IN BRIEF: James Cropper shares rise on positive trading update

James Cropper PLC - Kendal, England-based materials, paper and packaging group - Issues a trading statement for the 18 weeks ended Tuesday, ahead of its annual general meeting on Wednesday morning. Says performance, in both its Advanced Materials and Paper & Packaging divisions, has been ‘slightly ahead of expectations’. Net debt as of Tuesday totals £10.3 million, reduced from £12.9 million at March 29. James Cropper credits its ‘disciplined cash management’ and £1.2 million in net receipts from the sale of non-core assets. Says it is confident in its performance for the year ending in March, and is aiming for ‘significant [on-year] growth’ in adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. Also expects ‘improved mid-term prospects’ for both divisions.

‘I am pleased we are making progress on our three key objectives: sales growth in Advanced Materials, improving profitability in Paper & Packaging and disciplined cash management to embed leverage below 2x Ebitda,’ comments Chief Executive Officer David Stirling. ‘The business is becoming more agile and streamlined to deliver our objectives, which will create long-term value for shareholders as we make progress against our recently introduced strategy.’

Current stock price: 265.00 pence, up 10% on Wednesday in London

12-month change: up 1.9%

Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.