Genus reports robust growth amid trade frictions and reshuffles Chinese stake

Genus delivers a stronger-than-expected year, with operating profit up 25%, free cash flow rising 52%, and a strategic £60 million buyback, demonstrating resilience despite regional trade tensions and market volatility, while boosting shareholder returns and strengthening its financial position.

Genus has delivered a stronger-than-expected year, with adjusted operating profit rising 25% to £116.0 million and free cash flow up 52% to £62.0 million, underscoring the resilience of its livestock genetics franchises. The figures matter because they show a business that is still growing despite trade frictions and uneven regional pricing, while also generating enough cash to shrink leverage and return capital.

The animal genetics specialist said adjusted profit before tax climbed 35% to £100.2 million in the year to 30 June 2026, helped by strong PIC momentum and a £5.6 million payment from its Chinese partner, BCA. Statutory profit before tax jumped to £310.5 million, largely because of a £204.1 million gain on the disposal of 51% of PIC China. Genus also raised its final dividend 11% to 24.0p a share and lifted the full-year payout to 35.2p.

Management launched a £60 million share buyback on 10 September, to be run by J.P. Morgan and funded by the company’s stronger balance sheet. Net leverage fell to 0.4 times, giving Genus more room to absorb volatility in export markets. It now expects adjusted profit before tax in FY27 to be in line with market forecasts, a signal that the recent improvement may be sustainable rather than purely transactional.