24 July
2024
RECKITT ANNOUNCES H1 RESULTS AND
STRATEGIC UPDATE
Adjusted1
|
IFRS
|
£m
|
2024 H1
|
YoY2
|
£m
|
2024 H1
|
YoY2
|
First Half
|
|
|
|
|
|
Like-for-like (LFL) net
revenue growth3
|
|
+0.8%
|
Net revenue
|
7,167
|
-3.7%
|
Hygiene
|
|
+4.5%
|
Hygiene
|
3,060
|
+0.1%
|
Health
|
|
+1.3%
|
Health
|
2,941
|
-4.3%
|
Nutrition
|
|
-9.0%
|
Nutrition
|
1,166
|
-11.4%
|
Gross profit margin
|
60.6%
|
+120bps
|
Gross profit
margin
|
60.6%
|
+120bps
|
Operating profit
|
1,683
|
-4.9%
|
Operating
profit
|
1,678
|
-4.3%
|
Operating profit (constant FX)3
|
|
+0.6%
|
|
|
|
Operating profit margin
|
23.5%
|
-30bps
|
Operating profit
margin
|
23.4%
|
-20bps
|
Diluted EPS
|
161.3p
|
-6.8%
|
Diluted
EPS
|
161.0p
|
-6.8%
|
Free cash flow
|
821
|
+8.3%
|
Cash generated from
operating activities
|
982
|
+5.0%
|
Cash returns to
shareholders4
|
1,583
|
+100%
|
|
|
|
Q2
|
|
|
|
|
|
LFL net revenue growth
|
|
0.0%
|
Net
revenue
|
3,430
|
-2.8%
|
1.
Adjusted measures are defined on page 24.
2. All
growth rates are presented on an actual basis, except for LFL net
revenue growth and where separately noted.
3. LFL net
revenue and adjusted operating profit growth is measured on a
constant exchange rate basis (see page 24).
4.
Cash returns to shareholders represents dividends paid during the
period plus cash returned to shareholders through share
buybacks.
Commenting on the results, Kris Licht,
Chief Executive Officer, said:
"Today I am pleased to announce a set of actions to
significantly sharpen our portfolio and simplify our organisation
for accelerated growth and value creation. This follows a thorough
review of our portfolio against the three principles I set out in
October 2023*.
We delivered H1 broadly in line with our expectations.
Hygiene grew mid-single-digit LFL net revenue and delivered volume
growth despite a more competitive market environment. Health
delivered broad-based revenue and volume growth, reduced by
softness in seasonal OTC brands.
The investments we have made in innovation are driving growth
across our brands, and our industry-leading gross margins have
funded both increased brand investment and an attractive adjusted
operating margin. We grew free cashflow by 8% and increased cash
returns to shareholders by 100%.
Short-term disruption to our Nutrition business, which
performed above expectations in H1, due to the Mount Vernon tornado
has caused us to reduce our net revenue growth outlook for the year
to +1% to +3%. Notwithstanding this, our business remains
resilient. We expect revenue growth to accelerate in H2 and
continue to target operating profit growth ahead of net revenue
growth.
We also announce that we will further increase returns to
shareholders through an increase in our dividend and our next share
buyback programme of £1bn over the next 12
months."
*details set out in a separate RNS.
H1 Highlights:
· H1 growth and earnings
delivery broadly in line with expectations.
Group LFL net revenue growth of +0.8%.
Mid-single-digit LFL net revenue growth across
Hygiene, led by Finish and Lysol. Health delivered strong growth in
Intimate Wellness, VMS and non-seasonal OTC brands, partially
offset by declines in Mucinex and Strepsils due to a softer end to
the cold & flu season and retailer inventory destocking.
Nutrition saw stable US market share throughout the half while
continuing to rebase from high comparatives.
· Volume growth of 0.4% in our Hygiene and
Health portfolios, despite high-single digit
declines in seasonal OTC brands caused by retailer destocking
following a weaker than expected season. The balance
of Health and Hygiene Powerbrands delivered strong volume
growth.
· Group reported net revenue
decline of -3.7%. LFL growth of
+0.8% offset by FX headwinds of -4.2% and a net M&A impact of
-0.3%.
· Gross margin of 60.6%
(+120bps), reflecting carry-over
pricing, lower freight costs and a more
benign commodity price environment.
· Brand Equity Investment
(BEI) (+100bps) as we continue to
increase investment behind our brands.
· Adjusted operating profit
margin of 23.5% (-30bps). Gross
margin expansion is offset by increased BEI and fixed
costs.
· 100% increase in cash
returns to shareholders, delivered
through a first half dividend of 80.4p (+5%) and £0.8bn of shares
repurchased under the share buyback programme. Cash returns are
enabled by strong free cashflow generation of £0.8bn (+8% versus
2023 H1).
· Next share buyback programme
to commence imminently, with £1.0
billion of shares to be repurchased over the next twelve
months.
Q2 Performance:
· Like-for-like (LFL) net
revenue was flat, with volume
decline of -2.2% of and price/mix growth
of 2.2%. Health and Hygiene net revenue growth was 1.8% with volume
decline of -0.8% (volume growth of 0.3% excluding the unwind of a
2.0% net revenue and volume sell-in benefit ahead of a
SAP implementation in Brazil during Q1).
· Hygiene +1.9% LFL net
revenue growth (+3.9% excluding Brazil SAP impact).
Growth was led by Lysol and Finish.
· Health +1.7% LFL net revenue
growth. Broad-based revenue and volume growth offset by seasonal
OTC weakness and continued retailer destocking.
Growth in Intimate Wellness brands, VMS, Gaviscon
and Dettol was partially offset by Mucinex and
Strepsils.
· Nutrition -8.1% LFL net
revenue decline. Stable market shares and value share leadership in
the US while volume is rebasing
from temporary market share gains from the competitor supply issue
in prior years continues.
2024 outlook
Our 2024
outlook:
· Due
to the temporary supply disruption caused by the July 9 tornado in
Mount Vernon, Indiana, and its impact on our Nutrition business, we
are updating our Group full year LFL net revenue growth outlook to
+1% to +3% (previously +2% to +4%).
o
We now expect a low double-digit decline for
Nutrition (previously mid- to high-single-digit decline),
reflecting an assumed short-term impact to the business from the
Mount Vernon tornado.
o
We reiterate mid-single-digit growth for our Health and Hygiene portfolios,
albeit at the low end of this range reflecting a more competitive environment in developed
markets.
· Adjusted operating profit to grow ahead of net revenue growth
(no change).
Technical guidance:
· Adjusted net finance expense is expected to be
£300m to £320m. (No change).
· The
adjusted tax rate is expected to be 25-26%. (No
change).
· Capital expenditure is expected to be 3-3.5% of net revenue.
(No change).
· If
foreign exchange rates were to hold end-June 2024 closing rates for
the remainder of 2024, the estimated negative impact on 2024
Sterling net revenue would be around -3.5%, and 2024 Sterling
adjusted diluted EPS would be around -4.5% (as published on our
website).
GROUP OVERVIEW
Net
Revenue
Unaudited
|
LFL1
|
Volume
|
Price /
Mix
|
£m
|
Net
M&A
|
FX
|
IFRS
|
H1
|
+0.8%
|
-1.3%
|
+2.1%
|
7,167
|
-0.3%
|
-4.2%
|
-3.7%
|
Q2
|
0.0%
|
-2.2%
|
+2.2%
|
3,430
|
-0.2%
|
-2.6%
|
-2.8%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Adjusted measures
are defined on page 24.
Group net revenue
· Group net
revenue grew by 0.8% LFL to £7,167m, with price / mix improvements
of +2.1% and a volume decline of 1.3%. Hygiene delivered
broad-based growth of +4.5% across our brand portfolio with a
return to volume growth in the half. Health's growth of +1.3% was
led by our Intimate Wellness portfolio, partially offset by the
expected declines in seasonal OTC products from both a weak end to
the cold & flu season and retailer inventory destocking.
Nutrition declined -9.0% as the US lapped the prior year competitor
supply issue.
· Total net
revenue on an IFRS basis declined -3.7%, reflecting net M&A
impact of -0.3% and foreign exchange headwinds of -4.2%.
· 38% of our Core
Category Market Units (CMUs) held or gained share on a YoY basis
during the half (5 months to 31 May), impacted by Nutrition (14%)
which is seeing stable market share in the US this year but
continues to rebase from high prior year comparatives. Health is
43% over the same period, with improving trends, particularly in
OTC. Hygiene is 44%, impacted by a return to a more normal
promotional environment in Europe and competitive pressures in the
US. We expect a continued improving trend in our Health business
and for competitive pressures to remain in Hygiene.
· At the regional
level, our Developing Markets grew by mid-single digits across
Hygiene and Health, led by strong double-digit growth in Dettol,
Durex and VMS in China. Europe grew mid-single digit, and North
America declined, reflecting the ongoing rebasing in our Nutrition
business and weakness in seasonal OTC.
· Q2 LFL net
revenue was flat. Price / mix improvements were +2.2% and volume
declined by -2.2%. Hygiene delivered +1.9% LFL growth but both net
revenue and volumes were impacted by the reversal of a 2.0% sell-in benefit ahead of an SAP implementation
in Brazil during Q1, as previously communicated. Health delivered
+1.7% LFL net revenue growth, with broad-based revenue and volume
growth offset by seasonal OTC weakness and continued retailer destocking. US Nutrition (-8.1% LFL net revenue
decline) continues to rebase.
Group operating margins and profit
· Adjusted gross margin was 60.6%
(2023 H1: 59.4%), an increase of +120bps, driven primarily by
pricing actions, lower freight costs and a more benign commodity
price environment.
· Brand equity investment (BEI) increased by +7.9% on a
constant FX basis as we continued to invest behind innovation
launches and the long-term strength of our brands. BEI percentage
of net revenue was up +100bps to 13.3% of net revenue (2023 H1:
12.3%).
