Bunzl (LSE: BNZL) has issued a series of encouraging statements this year.
Bunzl (LSE: BNZL) has advanced 24% to 1,099p so far during 2012, making the share one of this year's best performers in the FTSE 100 (UKX).
The company, which supplies a wide range of day-to-day items such as supermarket plastic bags, restaurant napkins and hospital aprons, seems to have impressed investors with a series of encouraging statements.
During February, Bunzl issued its annual results. Revenues were up 7%, at £5,109 million, while operating profits rose 10% to £336 million. Adjusted earnings per share grew by 13%, to 68.5p, and the company increased its dividend by 13%, to 26.35p per share.
During June, in a trading statement, Bunzl reported that overall trading had been "consistent with expectations", with revenues expected to grow by 7%, aided in part by acquisitions. The firm also said it had seen a slight improvement to its operating margin.
Then in August, Bunzl's half-year results showed revenues had grown by the anticipated 7%, to £2,612 million, while pre-tax profits had advanced 8% to £152 million. Adjusted earnings per share grew by 6%, to 26.5p, and Bunzl's track record of dividend growth continued with an increase of 9%, to 8.8p per share.
Michael Roney, Bunzl's chief executive, commented:
"Even though we have continued to face a challenging marketplace, I am pleased to report another strong set of results. Once again our established strategy of developing the business both organically and through targeted acquisitions has delivered good growth in revenue, profits and earnings.
"Looking forward, we believe that Bunzl's strong competitive position and resilient customer sectors, together with opportunities to consolidate further our markets as we expect to complete more acquisitions later this year, should enable the Group to show continued good growth and development."
Bunzl's next trading update will be published on 19th October, and may reveal further positive news that can impress investors.
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> Jon does not own any share mentioned in this article.
