Bunzl plc (BNZL) AI Stock Analysis

• Market Cap: £8.40B
• Dividend Yield: 2.65%
• Average Volume (3M): 896.04K
• Price to Earnings (P/E): 17.7
• Beta (1Y): 0.20
• Revenue Growth: 1.92%
• EPS Growth: 0.50%
• Country: UK
• Employees: 26,978
• Sector: Consumer Defensive
• Sector Strength: 45
• Industry: Food Distribution
• EPS (TTM): 0.78
• Shares Outstanding: 326,561,680
• 10 Day Avg. Volume: 1,155,592
• 30 Day Avg. Volume: 896,038
• PEG Ratio: N/A
• Price to Book (P/B): N/A
• Price to Sales (P/S): N/A
• P/FCF Ratio: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Market Cap: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Revenue: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Gross Profit: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Ebitda: N/A
• 1Y Price Target: £2,596.43
• Price Target Upside: 0.33% Upside
• Rating Consensus: Hold
• Number of Analyst Covering: 7

• Rating: 67 Neutral
• Price Target: 2,702.00p ▲(4.40% Upside)

Bunzl plc's overall stock score reflects its solid financial performance and moderate valuation. While the company shows strong operational efficiency and cash flow generation, technical indicators suggest potential resistance, and the earnings call highlights some operational challenges. The stock remains attractive for its dividend yield, but investors should monitor leverage and regional performance issues.

Positive Factors

Acquisitions

Bunzl has signed an agreement to acquire Hospitalia in Chile, marking its entry into the Chilean healthcare market with revenue of c.£21m.

Analyst Recommendation

Analyst upgrades Bunzl to Buy due to improving underlying trading trends, balance sheet strength, and a valuation discount to historical averages.

Financial Performance

Bunzl reported a robust set of full year results, with revenues up, improved underlying trends, and increased operating profits and margins.

Negative Factors

Buyback Programme

The pause in the group's buyback programme no longer provides share price support.

North American Operations

Bunzl faces challenges in its North American business and market headwinds, impacting near-term sentiment.

Profit Expectations

Q1 profit below expectations; reduction to guidance due to operational challenges in North America and a challenging start to the year.

Bunzl plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description

Bunzl plc operates as a distribution and services company in the North America, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company offers food packaging, films, labels, cleaning and hygiene supplies, and personal protection equipment to grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. It also provides food packaging, disposable tableware, guest amenities, catering equipment, agricultural supplies, cleaning and hygiene products, and safety items to hotels, restaurants, contract caterers, food processors, commercial growers, and the leisure sector; and gloves, boots, hard hats, ear and eye protection, and other workwear, as well as cleaning and hygiene supplies, and asset protection products to industrial and construction, and ecommerce sectors. In addition, the company offers chemicals and hygiene paper to cleaning and facilities management companies, and industrial and public customers; gloves, masks, swabs, gowns, bandages, and other healthcare related equipment; and healthcare devices to hospitals, care homes, and other facilities serving the healthcare sector. Further, it provides packaging and other store supplies to retail chains, boutiques, department stores, home improvement chains, office supply companies, and related e-commerce sales channels. The company was founded in 1854 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

How the Company Makes Money

Bunzl plc generates revenue through the distribution of a wide range of products, including packaging materials, cleaning and hygiene supplies, safety equipment, and food service items. The company's primary revenue model is based on the sale of these products to businesses in various sectors, which are often required in high volumes. Key revenue streams include direct sales to customers, contract agreements with businesses for ongoing supply needs, and value-added services that enhance customer loyalty and retention. Bunzl's strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers allow it to source products efficiently, ensuring competitive pricing. Additionally, the company benefits from economies of scale due to its global presence, which further contributes to its profitability.

Bunzl plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary

Bunzl plc demonstrates solid financial performance with effective margin management and operational efficiency. Despite modest revenue growth, profitability remains strong. The balance sheet shows increased leverage, which requires monitoring, but the company continues to generate strong cash flows, supporting its financial stability.