· Adjusted operating profit was £1,683m (2023 H1: £1,769m) at
an adjusted operating margin of 23.5% (2023 H1: 23.8%), -30bps
lower than prior year, with gross margin expansion offset by
increased brand equity investments and inflation-led cost base
increases.
· IFRS
operating profit was £1,678m (2023 H1: £1,754m) with an operating
profit margin of 23.4% (2023 H1:
23.6%).
EPS and dividends
· Total adjusted diluted EPS was 161.3p
(2023 H1: 173.0p), -6.8% below 2023, as an
increase in adjusted operating profit at
constant exchange rates was offset by adverse foreign exchange and
a higher adjusted effective tax rate Total
IFRS diluted EPS was 161.0p (2023 H1: 172.8p).
· Half
year dividend increased by 5% to 80.4p (2023 H1: 76.6p) per
share, in line with our
policy to deliver sustainable growth through a progressive
dividend, which in turn reflects strong free cashflow generation
and the Board's confidence in the future growth and cash generation
of the business.
Free cash
flow
· Free
cash flow was £821m (2023 H1: £758m), an +8% increase year on year.
· Net
debt ended the half at 2.2x adjusted EBITDA (2023 H1: 2.0x adjusted
EBITDA).
OPERATING SEGMENT
REVIEW
Hygiene
43% of net revenue in 2024
H1
Net
Revenue
|
LFL1
|
Volume
|
Price /
Mix
|
£m
|
Net
M&A
|
FX
|
IFRS
|
H1
2024
|
+4.5%
|
0.9%
|
+3.6%
|
3,060
|
-
|
-4.4%
|
+0.1%
|
Q2 2024
|
+1.9%
|
-1.1%
|
+3.0%
|
1,452
|
-
|
-2.9%
|
-1.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Profit
|
£m
|
Constant FX
(CER)1
|
IFRS
|
Adjusted Operating
Profit1
|
654
|
+18.6%
|
12.2%
|
Adjusted Operating Profit
Margin1 %
|
21.4%
|
|
+230bps
|
1. Adjusted measures
are defined on page 24.
Half Year
Performance
Hygiene net revenue grew +4.5% on a
LFL basis to £3,060m, with broad-based
volume growth of +0.9% and price / mix improvements of +3.6%,
driven by carry over pricing and some minor in-year pricing
actions.
44% of Core Hygiene CMUs (weighted
by net revenue) gained or held share during the first half.
Successful innovation launches and
strengthened marketing have been positive growth drivers, while
increased competitive pressures, particularly in developed markets,
had some negative impact, especially in Auto Dish.
Lysol delivered strong
high-single-digit growth in the half, led by double-digit LFL
growth in surface disinfection and bathroom hygiene. Wipes
benefitted from distribution gains, and Lysol Laundry Sanitiser
continued to drive penetration and share growth. Our recently
launched Lysol Air Sanitiser continues to successfully build a new
category with strong penetration gains as we expand our product
range.
In the Auto Dish category, Finish
delivered mid-single-digit LFL net revenue growth. We continue to
grow through premiumisation with increased household penetration of
our customer-preferred Finish thermoformed tablets, which now
account for 74% of our tablet net revenue.
We saw broad-based growth across
our other Hygiene brands, including Vanish, Mortein and Harpic,
where our 10X Advanced Harpic formulation is delivering category
share gains in India.
Adjusted operating profit was
£654m was up +18.6% on a constant FX basis and +12.2% on an actual
basis. Adjusted operating profit margin was 21.4%, up 230bps. Gross
margin expansion was offset by increased investment behind brand
building initiatives and inflation-driven fixed costs.
Second Quarter Performance
Hygiene net revenue grew +1.9% in
the quarter on a LFL basis, with volume decline of -1.1% and price
/ mix improvements of +3.0%. As communicated previously, both net
revenue and volume in the quarter were impacted by the reversal of
a 2.0% sell-in benefit ahead of an SAP implementation in Brazil
during Q1.
Net revenue growth in the quarter was driven
by growth in Lysol and Finish.
Health
41% of net revenue in 2024 H1
Net
Revenue
|
LFL1
|
Volume
|
Price /
Mix
|
£m
|
Net
M&A
|
FX
|
IFRS
|
H1
2024
|
+1.3%
|
-0.2%
|
+1.5%
|
2,941
|
-0.7%
|
-4.9%
|
-4.3%
|
Q2 2024
|
+1.7%
|
-0.4%
|
+2.1%
|
1,403
|
-0.7%
|
-2.9%
|
-1.9%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Profit
|
£m
|
Constant FX
(CER)1
|
IFRS
|
Adjusted Operating
Profit1
|
819
|
-0.8%
|
-7.1%
|
Adjusted Operating Profit
Margin1 %
|
27.8%
|
|
-90bps
|
1. Adjusted measures
are defined on page 24.
Half Year
Performance
Health net revenue grew +1.3% on a
LFL basis to £2,941m, with price / mix improvements of +1.5% and
volume decline of -0.2%. Volume performance in the half was
impacted by a slow end to the cold & flu season and associated
retailer stocking actions. Our Intimate Wellness portfolio, our VMS
franchise, Dettol and Gaviscon all delivered volume growth in H1.
43% of Core Health CMUs (weighted
by net revenue) gained or held share during the half. We are seeing
improving trends in our competitiveness. Our volume competitiveness
is strong, with over 70% of CMUs holding or gaining share YTD.
Our OTC portfolio saw a low-single
digit decline in LFL net revenue. Seasonal brands (Mucinex,
Strepsils, Delsym, Lemsip) declined, impacted by a weak end to the
cold & flu season retailer inventory movements - both inventory
rebuild comparatives from the prior year, and de-stocking actions
in the current year. This was partially offset by growth in
non-seasonal brands.
The underlying strength of our OTC
portfolio remains strong, with volume share gains on a YTD basis
and good performances from our recent innovations like Mucinex
InstaSoothe and our new Strepsils Herbal Chesty Cough product,
launched in Australia during the half.
Intimate Wellness delivered high
single-digit growth H1. Growth was broad-based across Europe and
Developing Markets. We are seeing strong market share gains across
these geographies as we benefit from improved in-store execution
actions, distribution gains and recent innovation launches. These
include Durex Fetherlite HA, our new hyaluronic acid condom with
water-based lubricant to provide a natural moisturisation
experience, which is enjoying strong consumer adoption and growth
in China, our largest market for Durex.
Dettol was flat in the half, with
volume growth mitigated by the impact of competitive pricing
actions taken in certain markets. A number of markets delivered
growth, underpinned by product innovations including our Dettol
Washing Machine Cleaner and 4-in-1 Tru-Protect Laundry Pods, and we
saw market share gains in China.
Adjusted operating profit for
Health at £819m was down -0.8% on a constant FX basis and
-7.1% on an
actual basis. Adjusted operating margin was 27.8%, a decrease
of 90bps, as gross margin expansion was
offset by increased BEI.
Second Quarter Performance
Net revenue grew by +1.7% on a LFL
basis in the quarter, with price / mix improvements of +2.1% and
volume decline of -0.4%. Growth in Intimate Wellness, Dettol, VMS
and non-seasonal OTC brands was offset by a weak end to the cold
& flu season and retailer inventory
destocking.
Nutrition
16% of net revenue in 2024 H1
Net
Revenue
|
LFL1
|
Volume
|
Price /
Mix
|
£m
|
Net
M&A
|
FX
|
IFRS
|
H1 2024
|
-9.0%
|
-9.0%
|
0.0%
|
1,166
|
-0.1%
|
-2.3%
|
-11.4%
|
Q2 2024
|
-8.1%
|
-8.6%
|
+0.5%
|
575
|
+0.4%
|
-1.5%
|
-9.2%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Profit
|
£m
|
Constant FX
(CER)1
|
IFRS
|
Adjusted Operating
Profit1
|
210
|
-29.4%
|
-30.9%
|
Adjusted Operating Profit
Margin1 %
|
18%
|
|
-510bps
|
1.
Adjusted measures are defined on page 24.
Half Year Performance
Nutrition net revenue declined
-9.0% on a LFL basis to £1,166m. Volume declined -9.0% due to the
lapping of peak market shares in the US from the competitor supply
shortage in the prior year, and category-led volume declines in
LATAM and ASEAN. Price / mix was flat, with carry over pricing
partially offset by more normalised trade conditions in the
US.
14% of Core Nutrition CMUs
(weighted by net revenue) gained or held share on a YTD basis,
impacted by the market share rebasing in the US.
US net revenue declined mid-teens
on a LFL basis in the half, with non-WIC market shares stable
during H1 but rebasing versus higher prior year comparators
reflecting the competitor supply issue at that time.
We have maintained our value market leadership
position. Our Enfamil brand remains the
number one recommended infant formula by paediatricians in the
US.
Our US business has benefitted from
temporary supply issues experienced by a private label competitor.
This has helped deliver a H1 performance above our initial
expectations.
Our Developing Markets business saw
a low-single-digit decline in LFL growth, with category-led volume
declines partially offset by growth in premium products in
ASEAN.
Adjusted operating profit for
Nutrition at £210m was down -29.4% on a constant FX basis and
-30.9% on an actual basis. Adjusted operating margin was 18.0%,
down -510bps, reflecting the year-on-year volume deleverage as we
lap the competitor supply issue in the US.
Second Quarter Performance
Nutrition net revenue declined by
-8.1% on a LFL basis in the quarter. This performance was driven by
a low-double-digit decline in North America due to lapping the
impact of the competitor supply issue in the US. We exited Q2 and
H1 with a non-WIC value market share in the high 30s.
Our US business has benefitted from temporary
supply issues experienced by a private label competitor, which
contributed to a better performance versus our expectations during
the quarter.
Other Matters
The Group
faces contingent liabilities in respect of product liability
actions filed against Mead Johnson entities relating to Necrotizing
Enterocolitis. A trial in one of these actions is currently
scheduled to begin on 30 September 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Further details on this matter can be found on page
22.
