Bunzl plc have announced their 2026 interim dividend of 20.8p per share will be paid on 5 January 2027 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 13 November 2026.
Other financial highlights include:
Revenue increased by 2.9% at constant exchange rates; underlying revenue was 3.2% higher
Underlying revenue supported by both volume growth, led by North America, and inflation, driven by product cost increases in the second quarter; Group underlying revenue growth now positive for five consecutive quarters
The largest business in North America, "North America Distribution", delivered encouraging volume growth across customers, supported by new business won in the second half of 2025
Operating margin expanded from 7.0% to 7.3%, driven by the net impact of inflation, much of which is expected to be temporary in nature, and supported by the annualisation of initial Nisbets' synergies
Adjusted operating profit increased by 8.0% at constant exchange rates; reported operating profit grew by 16.9%
Adjusted EPS increased by 11.4%, building on the Group's track record of delivering long-term compounding growth
Adjusted net debt to EBITDA of 1.8 times, below their 2.0 to 2.5 times target leverage range; over the medium-term they aim, on average, to manage leverage within their target range
Interim dividend per share increased by 3.0%; consistent with their long standing commitment to sustainable annual dividend growth
Two bolt-on acquisitions completed year-to-date; we continue to expect 2026 to be an improved year for acquisitions compared to 2025, with a more active second half as deal momentum is building; pipeline remains active
New £500m buyback programme to be completed over the next 12 months reflects their policy of distributing excess cash whilst maintaining headroom for high return bolt-on acquisitions, which remain a priority
2026 outlook upgraded; continue to expect modest underlying revenue growth, and now expect operating margin to be broadly flat year-on-year≠; expect modest adjusted operating profit growth year-on-year, at constant exchange rates≠
