Overview
- The group, which reported half-year results on Wednesday, posted a 4.2% like-for-like sales rise and kept full-year revenue guidance of 4–5%, sending shares up more than 5%.
- Chief executive Kris Licht said the company is pushing through moderate, brand-by-brand price rises that began in emerging markets and are rolling into the US, Europe and the UK.
- Reckitt warned in April that oil at $110 a barrel could cost up to £150m but now expects a reduced 2026 input-cost hit because oil prices have eased.
- Underlying operating profit fell 14.3% to £1.47bn for the six months to June 30 mainly because last year’s sale of a 70% stake in the Cillit Bang/Calgon business cut comparatives, and Reckitt says core earnings were broadly flat excluding that sale.
- The company launched a new up-to-£500m buyback after completing a £1bn repurchase, and said innovation in power brands such as Dettol is driving China demand even as selected product prices rise for consumers.