On 9 July 2024, a tornado struck
our Mount Vernon, Indiana USA warehouse which sustained significant
damage. We are working closely with all our stakeholders, including
customers and suppliers, to minimise disruption, taking into
account the inventory held by our retail partners, managing
inventory at other facilities, and leveraging our global supply
chain. Additionally, Reckitt holds comprehensive property damage
and business interruption insurance which we currently expect will
largely offset the impact on earnings.
Performance by Geography
Net
Revenue
|
LFL1
|
Volume
|
Price /
Mix
|
£m
|
Net
M&A
|
FX
|
IFRS
|
H1
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North America
|
-4.6%
|
-3.4%
|
-1.2%
|
2,321
|
-0.1%
|
-2.5%
|
-7.2%
|
Europe / ANZ
|
+3.9%
|
-1.9%
|
+5.8%
|
2,435
|
-0.1%
|
-5.0%
|
-1.2%
|
Developing Markets
|
+3.3%
|
+1.5%
|
+1.8%
|
2,411
|
-0.8%
|
-5.4%
|
-2.9%
|
Total
|
+0.8%
|
-1.3%
|
+2.1%
|
7,167
|
-0.3%
|
-4.2%
|
-3.7%
|
Q2
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North America
|
-3.6%
|
-3.1%
|
-0.5%
|
1,123
|
-0.1%
|
-0.6%
|
-4.3%
|
Europe / ANZ
|
+2.2%
|
-1.8%
|
+4.0%
|
1,137
|
0.0%
|
-2.6%
|
-0.4%
|
Developing Markets
|
+1.4%
|
-1.6%
|
+3.0%
|
1,170
|
-0.6%
|
-4.3%
|
-3.5%
|
Total
|
0.0%
|
-2.2%
|
+2.2%
|
3,430
|
-0.2%
|
-2.6%
|
-2.8%
|
1. Adjusted measures
are defined on page 24.
North America
H1 net revenue declined -4.6% on a LFL basis,
with growth in Lysol more than offset by the expected decline in
seasonal OTC brands as we lap both the prior year retailer
inventory rebuilding, and current year retailer inventory
destocking. Growth was also impacted by the continued market share
rebasing of our Nutrition business and competitive challenges to
our Air Wick and Finish brands.
Europe / ANZ
H1 net revenue grew +3.9% on a LFL basis, driven
by broad based, mid-single digit growth across both Hygiene and
non-seasonal OTC Health. Volume growth was broad-based across
Health and Hygiene brands, including Finish, Air Wick, Vanish,
Durex, Dettol and Gaviscon, offset by declines in seasonal OTC
brands.
Developing
Markets H1 net revenue grew +3.3%
on a LFL basis, led by volume growth from Dettol and Durex in South
Asia and Greater China, where ecommerce continues to be an
important driver of sales.
H1 2024 RESULTS PRESENTATION
TODAY
There will be a results presentation for
analysts and investors at 08:30 BST which will be held at the
London Stock Exchange, 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M
7LS.
To attend in person, please email your details
to ir@reckitt.com to register.
For those wishing to
follow the webcast (listen-only), please click on the link
below:
https://www.reckitt.com/investors/results-and-presentations/
Alternatively, dial
in details (listen-only) are as follows:
United
Kingdom:
0800 358 1035
All other
locations:
+44 20 3936 2999
Participant access code
011264
FURTHER INFORMATION AND
CONTACTS
Richard
Joyce /
Andrew
Orchard
+44 (0)7807
418516 / +44
(0)7408 852753
Investor Relations
Patty
O'Hayer
+44
(0)7825 755688
External Relations and Government
Affairs
FGS
Faeth
Birch
+44 (0)7768 943171
Cautionary note concerning forward-looking
statements
This announcement contains
statements with respect to the financial condition, results of
operations and business of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc and the
Reckitt group of companies (the "Group") and certain of the plans
and objectives of the Group that are forward-looking statements.
Words such as ''intends', 'targets', or the negative of these terms
and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and
their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. In particular, all statements that express forecasts,
expectations and projections with respect to future matters,
including targets for net revenue, operating margin and cost
efficiency, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are not
historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future
performance.
By their nature, forward-looking
statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to
events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future.
There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and
developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by these forward-looking statements, including many factors outside
the Group's control. Among other risks and uncertainties, the
material or principal factors which could cause actual results to
differ materially are: the general economic, business, political,
geopolitical and social conditions in the key markets in which the
Group operates; the Group's ability to innovate and remain
competitive; the Group's investment choices in its portfolio
management; the ability of the Group to address existing and
emerging environmental and social risks and opportunities; the
ability of the Group to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters,
including changes thereto; the reliability of the Group's
technological infrastructure or that of third parties on which the
Group relies including the risk of cyber-attack; interruptions in
the Group's supply chain and disruptions to its production
facilities; economic volatility including increases in the cost of
labour, raw materials and commodities; the execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business
transformation projects; product safety and quality, and
the reputation of the Group's global brands; and
the recruitment and retention of key management.
These forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required
by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims
any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or
revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to
reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto
or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any
such statement is based.
LEI:
5493003JFSMOJG48V108
DETAILED FINANCIAL REVIEW -
SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
The following section should be read in
conjunction with the full-year financial review from page 4 and the
alternative performance measures section from page
24.
Group operating profit
Adjusted operating profit was £1,683 million
(2023 H1: £1,769 million) at an adjusted operating margin of 23.5%,
30bps lower than the prior year (2023 H1: 23.8%). Gross Margin
improved +120bps to 60.6% driven primarily by pricing actions,
lower freight costs and a more benign commodity price environment.
These improvements were more than offset by increased BEI
investments (-100bps) to support our innovation and the long-term
strength of our brands. Fixed costs increased by 50bps as inflation
driven people costs, offset by fuel for growth
savings.
IFRS operating profit was £1,678 million (2023
H1: £1,754 million) at an IFRS operating margin of 23.4% (2023 H1:
23.6%).
Net finance expense
Adjusted net finance expense was £147 million
(2023 H1: £105 million). Adjusted net finance expense in 2023
benefited from foreign exchange gains of around £30 million on
certain financing liabilities, as expected did not recur. The
remaining increase was due to higher average interest rates on debt
as long-dated fixed rate debt is refinanced, and lower level of
short-term debt.
IFRS net finance expense was £160 million (2023
H1: £116 million).
Tax
The adjusted effective tax rate (ETR) was
25.4% (2023 H1: 24.7%). The 2024 ETR was
higher due to increased tax rates in some countries. This was
offset by 2024 ETR benefiting from a higher level of reassessment
of uncertain tax positions following progress on and conclusions of
tax authority audits.
The IFRS tax rate was 24.6% (2023 H1:
24.1%).
Earnings per share (EPS)
Adjusted diluted EPS was 161.3 pence (2023 H1:
173.0 pence), a decrease of 6.8% as higher adjusted operating
profit at constant exchange rates and reduction in number of shares
due to the share buyback was more than offset by adverse foreign
exchange and a higher adjusted interest costs.
IFRS diluted EPS was 161.0 pence (2023 H1: 172.8
pence).
Balance sheet
At 30 June 2024, the Group had total equity of
£8,091 million (31 December 2023: £8,469 million).
Current assets of £4,885 million (31 December
2023: £5,302 million) decreased by £417 million including cash and
cash equivalents that fell by £401 million. This group held
additional surplus at December 2023 to help fund the ongoing share
buyback programme that completed on 2 July 2024.
Current liabilities of £7,042 million (31
December 2023: £8,338 million) decreased by £1,296 million. The
decrease principally relates to repayment of £1,571 million of
bonds due in June 2024, lower trade and other payables and lower
share buyback liability as the existing programme completed in July
2024. This was offset by new commercial paper borrowing.
Non-current assets of £21,523 million (31
December 2023: £21,834 million) primarily comprise goodwill and
other intangible assets of £18,420 million (31 December 2023:
£18,588 million) and property, plant and equipment. The decrease in
goodwill and other intangible assets of £168 million is
predominantly due to the strengthening of sterling reducing the
value of foreign currency denominated assets.
Non-current liabilities of £11,275 million (31
December 2023: £10,329 million) increased by £946 million
principally due to the issue of new bonds which were used to
finance the repayment of existing bonds due in June
2024.
Net working capital
During the year, net working capital decreased
by £449 million to negative £1,030 million. Net working capital as
a percentage of 12-month net revenue is -7% (31 December 2023:
-10%, 30 June 2023: -7%) mainly due to lower payables from the
timing of annual variable compensation payments and higher
receivables due to the timing of sales in Q2 2024 vs Q4
2023.
Cash flow
|
30
Jun
2024
£m
|
30
Jun
2023
£m
|
Adjusted operating
profit
|
1,683
|
1,769
|
Depreciation,
share-based payments and gain on disposal of fixed assets (net of
proceeds)
|
268
|
264
|
Capital
expenditure
|
(169)
|
(189)
|
Movement in working
capital and provisions
|
(503)
|
(451)
|
Cash flow in relation
to adjusting items
|
(16)
|
(44)
|
Interest paid,
net
|
(101)
|
(121)
|
Tax paid
|
(341)
|
(470)
|
Free cash flow
|
821
|
758
|
Free cash flow
conversion
|
72%
|
61%
|
Free cash flow (FCF) is the amount of cash
generated from continuing operating activities after net capital
expenditure on property, plant and equipment and intangible
software assets. Free cash flow reflects cash flows that could be
used for payment of dividends, repayment of debt or to fund
acquisitions or other strategic objectives.
Free cash flow of £821m increased by £63m or
8.3% as lower cash profits were offset by lower tax paid. Free cash
flow conversion improved by 11 percentage points to 72% mainly due
to lower tax paid.
Net cash generated from operating activities
increased by £47 million to £982 million (2023 H1: £935
million).
