of $134.7 million, which carries a range of $132.0 million to $140.1 million. The previous half-year consensus stood at $132.5 million, with a range of $129.4 million to $136.5 million. The company attributed the improved outlook to continued trading progress under its Elevate Elementis strategy, launched in 2025, which targets mid-single digit revenue growth through the cycle, an adjusted operating profit margin of 23% or above, and a return on capital employed excluding goodwill of more than 30%.

Personal Care Accelerates Across All Regions as Coatings Delivers Mixed Performance

Personal Care was a standout performer in the quarter, with revenue growth accelerating across all regions over a weaker prior year comparator, and further improvement recorded in the Americas. The division also benefitted from favourable order phasing in September. Within the Coatings segment, the Energy business continued to perform strongly, supported by operational improvements at the St. Louis plant in the United States and a supportive demand environment. Coatings performance in the Americas improved following a weak first half of the year, while continued momentum in Asia helped to offset softer results in the EMEA region during the quarter.

Asia Momentum and Americas Recovery Drive Nine-Month Organic Revenue to $479 Million

Group revenue for the nine months to 30 September 2026 reached $479 million on an organic constant currency basis, representing 7% growth compared with the corresponding prior year period. The announcement highlights particularly strong growth in Personal Care, continued momentum across Asia, and an improved performance in the Americas as the primary contributors. However, Elementis cautioned that fourth quarter revenue is expected to be lower than the third quarter, consistent with the group's typical seasonal pattern, and partly reflecting the benefit in the third quarter from fulfilling customer orders earlier than anticipated.

CEO Luc van Ravenstein Points to Innovation Day as Next Strategic Milestone

Chief Executive Officer Luc van Ravenstein stated that the Elevate Elementis strategy is progressing well, crediting the group's high-quality specialty chemicals capabilities and a simpler, leaner operating model focused on customers. He noted that the group looks forward to sharing more about the innovation underpinning its growth and differentiation at an Innovation Day scheduled for the following week. Investors may be watching that event for further detail on medium-term targets, including the group's ambition for three-year operating cash conversion above 90%. The announcement was released on behalf of Elementis by Hannah Constantine, Group CLPO and Company Secretary.