tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Bunzl PLC (GB:BNZL)
LSE:BNZL
Advertisement

Bunzl plc (BNZL) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
133 Followers

Top Page

GB:BNZL

Bunzl plc

(LSE:BNZL)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Outperform 70 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:70Outperform
Price Target:
2,704.00p
▲(14.58% Upside)
Bunzl plc's overall stock score reflects solid financial performance and a fair valuation, tempered by mixed technical indicators and challenges highlighted in the earnings call. The company's strong cash flow and strategic acquisitions provide a foundation for long-term growth, but immediate challenges in key markets need to be addressed.
Positive Factors
Acquisition Strategy
Bunzl's acquisition strategy enhances its market position and product offerings, supporting long-term growth by expanding into new markets like Chile.
Cash Conversion Efficiency
High cash conversion efficiency indicates strong operational management, ensuring liquidity and financial stability for future investments.
Long-Term Growth Strategy
Commitment to long-term growth through organic and acquisition-driven expansion positions Bunzl for sustained market leadership and profitability.
Negative Factors
Operating Profit Decline
A decline in operating profit indicates potential challenges in cost management and pricing power, which could affect future profitability.
Challenges in North America
Operational challenges in North America may impact revenue and profit margins, requiring strategic adjustments to regain market strength.
Free Cash Flow Decline
A decline in free cash flow limits Bunzl's ability to invest in growth opportunities and manage debt, affecting long-term financial flexibility.

Bunzl plc (BNZL) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Bunzl plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBunzl 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 MoneyBunzl 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 Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 26, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 02, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed outlook for Bunzl. While there were positive aspects such as revenue growth driven by acquisitions, effective cash conversion, and progress in acquisitions, significant challenges were highlighted including a decline in operating profit, issues in the North America Distribution business, and margin declines in Continental Europe. The company's commitment to long-term growth and strategic initiatives provides some optimism, but immediate challenges in key business areas temper the overall sentiment.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue Growth
Bunzl delivered revenue growth of 4.2% at constant exchange rates, driven by acquisitions.
Cash Conversion
Cash conversion was better than expected at 97%, despite a decline in free cash flow.
Share Buyback and Dividend
Resuming a GBP 200 million share buyback with GBP 86 million remaining, and announcing a 0.5% increase in the interim dividend.
Acquisition Success
Completed 5 acquisitions with a committed spend of approximately GBP 120 million, including expansion into the Chilean health care market.
Long-Term Growth Strategy
Bunzl remains committed to its long-term compounding growth strategy, with a focus on both organic growth and value-accretive acquisitions.
Negative Updates
Decline in Operating Profit
Group adjusted operating profit declined by 7.6% at constant exchange rates and the operating margin reduced by approximately 100 basis points to 7%.
Challenges in North America
North America Distribution business faced significant challenges, with a notable inflection point in April leading to a drop in profit.
Continental Europe Performance
Continental Europe's operating margin declined by around 100 basis points, driven by deflation in France and revenue softness in certain online businesses.
Free Cash Flow Decline
Free cash flow declined by 22%, largely due to the operating profit decline.
Effective Tax Rate Increase
Effective tax rate increased to 26.4% from 25.5% last year, reflecting absence of one-off benefits.
Company Guidance
In the 2025 Half Year Results Presentation, Bunzl reported a 4.2% revenue growth at constant exchange rates, driven largely by acquisitions, while underlying revenue remained stable. Adjusted operating profit declined by 7.6%, with the operating margin reducing by 100 basis points to 7%. Cash conversion exceeded expectations at 97%, but free cash flow fell by 22%. The adjusted net debt-to-EBITDA ratio stood at 1.9x, slightly better than guidance. An interim dividend increase of 0.5% was announced. Bunzl completed five acquisitions with a committed spend of approximately GBP 120 million, alongside a resumed GBP 200 million share buyback program, with GBP 86 million to be completed by year-end. The company aims for moderate revenue growth in 2025, with group operating margin expected to be moderately below 8%.

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
75
Positive
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
70
Positive
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
78
Positive
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.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue8.94B11.78B11.80B12.04B10.29B10.11B
Gross Profit3.14B3.39B3.19B1.62B1.31B1.38B
EBITDA897.90M1.22B1.18B1.03B909.00M896.20M
Net Income392.65M500.40M526.20M474.40M442.80M430.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets8.27B9.53B8.75B8.85B7.20B6.91B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments481.00M1.43B1.43B1.50B776.90M944.30M
Total Debt2.80B3.72B3.09B3.13B2.59B2.71B
Total Liabilities5.72B6.74B5.78B6.13B4.99B4.99B
Stockholders Equity2.55B2.79B2.97B2.72B2.20B1.92B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow600.65M856.50M845.70M859.20M665.60M715.60M
Operating Cash Flow647.35M910.90M904.00M905.90M698.30M748.70M
Investing Cash Flow-280.50M-609.10M-339.50M-239.40M-466.70M-395.10M
Financing Cash Flow-511.50M-381.10M-666.90M-269.10M-415.20M-65.60M

Bunzl plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price2360.00
Price Trends
50DMA
2381.16
Negative
100DMA
2362.46
Negative
200DMA
2706.10
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-9.96
Positive
RSI
33.37
Neutral
STOCH
2.94
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:BNZL, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 2360 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 2477.00, below the 50-day MA of 2381.16, and below the 200-day MA of 2706.10, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -9.96 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 33.37 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 2.94 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:BNZL.