Net debt
|
30
Jun
2024
|
30
Jun
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Opening net
debt
|
(7,290)
|
(7,984)
|
Free cash
flow
|
821
|
758
|
Share
buyback
|
(763)
|
-
|
Purchase of ordinary
shares by employee share ownership trust
|
(2)
|
-
|
Treasury shares
reissued
|
2
|
33
|
Acquisitions,
disposals and purchase of investments
|
56
|
(1)
|
Dividends paid to
owners of the parent company
|
(820)
|
(790)
|
Dividends paid to
non-controlling interests
|
-
|
(4)
|
Acquisition of
non-controlling interest
|
(17)
|
-
|
New lease liabilities
in the period
|
(23)
|
(21)
|
Exchange and other
movements
|
(47)
|
103
|
Cash flow
attributable to discontinued operations
|
(1)
|
(8)
|
Closing net debt
|
(8,084)
|
(7,914)
|
At 30 June 2024, net debt was £8,084 million, an
increase of £794 million from 31 December 2023, as continued strong
free cash flow has enabled higher capital returns through dividends
(£820 million) and the new share buy-back program (£763 million).
Net debt was 2.2x adjusted EBITDA at 30 June 2024 (31 December
2023: 1.9x).
The Group regularly reviews its banking
arrangements and currently has adequate facilities available to it.
The Group has committed borrowing facilities totalling £4,750
million (31 December 2023: £4,500 million), £4,700 million of which
expire after more than two years, which are undrawn at period end.
The Group remains compliant with its banking covenants. The
committed borrowing facilities, together with cash and cash
equivalents, are considered sufficient to meet the Group's
projected cash requirements.
Dividends
The Board of Directors recommends an interim
2024 dividend of 80.4 pence (2023 H1: 76.6 pence). The ex-dividend
date will be 1 August 2024 and the dividend will be paid on 13
September 2024 to shareholders on the register at the record date
of 2 August 2024.
Capital returns policy
Reckitt has consistently communicated its
intention to use its strong cash flow for the benefit of
shareholders. Our priority remains to reinvest our financial
resources back into the business, including through value-adding
acquisitions, in order to deliver sustainable growth in net revenue
and improving earnings per share over time.
In managing the balance sheet, we intend to
maintain key financial ratios in line with those expected of
an A-grade credit-rated business. This will broadly define
acceptable levels of leverage over time. As we reduce leverage we
will return surplus cash to shareholders as appropriate. In October
2023, our strong free cash flow generation and healthy balance
sheet enabled us to announce a £1 billion share buy-back programme
which completed in June 2024. On 24 July 2024, the Group will
announce a follow-on buy-back programme of £1 billion over the next
twelve months.
Growing the dividend is a long-term goal of the
business. The Board's dividend policy aims to deliver sustainable
dividend growth in future years, subject to any significant
internal or external factors. Accordingly, the 2024 interim
dividend was increased by 5% in line with this
objective.
Half Year Condensed Financial Statements
Group Income
Statement
For the six months ended 30 June
2024
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
Note
|
30 June
2024
£m
|
30
June
2023
£m
|
|
Net
Revenue
|
|
7,167
|
7,446
|
|
Cost of
sales
|
|
(2,826)
|
(3,022)
|
|
Gross
profit
|
|
4,341
|
4,424
|
|
Net
operating expenses
|
|
(2,663)
|
(2,670)
|
|
Operating
profit
|
|
1,678
|
1,754
|
|
Finance
income
|
5
|
34
|
42
|
|
Finance
expense
|
5
|
(194)
|
(158)
|
|
Profit
before income
tax
|
|
1,518
|
1,638
|
|
Income
tax charge
|
6
|
(374)
|
(395)
|
|
Net
profit from continuing
operations
|
|
1,144
|
1,243
|
|
Net profit from discontinued
operations
|
|
-
|
9
|
|
Net
profit
|
|
1,144
|
1,252
|
|
Attributable to non-controlling interests
|
|
2
|
11
|
|
Attributable to owners of the parent company
|
|
1,142
|
1,241
|
|
Net profit
|
|
1,144
|
1,252
|
|
Basic
earnings per ordinary
share
|
|
|
|
|
From
continuing operations (pence)
|
7
|
161.3
|
172.0
|
|
From
discontinued operations (pence)
|
7
|
-
|
1.2
|
|
From
total operations (pence)
|
|
161.3
|
173.2
|
|
Diluted
earnings per ordinary
share
|
|
|
|
|
From
continuing operations (pence)
|
7
|
161.0
|
171.6
|
|
From
discontinued operations (pence)
|
7
|
-
|
1.2
|
|
From
total operations (pence)
|
|
161.0
|
172.8
|
|
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the six months ended 30 June 2024
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
|
30 June
2024
£m
|
30
June
2023
£m
|
Net profit
|
|
1,144
|
1,252
|
Other comprehensive
(expense)
|
|
|
|
Items that are or may be
reclassified to income statement in subsequent
years
|
|
|
|
Net
exchange (losses) on foreign currency translation, net of
tax
|
|
(270)
|
(689)
|
Gains on
net investment hedges, net of tax
|
|
43
|
62
|
Gains on
cash flow hedges, net of tax
|
|
9
|
22
|
Reclassification of foreign currency translation reserves on
disposal or liquidation
of
foreign operations, net of tax
|
|
(11)
|
-
|
|
|
(229)
|
(605)
|
Items that will not be
reclassified to income statement in subsequent
years
|
|
|
|
Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans, net of
tax
|
|
(13)
|
(10)
|
Revaluation of equity instruments - FVOCI
|
|
4
|
(2)
|
|
|
(9)
|
(12)
|
Other comprehensive
(expense), net of tax
|
|
(238)
|
(617)
|
Total
comprehensive income
|
|
906
|
635
|
Attributable to non-controlling interests
|
|
2
|
9
|
Attributable to owners of the parent company
|
|
904
|
626
|
Total
comprehensive income
|
|
906
|
635
|
Total
comprehensive income
attributable to
owners of the parent company
arising from:
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations
|
|
906
|
617
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
-
|
9
|
|
|
906
|
626
|
Group Balance Sheet
As at 30 June 2024
|
Note
|
30 June
2024
£m
|
31
December
2023
£m
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
Non-current
assets
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
and other intangible assets
|
|
18,420
|
18,588
|
Property,
plant and equipment
|
|
2,328
|
2,399
|
Equity
instruments
|
|
128
|
118
|
Deferred
tax assets
|
|
259
|
287
|
Retirement benefit surplus
|
|
267
|
270
|
Other
non-current receivables
|
|
121
|
172
|
Total non-current
assets
|
|
21,523
|
21,834
|
Current
assets
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
1,581
|
1,637
|
Trade and
other receivables
|
|
2,182
|
2,062
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
12
|
61
|
64
|
Current
tax recoverable
|
|
71
|
80
|
Cash and
cash equivalents
|
|
986
|
1,387
|
Assets
held for sale
|
|
4
|
72
|
Total current
assets
|
|
4,885
|
5,302
|
Total
assets
|
|
26,408
|
27,136
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
|
Short-term borrowings
|
8
|
(1,071)
|
(1,679)
|
Provisions for liabilities and charges
|
|
(112)
|
(142)
|
Trade and
other payables
|
|
(5,115)
|
(5,506)
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
12
|
(57)
|
(78)
|
Share
repurchase liability
|
|
(36)
|
(296)
|
Current
tax liabilities
|
|
(651)
|
(620)
|
Liabilities held for sale
|
|
-
|
(17)
|
Total current
liabilities
|
|
(7,042)
|
(8,338)
|
Non-current
liabilities
|
|
|
|
Long-term
borrowings
|
8
|
(7,825)
|
(6,858)
|
Deferred
tax liabilities
|
|
(2,882)
|
(2,899)
|
Retirement benefit obligations
|
|
(232)
|
(233)
|
Provisions for liabilities and charges
|
|
(54)
|
(57)
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
12
|
(208)
|
(187)
|
Non-current tax liabilities
|
|
-
|
(28)
|
Other
non-current liabilities
|
|
(74)
|
(67)
|
Total non-current
liabilities
|
|
(11,275)
|
(10,329)
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
(18,317)
|
(18,667)
|
Net assets
|
|
8,091
|
8,469
|
EQUITY
|
|
|
|
Capital and
reserves
|
|
|
|
Share
capital
|
9
|
74
|
74
|
Share
premium
|
|
254
|
254
|
Merger
reserve
|
|
(14,229)
|
(14,229)
|
Other
reserves
|
|
(1,289)
|
(1,060)
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
23,258
|
23,409
|
Attributable to owners of the parent company
|
|
8,068
|
8,448
|
Attributable to non-controlling interests
|
|
23
|
21
|
Total
equity
|
|
8,091
|
8,469
|
Group Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six months ended 30 June 2024
|
|
|
Share
capital
£m
|
Share
premium
£m
|
Merger
reserves
£m
|
Other
reserves
£m
|
Retained
earnings
£m
|
Total attributable to owners
of the parent company
£m
|
Non-
controlling
interests
£m
|
Total
equity
£m
|
|
Balance
at 1 January 2023
|
|
|
74
|
254
|
(14,229)
|
(294)
|
23,638
|
9,443
|
40
|
9,483
|
|
Net
profit
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,241
|
1,241
|
11
|
1,252
|
|
Other
comprehensive income
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(603)
|
(12)
|
(615)
|
(2)
|
(617)
|
|
Total
comprehensive income
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(603)
|
1,229
|
626
|
9
|
635
|
|
Transactions with owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury
shares re-issued
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
33
|
33
|
-
|
33
|
|
Share-based payments
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
41
|
41
|
-
|
41
|
|
Cash
dividends
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(790)
|
(790)
|
(4)
|
(794)
|
|
Forward
purchase of shares held by non-controlling interest
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(166)
|
(166)
|
(24)
|
(190)
|
|
Total
transactions with owners
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(882)
|
(882)
|
(28)
|
(910)
|
|
Balance
at 30 June 2023
|
|
|
74
|
254
|
(14,229)
|
(897)
|
23,985
|
9,187
|
21
|
9,208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at 1 January
2024
|
|
|
74
|
254
|
(14,229)
|
(1,060)
|
23,409
|
8,448
|
21
|
8,469
|
|
Net profit
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,142
|
1,142
|
2
|
1,144
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(229)
|
(9)
|
(238)
|
-
|
(238)
|
Total comprehensive
income
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(229)
|
1,133
|
904
|
2
|
906
|
Transactions with
owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury shares
reissued
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
Purchase of ordinary shares
by employee share ownership trust
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2)
|
(2)
|
-
|
(2)
|
Repurchase of ordinary
shares
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(503)
|
(503)
|
-
|
(503)
|
Share-based
payments
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
39
|
39
|
-
|
39
|
Cash
dividends
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(820)
|
(820)
|
-
|
(820)
|
Total transactions with
owners
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,284)
|
(1,284)
|
-
|
(1,284)
|
Balance at 30 June
2024
|
|
|
74
|
254
|
(14,229)
|
(1,289)
|
23,258
|
8,068
|
23
|
8,091
|
Group Cash Flow Statement