Income Statement

Bunzl plc shows stable revenue with slight growth challenges, as seen by a marginal decline in revenue compared to the previous year. Gross profit margin is consistent, indicating effective cost management. However, net profit margin decreased slightly due to increased expenses. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are strong, reflecting efficient operational performance.

Balance Sheet

The company maintains a robust equity position with an equity ratio of around 29% to 31% over recent years. The debt-to-equity ratio has increased, indicating rising leverage which might pose a risk if not managed carefully. The return on equity (ROE) remains strong, showcasing effective utilization of equity for generating profits.

Cash Flow

Cash flow from operations remains healthy, supporting positive free cash flow. The company's free cash flow to net income ratio is solid, indicating strong conversion of net income to cash. Free cash flow growth is stable, despite fluctuations in capital expenditures and financing activities.

Breakdown	Dec 2024	Dec 2023	Dec 2022	Dec 2021	Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue	11.78B	11.80B	12.04B	10.29B	10.11B
Gross Profit	3.39B	3.19B	1.62B	1.31B	1.38B
EBITDA	1.22B	1.18B	1.03B	909.00M	896.20M
Net Income	500.40M	526.20M	474.40M	442.80M	430.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets	9.53B	8.75B	8.85B	7.20B	6.91B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	1.43B	1.43B	1.50B	776.90M	944.30M
Total Debt	3.72B	3.09B	3.13B	2.59B	2.71B
Total Liabilities	6.74B	5.78B	6.13B	4.99B	4.99B
Stockholders Equity	2.79B	2.97B	2.72B	2.20B	1.92B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow	856.50M	845.70M	859.20M	665.60M	715.60M
Operating Cash Flow	910.90M	904.00M	905.90M	698.30M	748.70M
Investing Cash Flow	-609.10M	-339.50M	-239.40M	-466.70M	-395.10M
Financing Cash Flow	-381.10M	-666.90M	-269.10M	-415.20M	-65.60M

Bunzl plc Technical Analysis

• Technical Analysis Sentiment: Positive
• Last Price: 2588.00
• 50DMA: Positive
• 100DMA: Positive
• 200DMA: Negative
• MACD: Negative
• RSI: Negative
• STOCH: Negative

Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:BNZL, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 2588 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 2401.80, above the 50-day MA of 2339.56, and below the 200-day MA of 2782.08, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 71.23 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 82.39 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 87.91 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:BNZL.

Bunzl plc Peers Comparison

Name	Overall Rating	Market Cap	P/E Ratio	ROE	Dividend Yield	Revenue Growth	EPS Growth
SRP	77 Outperform	£2.23B	46.58	5.21%	1.58%	0.84%	-62.73%
DPLM	73 Outperform	£7.15B	42.68	18.41%	1.11%	15.75%	44.11%
KITW	71 Outperform	£200.97M	11.21	15.19%	4.89%	19.01%	-15.21%
BNZL	67 Neutral	£8.40B	17.72	17.98%	2.65%	1.92%	0.50%
RTO	66 Neutral	£9.34B	36.55	5.93%	1.98%	-1.58%	-34.64%
MTO	65 Neutral	£1.84B	17.14	23.48%	3.08%	14.34%	-16.43%
Sector *	63 Neutral	$20.52B	14.79	-2.72%	3.09%	1.95%	-4.74%

Bunzl plc Corporate Events

Bunzl CEO North America Purchases Shares, Signaling Confidence

Bunzl plc announced a transaction involving James McCool, the Chief Executive Officer for North America, who executed a non-discretionary purchase of 48 ordinary shares through the Bunzl Employee Stock Purchase Plan. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflects internal confidence in the company’s market position and may impact stakeholder perceptions positively.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Sell with a £2800.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl plc Updates on Share Capital and Voting Rights

Bunzl plc announced that as of July 31, 2025, its share capital consists of 327,667,059 ordinary shares, each carrying one vote per share. This information is crucial for shareholders to determine their notification requirements under the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules, impacting how they manage their interests in the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Sell with a £2800.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl CEO Acquires Shares Following Dividend Reinvestment

