Strix Group (KETL) Trading update summary

Financial performance and trading update

• Revenue for FY26 expected to be around £150m, with adjusted profit before tax between £9.8m and £10.2m.

• Trading volumes outside China are consistently ahead of the same period in 2025, showing post-tariff improvement in the Controls division.

• Product surcharges were implemented in response to higher copper and silver prices, with most customers accepting the changes.

• Consumer Goods division returned to growth after 2024 restructuring, launching new products and marketing campaigns in the UK.

Strategic initiatives and outlook

• Low-Cost and Next Generation controls are expanding into new segments, helping reclaim market share and defend against copyists.

• Focus on production efficiency and cost optimisation to protect margins, especially in price-sensitive markets.

• Consumer Goods division is prioritising water filtration, leveraging the LAICA brand and OEM solutions in a market growing 7-8% annually.

• Advanced filtration technologies target PFAS reduction and anti-bacterial solutions.

• Rising oil prices due to Middle East conflict have increased plastic costs, impacting controls and water filters.

Capital return and leadership update

• £10m returned to shareholders via a fully taken-up Tender Offer at 43p per share.

• £10m share buyback programme commenced, with £3.4m spent on 8,357,417 shares before a temporary pause.

• CEO transition underway, with Mark Bartlett stepping down at the end of May 2026 and Gary Lamb overseeing the interim period.