For the six months ended 30 June 2024
|
|
Six
months ended
|
|
Note
|
30 June
2024
£m
|
30
June
2023
£m
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Profit
before tax
|
|
1,518
|
1,638
|
|
Net
finance expense
|
|
160
|
116
|
|
Operating profit from continuing operations
|
|
1,678
|
1,754
|
|
Profit on sale of property, plant
and equipment and intangible assets
|
|
(2)
|
(2)
|
|
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
|
|
237
|
234
|
|
Share-based payments
|
|
39
|
41
|
|
Decrease
in inventories
|
|
27
|
94
|
|
Increase in trade and other
receivables
|
|
(180)
|
(163)
|
|
Decrease
in payables and provisions
|
|
(374)
|
(424)
|
|
Cash generated from
continuing operations
|
|
1,425
|
1,534
|
|
Interest
paid
|
|
(136)
|
(138)
|
|
Interest
received
|
|
35
|
17
|
|
Tax
paid
|
|
(341)
|
(470)
|
|
Net cash
flows attributable to discontinued operations
|
|
(1)
|
(8)
|
|
Net cash generated from
operating activities
|
|
982
|
935
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase
of property, plant and equipment
|
|
(126)
|
(144)
|
|
Purchase
of intangible assets
|
|
(43)
|
(45)
|
|
Proceeds
from sale of property, plant and equipment
|
|
7
|
4
|
|
Proceeds
from sale of intangible assets and related businesses, net of cash
disposed
|
|
58
|
-
|
|
Other
investing activities
|
|
(2)
|
(1)
|
|
Net cash (used in) investing
activities
|
|
(106)
|
(186)
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury
shares re-issued
|
9
|
2
|
33
|
|
Purchase
of ordinary shares by employee share ownership trust
|
|
(2)
|
-
|
|
Repurchase of ordinary shares
|
|
(763)
|
-
|
|
Proceeds
from borrowings
|
|
2,017
|
975
|
|
Repayment
of borrowings
|
|
(1,636)
|
(921)
|
|
Dividends
paid to owners of the parent company
|
10
|
(820)
|
(790)
|
|
Dividends
paid to non-controlling interests
|
|
-
|
(4)
|
|
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
|
|
(17)
|
-
|
|
Other
financing activities
|
|
(19)
|
(58)
|
|
Net cash used in financing
activities
|
|
(1,238)
|
(765)
|
|
Net decrease in cash and
cash equivalents
|
|
(362)
|
(16)
|
|
Cash and
cash equivalents at beginning of the year
|
|
1,380
|
1,156
|
|
Exchange
(losses)
|
|
(35)
|
(114)
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of the year
|
|
983
|
1,026
|
|
Cash and
cash equivalents comprise:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and
cash equivalents per the balance sheet1
|
|
986
|
1,027
|
|
Overdrafts
|
|
(3)
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
983
|
1,026
|
|
1 Included within Cash and
cash equivalents is £145 million of cash (31 December 2023: £229
million) which is restricted for
use by the group but is available on demand and freely available
for use within the relevant
subsidiary.
Notes to the condensed financial statements
1. General
Information
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (the
'Company') is a public limited company listed on the London Stock
Exchange and incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom (UK).
The address of its registered office is 103-105 Bath Road, Slough,
Berkshire SL1 3UH. These condensed consolidated interim Financial
Statements ('Half Year Condensed Financial Statements') as at and
for the six months ended 30 June 2024 report the consolidated
results and financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries
(together referred to as 'the Group').
The Half Year Condensed Financial
Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 24 July 2024
and have been reviewed by our independent auditor KPMG LLP (see
page 29).
2. Basis of
Preparation
The Half Year Condensed Financial
Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim
Financial Reporting as adopted for use in the UK.
The annual Financial Statements of
the Group are prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international
accounting standards and in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB). As required by the Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority,
this condensed set of Financial Statements has been prepared
applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied
in the preparation of the Group's published consolidated Financial
Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 except as disclosed
below in Note 3 Accounting Policies and Estimates.
The comparative figures for the
financial year ended 31 December 2023 are not the Group's statutory
accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported
on by the Group's auditor and approved by the Board of Directors on
21 March 2024 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The
report of the auditor on those accounts was unqualified and did not
contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies
Act 2006. The report of the auditor included reference to a matter
which the auditor drew attention to by way of emphasis without
qualifying their report as follows in relation to the uncertain
outcome of NEC litigation:
"We draw attention to notes 9, 20
and 33 which disclose that the Group is subject to product
liability actions in the United States in relation to alleged links
between one of its infant formula products and Necrotising
Enterocolitis (NEC), a gastrointestinal condition in preterm
infants. On 13 March 2024 an adverse legal ruling awarded one
plaintiff $60 million in the only trial to date. The Directors have
disclosed a contingent liability in respect of these matters, no
amounts are included within provisions and no related net cash
outflows have been included in the value in use of the related IFCN
CGU."
(See Note 11 to these Half Year
Condensed Financial Statements for further information on this
matter.)
After reviewing the Group's forecast
financial performance and financing arrangements (including £4,750
million of committed borrowing facilities remaining which were
undrawn as at 30 June 2024), the Directors consider that the Group
has adequate resources to continue operating for at least 12 months
from the date of approval of this condensed consolidated financial
information and that it is therefore appropriate to continue to
adopt the going concern basis in preparing this Half-Year
Report.
3. Accounting Policies and
Estimates
The accounting policies adopted in
the preparation of the Half Year Condensed Financial Statements are
consistent with those described on pages 160-168 of the Annual
Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.
In preparing these Half Year
Condensed Financial Statements, the significant estimates and
judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting
policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the
same as those that applied to the Group's published consolidated
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December
2023.
The following accounting standard
amendments were adopted by the Group on 1 January 2024. They have
not had a significant impact on the Half Year Condensed Financial
Statements.
· Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current
(Amendments to IAS 1)
· Non-current Liabilities with Covenants (Amendments to
IAS 1)
· Lease
Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to IFRS
16)
· Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendments to IAS 7 and
IFRS 7)
The Group
has supplier finance arrangements. Adoption of the amendments to
IAS 7 and IFRS 7 will result in the Group providing disclosures
about these arrangements in the consolidated financial statements
for the year ending 31 December 2024. There is no requirement to
provide the new disclosures in these Half
Year Condensed Financial Statements.
The
following amendments and new accounting standards are effective for
annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025. The Group has
not early adopted the amendments or new standards, where
applicable, in preparing these Half Year Condensed Financial
Statements. These amendments and new standards are not expected to
have a material impact on the Group in the current or future
reporting periods:
· Lack
of Exchangeability (Amendments to IAS 21)
· Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial
Instruments (Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7)
· IFRS
18 Presentation and Disclosures in Financial Statements
· IFRS
19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability:
Disclosures
4. Operating
Segments
The Group's operating segments
comprise of the Hygiene, Health and Nutrition business units
reflecting the way in which information is presented to and
reviewed by the Group's Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) for
the purposes of making strategic decisions and assessing group-wide
performance.
The CODM is the Group Executive
Committee. This Committee is responsible for the implementation of
strategy (approved by the Board), the management of risk (delegated
by the Board) and the review of Group operational performance and
ongoing business integration.
The Group Executive Committee
assesses the performance of these operating segments based on Net
Revenue from external customers and Adjusted Operating Profit.
Intercompany transactions between operating segments are
eliminated. Finance income and expense are not allocated to
segments, as each is managed on a centralised basis.
The segment information for the
operating segments for the periods ended 30 June 2024 and 30 June
2023 is as follows:
Six months ended 30 June
2024
|
|
Hygiene
£m
|
Health
£m
|
Nutrition
£m
|
Adjusting
items
£m
|
Total
£m
|
Net
Revenue
|
|
3,060
|
2,941
|
1,166
|
-
|
7,167
|
Operating
profit
|
|
654
|
819
|
210
|
(5)
|
1,678
|
Net finance
expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
(160)
|
Profit before income
tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,518
|
Income tax
charge
|
|
|
|
|
|
(374)
|
Net profit from continuing
operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,144
|
Six
months ended 30 June 2023
|
Hygiene
£m
|
Health
£m
|
Nutrition
£m
|
Adjusting
items
£m
|
Total
£m
|
Net
Revenue
|
3,057
|
3,073
|
1,316
|
-
|
7,446
|
Operating
profit
|
583
|
882
|
304
|
(15)
|
1,754
|
Net
finance expense
|
|
|
|
|
(116)
|
Profit
before income tax
|
|
|
|
|
1,638
|
Income
tax charge
|
|
|
|
|
(395)
|
Net
profit from continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
1,243
|
Financial information for the
Hygiene, Health and Nutrition operating segments is presented on an
adjusted basis which excludes certain cash and non-cash items.
These items have a pattern of recognition that is largely
uncorrelated with the trading performance of the business.
Financial information on an adjusted basis is consistent with how
management reviews the business for the purpose of making operating
decisions. Further detail on adjusting items is included on page
24.