Bunzl plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
2.33B47.765.25%1.51%0.84%-62.73%
73
Outperform
7.07B42.5614.56%1.14%15.75%44.11%
70
Outperform
£7.73B16.3717.98%2.91%1.92%0.50%
70
Outperform
1.81B16.6524.71%3.10%14.34%-16.43%
70
Outperform
186.73M10.4213.42%5.28%19.01%-15.21%
62
Neutral
9.29B35.407.26%2.02%-1.58%-34.64%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:BNZL
Bunzl plc
2,336.00
-1,100.04
-32.01%
GB:DPLM
Diploma
5,270.00
896.37
20.49%
GB:MTO
Mitie Group plc
138.60
24.24
21.20%
GB:RTO
Rentokil Initial
369.50
14.13
3.98%
GB:SRP
Serco Group plc
232.40
58.78
33.86%
GB:KITW
Kitwave Group PLC
219.00
-115.56
-34.54%

Bunzl plc Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Bunzl plc Enhances Shareholder Value Through Strategic Share Buyback
Positive
Sep 16, 2025

Bunzl plc announced the repurchase of 9,561 of its ordinary shares at an average price of £25.0350 per share, as part of its ongoing share buyback program initiated with UBS AG London Branch. The company intends to cancel these shares, which will result in a total of 325,981,670 ordinary shares in issue, impacting the voting rights and shareholding structure. Since the start of the buyback program, Bunzl has repurchased a total of 3,815,894 shares, reflecting its strategic focus on optimizing capital structure and enhancing shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Bunzl Enhances Shareholder Value with Strategic Share Buyback
Positive
Sep 15, 2025

Bunzl plc has repurchased 159,923 of its ordinary shares at an average price of £25.0119 per share, as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, conducted through UBS AG London Branch, is in line with the authority granted by shareholders and aims to cancel the repurchased shares, impacting the total number of voting rights in the company. Since the start of the buyback program, Bunzl has repurchased a total of 3,806,333 shares, reflecting a strategic move to enhance shareholder value and optimize capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Bunzl Enhances Shareholder Value with Latest Share Buyback
Positive
Sep 12, 2025

Bunzl plc has repurchased 98,802 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This transaction, executed through UBS AG London Branch, is in line with the authority granted by shareholders and reflects Bunzl’s strategy to enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares in circulation, thereby increasing the value of remaining shares. Following this purchase, Bunzl has no shares in treasury and has a total of 326,146,918 shares in issue, which will impact the voting rights and shareholding calculations for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Bunzl Enhances Shareholder Value with Share Buyback
Positive
Sep 12, 2025

Bunzl plc, a company involved in the distribution and outsourcing services industry, has announced the repurchase of 98,802 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange. This action is part of a broader share buyback program initiated earlier in the year, aimed at optimizing the company’s capital structure. The repurchased shares are intended to be canceled, which will adjust the total number of voting rights in the company to 326,146,918. This move reflects Bunzl’s ongoing efforts to enhance shareholder value and manage its equity base effectively.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Bunzl plc Announces Share Buyback and Cancellation
Positive
Sep 11, 2025

Bunzl plc has announced the repurchase of 98,703 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange, as part of a buyback program initiated in March 2025. The company intends to cancel these shares, which will adjust the total number of voting rights to 326,245,720. This move is part of Bunzl’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Bunzl plc Completes Share Buyback as Part of Capital Management Strategy
Neutral
Sep 10, 2025

Bunzl plc announced the repurchase of 97,470 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange, as part of a buyback program initiated in March 2025. The shares were purchased at an average price of £25.6487 per share and will be canceled, leaving the company with 326,344,423 shares in issue. This buyback is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and could impact shareholder value by reducing the number of shares outstanding, potentially increasing earnings per share.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Bunzl Enhances Shareholder Value with Continued Share Buyback
Positive
Sep 9, 2025

Bunzl plc announced the repurchase of 84,782 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move, executed through UBS AG London Branch, reflects Bunzl’s strategy to optimize its capital structure and enhance shareholder value. The company intends to cancel the repurchased shares, which will impact the total number of voting rights, now standing at 326,441,893. Since the start of the buyback program, Bunzl has repurchased over 3.35 million shares, indicating a significant commitment to returning value to shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Stock Buyback
Bunzl plc Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Sep 5, 2025

Bunzl plc has announced the repurchase of 98,085 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of a buyback program initiated in March 2025. This move, which follows shareholder approval, is aimed at reducing the number of shares in circulation, potentially increasing the value of remaining shares and enhancing shareholder returns.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Bunzl plc Announces Share Repurchase and Cancellation
Neutral
Sep 4, 2025

Bunzl plc, a global distribution and outsourcing company, announced the repurchase of 97,878 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The repurchase was conducted through UBS AG London Branch, with the average price per share being £25.5418. Bunzl intends to cancel these shares, which will impact the total number of voting rights in the company, now standing at 326,659,768. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the company’s capital structure and could have implications for shareholder value and market perception.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BNZL) stock is a Hold with a £31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bunzl plc stock, see the GB:BNZL Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Sep 17, 2025