Rentokil Initial reports 'good start' to FY26, Q1 revenues up 4.3pc

(Sharecast News) - Pest control and business services firm Rentokil Initial reported a solid start to the year on Thursday, with first‑quarter group revenues rising 4.3% to $1.68bn, supported by 3.4% organic growth. Rentokil said its North America division delivered a strong performance, with revenue up 4.5% to $995m and organic growth of 3.9%, while its tnternational segment generated $682m in revenues, an increase of 4.1% year-on-year, with organic growth of 2.8% despite pockets of regional pressure.

Pest control organic revenues grew 3.7%, with 4.1% growth in North America and 2.8% growth in international, while hygiene and wellbeing organic revenues grew by 2.1%, with 2.7% in international offsetting a decline of 2.7% in North America.

The FTSE 100-listed company also noted that it had continued its bolt‑on M&A strategy in Q1, completing nine deals during the period that added $19m in annualised revenues.

Looking forward, Rentokil said it remains confident in its ability to deliver a full‑year performance in line with market expectations, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Chief executive Mike Duffy said: "We have made a good start to the year in a seasonally quieter first quarter, with continued momentum in North America and solid progress across our International businesses.

"While geopolitical events, as previously noted, continue to create some uncertainty, the progress we report today gives us confidence in delivering a full year performance in line with market expectations."

As of 0835 BST, Rentokil shares were up 1.10% at 495.30p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

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