5. Net finance
expense
|
30 June
2024
£m
|
30 June
2023
£m
|
Finance
income
|
34
|
42
|
Finance
expense
|
(194)
|
(158)
|
Net finance
expense
|
(160)
|
(116)
|
6. Income
Tax
Income tax is recognised based on
management's best estimate of the weighted average annual income
tax rate expected for the full financial year. The estimated
average annual tax rate, excluding the impact of adjusting items,
for the year is 25.4% (2023: 24.7%). IFRS tax rate is 24.6% (2023:
24.1%).
The higher estimated average annual
tax rate in 2024 was higher due to increased tax rates in some
countries. This was offset by 2024 estimated average annual tax
rate benefiting from a higher level of reassessment of uncertain
tax positions following progress on and conclusions of tax
authority audits.
7. Earnings per
share
|
Six
months ended
|
|
30 June
2024
pence
|
30
June
2023
pence
|
Basic
earnings per share
|
|
|
From
continuing operations
|
161.3
|
172.0
|
From
discontinued operations
|
-
|
1.2
|
Total basic earnings per
share
|
161.3
|
173.2
|
Diluted
earnings per share
|
|
|
From
continuing operations
|
161.0
|
171.6
|
From
discontinued operations
|
-
|
1.2
|
Total diluted earnings per
share
|
161.0
|
172.8
|
Basic
Basic earnings per share is
calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to owners of the
parent company from continuing operations (2024:
£1,142 million; 2023:
£1,232 million) and discontinued operations (2024: £nil; 2023:
£9 million) by
the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the
period (2024: 708.1 million; 2023: 716.5 million).
Diluted
Diluted earnings per share is
calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares
outstanding to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive
ordinary shares. The Company has the following categories of
potentially dilutive ordinary shares: Executive Share Awards
(including Executive Share Options and Executive Restricted Share
Scheme Awards) and Employee Sharesave Scheme Options. The options
only dilute earnings when they result in the issue of shares at a
value below the market price of the share and when all performance
criteria (if applicable) have been met. As at 30 June 2024, there
were 14.4 million (30 June 2023: 13.7 million) Executive Share Awards and
3.0 million (30
June 2023: 2.2 million) Employee Sharesave Scheme Options excluded
from the dilution because the exercise price for the options was
greater than the average share price for the period or the
performance criteria have not been met.
Six
months ended
|
|
30 June
2024
Average number of
shares
million
|
30
June
2023
Average
number of shares
million
|
On a
basic basis
|
708.1
|
716.5
|
Dilution
for Executive Share Awards
|
1.0
|
1.3
|
Dilution
for Employee Sharesave Scheme Options outstanding
|
0.2
|
0.3
|
On a
diluted basis
|
709.3
|
718.1
|
8. Financing
Liabilities - Borrowings
|
|
30 June
2024
£m
|
31
December
2023
£m
|
Bank
loans and overdrafts1
|
|
24
|
30
|
Commercial paper
|
|
966
|
-
|
Bonds
|
|
-
|
1,571
|
Lease
liabilities
|
|
81
|
78
|
Total short-term
borrowings
|
|
1,071
|
1,679
|
Bonds
|
|
6,290
|
5,304
|
Senior
notes
|
|
1,297
|
1,292
|
Other
non-current borrowings
|
|
12
|
13
|
Lease
liabilities
|
|
226
|
249
|
Total long-term
borrowings
|
|
7,825
|
6,858
|
Total
borrowings
|
|
8,896
|
8,537
|
Derivative financial Instruments
|
|
174
|
140
|
Less
overdrafts presented in cash and cash equivalents in the Cash Flow
Statement
|
|
(3)
|
(7)
|
Total financing
liabilities
|
|
9,067
|
8,670
|
1 Bank loans are denominated in a number of currencies, are
unsecured and bear interest based on market short-term interest
rates.
9. Share
Capital
Issued
and fully paid
|
Equity
ordinary
shares
number
|
Nominal
value
£m
|
At 31
December 2023
|
736,535,179
|
74
|
At 30 June
2024
|
736,535,179
|
74
|
At 30 June 2024, issued ordinary
shares were 736,535,179 (31 December 2023: 736,535,179), of which
37,694,086 shares were held as Treasury shares (31 December 2023:
22,506,530). All shares were fully paid.
Repurchase of ordinary shares
A share repurchase liability of
£36 million (including associated costs) has been recognised in the
balance sheet as at 30 June 2024 (31 December 2023: £296 million),
reflecting contractual obligations to purchase ordinary shares
under the £1 billion share buyback programme announced in
2023.
During the 6 months to 30 June
2024, 16,220,598 shares have been purchased at a total cost of £763
million. Repurchased ordinary shares have been included in the
treasury shares.
Allotment of ordinary shares and release of treasury
shares
During the year nil ordinary
shares (2023: nil ordinary shares) were allotted, 1,033,042
ordinary shares were released from Treasury (2023: 2,047,518) and
16,220,598 ordinary shares (2023: 3,782,835 ordinary shares) were
bought back, to satisfy vesting/exercises under the Group's various
share schemes.
In 2024, 1,033,042 Treasury shares
were released (2023: 2,047,518) and 16,220,598 ordinary shares
(2023: 3,782,835 ordinary shares) were bought back, leaving a
balance held at 30 June 2024 of 37,694,086 (2023: 22,506,530).
Proceeds received from the reissuance of Treasury shares to
exercise share options were £2 million (2023: £33
million).
10.
Dividends
A final dividend of 115.9 pence per
share (2023:110.3 pence per share) for the year ended 31 December
2023 was paid on 24 May 2024 amounting to £820 million (2023: £790
million).
On 24 July 2024, the Directors have
declared an interim dividend of 80.4 pence per share in respect of
the year ending 31 December 2024 which represents a 5% increase
year on year and will absorb an estimated £561 million of
shareholders' funds. It will be paid on 13
September 2024 to shareholders who are on
the register on 2 August
2024.
11.
Contingent Liabilities and Assets
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
(NEC)
Product
liability actions relating to NEC have been filed against certain
Group subsidiary companies, or against certain Group subsidiary
companies and Abbott Laboratories, in state and federal courts in
the United States. The actions allege injuries relating to NEC in
preterm infants. Plaintiffs contend that human milk fortifiers
(HMF) and preterm formulas containing bovine-derived ingredients
cause NEC, and that preterm infants should receive a diet of
exclusive breast milk. The Company has denied the material
allegations of the claims. It contends that its products provide
critical tools to expert neonatologists for the nutritional
management of preterm infants for whom human milk, by itself, is
not available or nutritionally sufficient. The products are used
under the supervision of medical doctors.
Any
potential costs relating to the product liability actions are not
considered probable and cannot be reliably estimated at the current
time. Given the uncertainty on the number of cases, their validity
and range of possible outcomes on each valid case, the possible
economic outflow cannot be reliably estimated, but may be
significant.
Watson
case
On 13
March 2024, a state court jury in Belleville, Illinois awarded $60
million to a mother of a child who was born prematurely and died 25
days later from Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). Reckitt believe
the allegations from the plaintiff's lawyers in this case were not
supported by the science or the experts in the medical community.
Reckitt are actively considering all options, and at this time an
economic outflow is not considered probable.
There is
a possible outcome that may be unfavourable, however, the Group may
benefit from relevant product liability insurance subject to limits
and deductibles that the Group considers to be
reasonable.
12.
Financial Instruments
The fair
value measurement hierarchy levels have been defined as
follows:
· Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical
assets or liabilities (level 1).
· Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that
are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as
prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices) (level 2). If all
significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are
observable, the instrument is included in level 2.
· Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on
observable market data (i.e., unobservable inputs) (level
3).
The following table categorises the
Group's financial assets and liabilities held at fair value by the
valuation methodology applied in determining their fair
value.
|
Level 1
£m
|
Level 2
£m
|
Level 3
£m
|
Total
£m
|
At 30 June
2024
|
|
|
|
|
Assets as per the Balance
Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative
financial instruments - FX forward exchange contracts
|
-
|
61
|
-
|
61
|
Derivative
financial instruments - Interest rate swaps1
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
7
|
Derivative
financial instruments - Cross currency interest rate
swaps1
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
11
|
Equity
instruments - FVOCI2
|
25
|
52
|
48
|
125
|
Liabilities as per the
Balance Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative
financial instruments - FX forward exchange contracts
|
-
|
(57)
|
-
|
(57)
|
Derivative
financial instruments - Interest rate swaps
|
-
|
(117)
|
-
|
(117)
|
Derivative
financial instruments - Cross currency interest rate
swaps
|
-
|
(91)
|
-
|
(91)
|
|
Level 1
£m
|
Level 2
£m
|
Level 3
£m
|
Total
£m
|
At 31 December
2023
|
|
|
|
|
Assets as per the Balance
Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative
financial instruments - FX forward exchange contracts
|
-
|
64
|
-
|
64
|
Derivative
financial instruments - Cross currency interest rate
swaps1
|
-
|
50
|
-
|
50
|
Equity
instruments - FVOCI2
|
22
|
45
|
47
|
114
|
Liabilities as per the
Balance Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative
financial instruments - FX forward exchange contracts
|
-
|
(78)
|
-
|
(78)
|
Derivative
financial instruments - Interest rate swaps
|
-
|
(115)
|
-
|
(115)
|
Derivative
financial instruments - Cross currency interest rate
swaps
|
-
|
(72)
|
-
|
(72)
|
1 Included within other non
current receivables on the balance sheet.
2 Equity instruments on
balance sheet also includes investments in associates (2024: £3m,
2023: £4m)
The fair value of forward foreign
exchange contracts was determined using forward exchange rates
derived from market sourced data at the Balance Sheet date, with
the resulting value discounted back to present value (level 2
classification). The fair value of the interest rate swap contracts
and the cross currency interest rate swaps was calculated using
discounted future cash flows at floating market rates (level 2
classification).
The fair value of equity instruments
at 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023 was determined using both
quoted share price information (level 1 classification) and
other non-market information (level 3 classification).
Except for the bonds and senior
notes, the carrying values of other financial assets and
liabilities held at amortised cost approximate their fair values.
