Stronger revenue lifts Brambles shares

Brambles shares have jumped nearly six per cent as the logistics firm appears to have stabilised its troubled North American business, helping to lift revenue.

The company's sales revenue in the nine months to March rose four per cent from a year earlier to $US4.09 billion ($A5.41 billion), helped by new business in the US pallets unit, strong volumes in European pallets and growth in emerging markets.

On a constant currency basis, revenue was up five per cent.

Chief executive Graham Chipchase said Brambles delivered a solid performance in the third quarter of the financial year despite macroeconomic uncertainty, softer demand for fast-moving consumer goods in Southern Europe and the USA, and robust competition in most markets.

The news bolstered investor sentiment in the company, with its shares gaining 57 cents, or 5.9 per cent, to a two month high of $10.17.

Brambles issued a surprise profit warning in January and reported a 50 per cent slide in first half profit a month later, as competition and cost pressures in its North American pallets business weighed on performance.

The weak result, which has reduced the company's market value by nearly a quarter over the past three months, resulted in the company dumping the head of its North American business in March.

On Wednesday, Brambles said the US pallets business had secured a number of new contracts despite competition and ongoing price pressure, which would provide a good foundation for the next financial year.

Brambles owns 550 million pallets, crates and containers across its global operations, which are used to transport goods for customers in the grocery, beverages and retail industries.

The company has maintained its previously revised full year guidance, with revenue growth likely to be similar to the four per cent recorded in the first half.

Full year underlying profit is expected to be steady from the prior year's $US1.03 billion.