Bunzl plc announced a transaction involving its Chief Executive Officer for North America, James McCool, who acquired ordinary shares through a non-discretionary transaction. This acquisition followed the reinvestment of the company’s 2024 final dividend, with the transaction taking place on the London Stock Exchange. This move reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to aligning management interests with shareholder value, potentially strengthening its market position and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Buy with a £3500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl CEO Acquires Shares Through Dividend Reinvestment

Bunzl plc announced a transaction involving its Chief Executive Officer for North America, James McCool, who acquired shares through a non-discretionary transaction. This acquisition was part of the reinvestment of the 2024 final dividend under the Bunzl Employee Stock Purchase Plan (US), highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to employee investment and shareholder value. The transaction took place on July 8, 2025, at the London Stock Exchange.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Sell with a £2800.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl CEO North America Executes Share Purchase

Bunzl plc announced a transaction involving James McCool, the Chief Executive Officer for North America, who executed a non-discretionary purchase of shares through the Bunzl Employee Stock Purchase Plan. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to align management interests with shareholder value, potentially impacting stakeholder confidence and market perception.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Sell with a £2800.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl plc Updates Share Capital and Voting Rights Information

Bunzl plc announced that as of June 30, 2025, its share capital consists of 327,662,849 ordinary shares, each carrying one vote. This information is crucial for shareholders to determine their notification requirements under the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules, impacting how they manage their interests in the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Sell with a £2800.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl plc Announces Share Transactions by European Managing Director

Bunzl plc announced a transaction involving Alberto Grau, Managing Director for Continental Europe, who acquired shares through the Bunzl Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme. Grau exercised options granted in 2021 and 2022, acquiring a total of 9,991 shares and subsequently selling 4,390 shares to cover associated costs. This transaction highlights Bunzl’s ongoing commitment to aligning management incentives with shareholder interests, potentially impacting the company’s market perception and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Sell with a £2800.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl Executives Increase Stake in Company

Bunzl plc announced recent transactions involving its Chairman, Peter Ventress, and Non-executive Director, Jacqueline Simmonds, who have both purchased ordinary shares in the company. These transactions, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflect a vote of confidence in Bunzl’s market position and future prospects, potentially signaling stability and growth to stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Sell with a £2800.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl Reports Steady Growth and Announces Brazilian Acquisition

Bunzl plc announced that its trading is in line with expectations, with a 4% increase in group revenue at constant exchange rates compared to the previous year, driven by acquisitions. The company has agreed to acquire Solupack, a Brazilian distributor, to enhance its offerings in the food industry, pending regulatory approval. Bunzl’s operating margin is expected to remain stable, and the company is focused on improving performance in its largest markets. The acquisition aligns with Bunzl’s strategy of compounding growth and navigating economic uncertainties through diversification.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Sell with a £2800.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl plc Announces Share Purchase by CFO’s Associate

Bunzl plc announced a transaction involving the purchase of 4,471 ordinary shares by Alexia Howes, a person closely associated with the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Richard Howes. The shares were acquired at a price of £22.19 each on the London Stock Exchange. This transaction reflects confidence in the company’s market position and may have implications for stakeholders regarding the financial strategies of Bunzl’s leadership.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Sell with a £2800.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl North America CEO Acquires Shares, Signaling Confidence

Bunzl plc announced a transaction involving its North America CEO, James McCool, who purchased ordinary shares through the Bunzl Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The transaction, which took place on the London Stock Exchange, involved the acquisition of 45 shares at a price of $28.0217 each. This move highlights the executive’s confidence in the company’s future prospects and may positively influence stakeholder perceptions.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £2500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Bunzl CFO Transfers Shares to Associated Party

Bunzl plc announced a transaction involving the transfer of 89,940 ordinary shares by Richard Howes, the Chief Financial Officer, to Alexia Howes, a person closely associated with him, for nil consideration. This transaction, conducted outside of a trading venue, reflects internal share management and may indicate strategic financial planning within the company’s executive team.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £32.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.