The fair value of the bonds as at 30 June 2024 is a liability
of £6,117 million (31 December 2023: £6,788 million) and the
fair value of the senior notes as at 30 June 2024 is a liability of
£1,169 million (31 December 2023: £1,203 million). The fair value
of the bonds and senior notes was derived using quoted market rates
in an active market (level 1 classification).
13. Related Party
Transactions
There were no changes in the related
party transactions described in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts
that have had a material effect on the financial position or
performance of Reckitt either at 30 June 2024 or in the six months
to 30 June 2024.
14.
Seasonality
Demand for some of the Group's
products is subject to significant seasonal fluctuations, in
particular some cold, influenza and pest control products. The
intensity of seasons can vary from year to year with a
corresponding impact on the Group's performance.
15. Post Balance Sheet
Events
On 9 July
2024, a tornado struck our Mount Vernon, Indiana USA warehouse
which sustained significant damage. We are working closely with all
our stakeholders, including customers and suppliers, to minimise
disruption, taking into account the inventory held by our retail
partners, managing inventory at other facilities, and leveraging
our global supply chain. Additionally, Reckitt holds comprehensive
property damage and business interruption insurance which we
currently expect will largely offset the impact on
earnings.
APPENDIX: - ALTERNATIVE
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The financial information included
in this half year report
is prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as well as
information presented on an adjusted (non-IFRS) basis.
Financial information presented on
an adjusted basis excludes certain cash and non-cash items. These
items have a pattern of recognition that is largely uncorrelated
with the trading performance of the business. Management reviews
the business on this basis for the purpose of making operating
decisions and showing these adjusted measures in addition to the
IFRS measures provides useful additional information on trading
performance to the users of the financial statements. These
adjusted measures should not be considered in isolation from,
substitutes for, or superior to the financial measures prepared in
accordance with IFRS.
The following items (adjusting
items) are excluded from IFRS earnings in calculating adjusted
earnings:
· Impact of business
combinations, and similar purchases
of equity, where IFRS accounting results in the recognition of
certain costs that are not comparable with those for internally
generated assets, (although the net revenues and other costs of
these business combinations are not adjusted for):
§
Amortisation of (a) acquired brands, trademarks
and similar assets and (b) certain other intangible assets recorded
as the result of a business combination;
§
Inventory fair value adjustments;
§
Professional and advisor costs recorded as the
result of a business combination;
§
Changes in the amount of consideration paid or
expected to be paid (including changes in fair value) and
associated tax impacts; and
§
Changes to deferred tax liabilities relating to
(a) acquired brands, trademarks and similar assets and (b) certain
other intangible assets recorded as the result of a business
combination as the amortisation or profit on disposal of these
brands would be treated as an adjusting item.
· Profits or losses relating
to the sale of brands and related intangible assets
as the continued active management of our
portfolio results in the recognition of profits or losses relating
to disposals of brands and related intangible assets which are
largely uncorrelated with the trading performance of the
business.
· Re-cycled foreign exchange
translation reserves upon the sale,
liquidation, repayment of share capital or abandonment of a
subsidiary previously controlled by the Group, as the gain or loss
relates to mainly exchange movements in previous periods rather
than the current period.
· The reclassification of
finance income/(expenses) on tax balances into income tax
expense, to align with the Group's
tax guidance. As a result, the income/(expenses) are presented as
part of income tax expense on an adjusted basis.
· Other individually material
items of expense or income. Some of
these items are resolved over a period of time such that the impact
may affect more than one reporting period.
Adjusted measures
· Adjusted Operating Profit
and Adjusted Operating Profit margin: Adjusted operating profit reflects the IFRS operating profit
excluding items in line with the Group's adjusted items policy. See
page 25 for details on the adjusting items and a reconciliation
between IFRS operating profit and adjusted operating profit. The
adjusted operating profit margin is the adjusted operating profit
expressed as a percentage of net revenue.
· Adjusted tax
rate: The adjusted tax rate is
defined as the adjusted continuing income tax expense as a
percentage of adjusted profit before tax.
· Adjusted diluted
EPS: Adjusted diluted EPS is the
IFRS diluted EPS excluding items in line with the Group's adjusting
policy. See page 25 for details on the adjusting items and a
reconciliation between IFRS net profit and adjusted net profit. The
weighted average number of shares for the period is the same for
both IFRS EPS and adjusted EPS.
Other non-GAAP measures
· Like-for-Like
(LFL): Net revenue growth or
decline at constant exchange rates (see below) excluding the impact
of acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations. Disposals
include low margin manufacturing revenues which are agreed at the
time of sale of a brand or business. Completed disposals are
excluded from LFL revenue growth for the entirety of the current
and prior years. Acquisitions are included in LFL revenue growth
twelve months after the completion of the relevant acquisition. LFL
growth also excludes countries with annual inflation greater than
100% (Venezuela and Argentina).
· Constant exchange rate
(CER): Net revenue and profit
growth or decline adjusting the actual consolidated results such
that the foreign currency conversion uses the same exchange rates
as were applied in the prior period and excludes the effect of
applying hyperinflation accounting in the relevant
subsidiaries.
· Brand Equity Investment
(BEI): BEI is the marketing support
designed to capture the voice, mind and heart of our
consumers.
· Net working capital
(NWC): NWC is the total of
inventory, trade and other receivables and trade and other
payables. NWC is calculated as a % of last twelve months net
revenue to compare changes in NWC to the growth of the
business.
· Net Debt:
The Group's principal measure of net borrowings
being a total of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and
long-term borrowings, lease liabilities and derivative financial
instruments on debt.
· Free Cash Flow and Free Cash
Flow Conversion: The Group's
principal measure of cash flow defined as net cash generated from
continuing operating activities less net capital expenditure. A
reconciliation of cash generated from operations to Free Cash Flow
is shown on page 27. The Group tracks Free Cash Flow as a % of
adjusted net profit to understand the conversion of adjusted profit
into cash.
Other definitions and terms
· Category Market Unit
(CMU): Reckitt analyses its market
share by CMUs, which represent country and either brand or
category, e.g., US Lysol. This allows us to analyse the components
of market share growth taking into account both geography and brand
/ category. Management has identified those Core CMUs that are the
most strategically important. The list of Core CMUs is kept under
continual review and will change over time based on strategic
decisions. Currently, Core CMUs
cover c. 70% of
Group net revenue and between c.
64% to c.
80% of each GBU's net revenue. As
a measure of competitiveness, management tracks
the percentage of Core CMUs holding or gaining market share,
weighted by net revenue.
· Discontinued
operations: Includes credits or
charges related to the previously demerged RB Pharmaceuticals
business that became Indivior plc. Net profit from discontinued
operations is presented as a single line item in the Group Income
Statement.
The table below
reconciles the Group's IFRS measures to its adjusted measures for
the six months ended 30 June 2024.
|
|
Adjusting items
|
|
|
IFRS
|
Impact of business
combinations
|
Net gain on disposal of
brands
|
Reclassified foreign exchange
translation on liquidation of subsidiaries
|
Finance income reclass
|
Other individually material items
of income and expense
|
Adjusted
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Net
revenue
|
7,167
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7,167
|
Cost of
sales
|
(2,826)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,826)
|
Gross
profit
|
4,341
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,341
|
Net
operating expenses
|
(2,663)
|
13
|
(9)
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
(2,658)
|
Operating
profit
|
1,678
|
13
|
(9)
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1,683
|
Net
finance expense
|
(160)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
(147)
|
Profit before income
tax
|
1,518
|
13
|
(9)
|
-
|
13
|
1
|
1,536
|
Income
tax charge
|
(374)
|
(3)
|
-
|
-
|
(13)
|
-
|
(390)
|
Net profit from continuing
operations
|
1,144
|
10
|
(9)
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1,146
|
Less:
Attributable to non-controlling interests
|
(2)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2)
|
Net profit from continuing
operations attributable to owners of the parent
company
|
1,142
|
10
|
(9)
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1,144
|
Net profit for the period
from discontinued operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total net profit for the
year attributable to owners of the parent
|
1,142
|
10
|
(9)
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1,144
|
Earnings per share
(EPS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing
operations1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
161.3
|
1.5
|
(1.3)
|
-
|
-
|
0.1
|
161.6
|
Diluted
|
161.0
|
1.5
|
(1.3)
|
-
|
-
|
0.1
|
161.3
|
Discontinued
operations1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Diluted
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total
operations1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
161.3
|
1.5
|
(1.3)
|
-
|
-
|
0.1
|
161.6
|
Diluted
|
161.0
|
1.5
|
(1.3)
|
-
|
-
|
0.1
|
161.3
|
1 Earnings per share (EPS) is calculated using
708.1m shares (basic)
and 709.3m shares
(diluted)
Impact of business
combinations comprised
£13m of amortisation of
certain intangible assets recognised as a result of historical
business combinations and a £3m related deferred tax
credit.
Net gain on disposal of
brands comprise £9m profit on sale
of certain small developing market brands completed in
2024.
Reclassification of finance
expense of £13m relates to the
reclassification of interest expense on income tax balances from
net finance expense to income tax.
Other individually material
items of income and expense relates
to costs incurred in relation to the Korea HS issue.
