The London-listed company reported a pretax profit rise to 290.4 million pounds, up from 250.1 million pounds in the same period last year. Adjusted operating profit also climbed to 440.6 million pounds, supported by revenue of 5.93 billion pounds. Underlying growth remained steady, with North America leading at 4.6%, followed by Continental Europe at 2.1% and the U.K. and Ireland at 1.3%.

Management now anticipates 2026 operating margins will remain broadly flat compared to last year’s 7.6%, an improvement over previous projections that suggested a slight decline. The company also confirmed an interim dividend hike to 20.8 pence per share, up from 20.2 pence. RBC Capital Markets analysts noted that Bunzl’s renewed commercial agility and new business wins have positioned the firm for a stronger revenue trajectory. The buyback program is scheduled for completion over the next 12 months, reflecting a strategy to return excess cash to shareholders while preserving capacity for future acquisitions.