Rentokil Initial backs annual outlook despite Middle East uncertainty
Rentokil Initial PLC on Thursday reported continued momentum in the first quarter of 2026 despite slightly lower than forecast growth in the key North America Pest Control Services unit.
The Crawley, England-based pest control services company said group revenue rose 7.8% to $1.68 billion in the first quarter from $1.56 billion the year prior, or by 4.3% at constant currency. Organic growth was 3.4%.
Visible Alpha consensus forecast revenue of $1.67 billion and organic growth of 3.6%.
Organic revenue growth represents the growth in revenue at constant currency excluding the effect of businesses acquired during the year.
Revenue in the North America division increased 4.6% to $995 million from $951 million last year, or by 4.5% at constant currency. Organic growth was 3.9%, beating VA consensus for 3.6%.
International revenue grew 13% to $682 million from $605 million a year ago, or by 4.1% at constant currency. Organic growth was
2.8%.
Group Pest Control organic revenue growth was 3.7%, with 4.1% growth in North America and 2.8% growth in International.
The important North America Pest Control Services business delivered organic growth of 2.8%, up from 2.6% in the prior quarter, but below VA consensus of 3.4%.
Hygiene & Wellbeing organic revenue grew by 2.1%, with 2.7% growth in International and a decline of 2.7% in North America, impacted by a later phasing of construction timelines.
Chief Executive Mike Duffy, who started the role in March, 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.’
The progress seen in the quarter ‘gives us confidence in delivering a full year performance in line with market expectations,’ Duffy added, while noting the Middle East crisis.
Shares in Rentokil Initial were down 1.2% at 494.40 pence each in London on Thursday morning but has risen 48% in the past 12 months.
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