The table below
reconciles the Group's IFRS measures to its adjusted measures for
the six months ended 30 June 2023.
|
|
Adjusting items
|
|
|
IFRS
|
Impact of business
combinations
|
Net gain on disposal of
brands
|
Reclassified foreign exchange
translation on liquidation of subsidiaries
|
Finance income reclass
|
Other individually material items
of income and expense
|
Adjusted
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Net
revenue
|
7,446
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7,446
|
Cost of
sales
|
(3,022)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(3,022)
|
Gross
profit
|
4,424
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,424
|
Net
operating expenses
|
(2,670)
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,655)
|
Operating
profit
|
1,754
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,769
|
Net
finance expense
|
(116)
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-
|
(105)
|
Profit before income
tax
|
1,638
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
1,664
|
Income
tax charge
|
(395)
|
(3)
|
(2)
|
-
|
(11)
|
-
|
(411)
|
Net profit from continuing
operations
|
1,243
|
12
|
(2)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,253
|
Less:
Attributable to non-controlling interests
|
(11)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(11)
|
Net profit from continuing
operations attributable to owners of the parent
company
|
1,232
|
12
|
(2)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,242
|
Net profit for the period
from discontinued operations
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(9)
|
-
|
Total net profit for the
year attributable to owners of the parent
|
1,241
|
12
|
(2)
|
-
|
-
|
(9)
|
1,242
|
Earnings per share
(EPS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing
operations1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
172.0
|
1.7
|
(0.3)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
173.4
|
Diluted
|
171.6
|
1.7
|
(0.3)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
173.0
|
Discontinued
operations1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
1.2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1.2)
|
-
|
Diluted
|
1.2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1.2)
|
-
|
Total
operations1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
173.2
|
1.7
|
(0.3)
|
-
|
-
|
(1.2)
|
173.4
|
Diluted
|
172.8
|
1.7
|
(0.3)
|
-
|
-
|
(1.2)
|
173.0
|
1 Earnings per share (EPS) is calculated using 716.5m shares
(basic) and 718.1m shares (diluted)
Impact of business
combinations of £15m
comprises £14m amortisation relating to
certain intangible assets recognised as a result of historical
business combinations and £1m professional costs relating to the
forward contract for the purchase of shares in RB Manon. Included
within income tax expense is a £3m tax credit in relation to the
intangible asset amortisation.
Net gain on disposal of
brands of £2m relates to tax on
brands disposed in prior years.
Reclassification of finance
expense of £11m relates to the
reclassification of interest expense on income tax balances from
net
finance
expense to income tax.
Other individually material
items of income and expense includes income from discontinued operations of £9 million
which relates to the DoJ settlement in 2019.
Calculation of Alternative
Performance Measures
Reconciliation of IFRS to
Like-for-Like Net Revenue (by GBU)
|
For the quarter to 30
June
|
|
For the half-year to 30
June
|
Net Revenue
|
Hygiene
£m
|
Health
£m
|
Nutrition
£m
|
Group
£m
|
|
Hygiene
£m
|
Health
£m
|
Nutrition
£m
|
Group
£m
|
|
2023
IFRS
|
1,466
|
1,430
|
633
|
3,529
|
|
3,057
|
3,073
|
1,316
|
7,446
|
|
M&A
|
-
|
(12)
|
(5)
|
(17)
|
|
-
|
(38)
|
(11)
|
(49)
|
|
Exchange
|
(10)
|
1
|
3
|
(6)
|
|
(66)
|
(59)
|
(9)
|
(134)
|
|
2023
Like-for-like
|
1,456
|
1,419
|
631
|
3,506
|
|
2,991
|
2,976
|
1,296
|
7,263
|
|
2024
IFRS
|
1,452
|
1,403
|
575
|
3,430
|
|
3,060
|
2,941
|
1,166
|
7,167
|
|
M&A
|
-
|
(3)
|
(5)
|
(8)
|
|
-
|
(16)
|
(6)
|
(22)
|
|
Exchange
|
31
|
43
|
10
|
84
|
|
67
|
90
|
19
|
176
|
|
2024
Like-for-like
|
1,483
|
1,443
|
580
|
3,506
|
|
3,127
|
3,015
|
1,179
|
7,321
|
|
Like-for-like
growth
|
1.9%
|
1.7%
|
-8.1%
|
0.0%
|
|
4.5%
|
1.3%
|
-9.0%
|
0.8%
|
|
Reconciliation of IFRS to
Like-for-Like Net Revenue (by Geography)
|
For the quarter to 30
June
|
|
For the half-year to 30
June
|
Net Revenue
|
North
America
£m
|
Europe/
ANZ
£m
|
Developing
Markets
£m
|
Group
£m
|
|
North
America
£m
|
Europe/
ANZ
£m
|
Developing
Markets
£m
|
Group
£m
|
2023
IFRS
|
1,174
|
1,142
|
1,213
|
3,529
|
|
2,500
|
2,464
|
2,482
|
7,446
|
M&A
|
(5)
|
(3)
|
(9)
|
(17)
|
|
(9)
|
(6)
|
(34)
|
(49)
|
Exchange
|
11
|
(1)
|
(16)
|
(6)
|
|
(20)
|
(50)
|
(64)
|
(134)
|
2023
Like-for-like
|
1,180
|
1,138
|
1,188
|
3,506
|
|
2,471
|
2,408
|
2,384
|
7,263
|
2024
IFRS
|
1,123
|
1,137
|
1,170
|
3,430
|
|
2,321
|
2,435
|
2,411
|
7,167
|
M&A
|
(4)
|
(3)
|
(1)
|
(8)
|
|
(5)
|
(4)
|
(13)
|
(22)
|
Exchange
|
19
|
29
|
36
|
84
|
|
42
|
70
|
64
|
176
|
2024
Like-for-like
|
1,138
|
1,163
|
1,205
|
3,506
|
|
2,358
|
2,501
|
2,462
|
7,321
|
Like-for-like
growth
|
-3.6%
|
2.2%
|
1.4%
|
0.0%
|
|
-4.6%
|
3.9%
|
3.3%
|
0.8%
|
Reconciliation of operating
cash flow to free cash flow
|
30 June
2024
|
30 June
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Cash
generated from continuing operations
|
1,425
|
1,534
|
Less:
interest paid
|
(101)
|
(121)
|
Less: tax
paid
|
(341)
|
(470)
|
Less:
purchase of PP&E
|
(126)
|
(144)
|
Less:
purchase of intangible assets
|
(43)
|
(45)
|
Plus:
proceeds from the sale of PP&E
|
7
|
4
|
Free cash
flow
|
821
|
758
|
Free cash flow
conversion
|
72%
|
61%
|
12 months Adjusted EBITDA to
Net Debt
|
12 m/e 30
Jun
2024
|
12 m/e 30
June
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Operating
profit
|
2,455
|
3,258
|
Less:
adjusting items
|
832
|
185
|
Adjusted operating
profit
|
3,287
|
3,443
|
Less:
adjusted depreciation & amortisation
|
449
|
430
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
3,736
|
3,873
|
Net Debt
|
|
|
|
30 June
2024
|
30 June
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Cash and
cash equivalents (inc. overdrafts)
|
983
|
1,026
|
Financing
liabilities
|
(9,067)
|
(8,940)
|
Net
debt
|
(8,084)
|
(7,914)
|
Adjusted EBITDA / Net debt
(times)
|
2.2x
|
2.0x
|
Net Working
Capital
|
30 June
|
31
Dec
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Inventories
|
1,581
|
1,637
|
Trade and
other receivables
|
2,182
|
2,062
|
Trade and
other payables
|
(5,115)
|
(5,506)
|
Less:
Forward purchase liability
|
141
|
158
|
Less:
Interest accrued on tax balances
|
133
|
122
|
Less:
Indemnity provisions for disposed
businesses
|
48
|
48
|
Net working
capital
|
(1,030)
|
(1,479)
|
Net working capital as
percentage of 12-month net revenue
|
(7%)
|
(10%)
|
We
confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
· the condensed set
of Financial Statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34
Interim Financial Reporting as adopted for use in the
UK.
· the interim
management report includes a fair review of the information
required by:
DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that
have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and
their impact on the condensed set of Financial Statements; and a
description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months of the year; and
DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have
taken place in the first six months of the current financial year
and that have materially affected the financial position or
performance of the entity during that period; and any changes in
the related party transactions described in the last annual report
that could do so.
The
Directors of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc are listed in the Reckitt
Benckiser Group plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended
31 December 2023. A list of current Directors is maintained on the
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc website: www.reckitt.com.
By order
of the Board
Kris
Licht
Chief
Executive Officer
Shannon
Eisenhardt
Chief
Financial Officer
24 July
2024
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO RECKITT BENCKISER GROUP
PLC
Conclusion
We have been engaged by Reckitt
Benckiser Group plc ("the Company") to review the condensed set of
financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the
six months ended 30 June 2024 which comprises the condensed Group
Balance Sheet, Group Income Statement, Group Statement of
Comprehensive Income, Group Statement of Changes in Equity and
Group Cash Flow Statement and the related explanatory
notes.
Based on our review, nothing has
come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed
set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for
the six months ended 30 June 2024 is not prepared, in all material
respects, in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted
for use in the UK and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules ("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority ("the UK
FCA").
Basis for conclusion
We conducted our review in
accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK)
2410 Review of Interim Financial
Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the
Entity ("ISRE (UK) 2410") issued for use in the UK. A review
of interim financial information consists of making enquiries,
primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. We
read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial
report and consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements
or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed
set of financial statements.
A review is substantially less in
scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International
Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to
obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant
matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do
not express an audit opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
Based on our review procedures,
which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as
described in the Basis of Conclusion section of this report,
nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that
the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis
of accounting, or that the directors have identified material
uncertainties relating to going concern that have not been
appropriately disclosed.
This conclusion is based on the
review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410.
However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease
to continue as a going concern, and the above conclusions are not a
guarantee that the Group will continue in operation.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is
the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The
directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial
report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual
financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with
UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
The directors are responsible for
preparing the condensed set of financial statements included in the
half-yearly financial report in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted
for use in the UK.
In preparing the condensed set of
financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing
the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as
applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going
concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to
liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic
alternative but to do so.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to
the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial
statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.
Our conclusion, including our conclusions relating to going
concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit
procedures, as described in the Basis for conclusion section of
this report.
The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our
responsibilities
This report is made solely to the
Company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist
the Company in meeting the requirements of the DTR of the UK FCA.
Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the
Company those matters we are required to state to it in this report
and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law,
we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the
Company for our review work, for this report, or for the
conclusions we have reached.
Andrew Bradshaw
for and on behalf of KPMG
LLP
Chartered Accountants
15 Canada Square,
Canary Wharf,
London E14 5GL
24 July 2024