Bunzl Shares Soar after Buyback Announcement and Upgrade

New Developments in Financials

Share Buyback Plan

WEB Bunzl plc, the international distribution and services group, announced a new share buyback plan and upgraded its financial forecast.

The buyback program is set to commence immediately and will see the company repurchase up to £250 million (approximately $331 million) of its own shares.

This move is designed to enhance shareholder value and return excess cash to investors.

Upgraded Financial Forecast

Alongside the share buyback announcement, Bunzl also upgraded its financial forecast for the full year.

The company now expects adjusted operating profits for 2024 to show a "strong increase" compared to previous guidance.

This positive outlook is attributed to continued growth in its core markets and a favorable trading environment.

Market Response

The news was met with a positive response from the market, with shares in Bunzl surging on Tuesday morning.

Analysts noted that the buyback plan and upgraded guidance were both seen as positive developments for the company.

The company's strong balance sheet and track record of delivering shareholder value were also cited as contributing factors to the positive market sentiment.

Additional Details

• The share buyback program will be completed by the end of 2025.
• Bunzl raised its interim dividend by 10% to 201 pence per share.
• The company reported a strong financial performance in the first half of 2023, with revenue and profit both increasing year-over-year.

Conclusion

WEB Bunzl plc's announcement of a share buyback plan and upgraded financial forecast has been well-received by the market, with shares in the company surging on Tuesday.

The buyback program is designed to enhance shareholder value, while the upgraded guidance provides a positive outlook for the company's future performance.

Bunzl's strong balance sheet and track record of delivering shareholder value are also supporting factors for the positive market sentiment.