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RB. Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc

6,498.00
0.00 (0.00%)
09 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc LSE:RB. London Ordinary Share GB00B24CGK77 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 6,498.00 6,502.00 6,506.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC Half Year Results 2019 (1101H)

30/07/2019 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Reckitt Benckiser (LSE:RB.)
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TIDMRB.

RNS Number : 1101H

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

30 July 2019

30 July 2019

FLAT Q2. STRONGER H2 EXPECTED.

FULL YEAR NET REVENUE TARGET REVISED

 
 Results at a glance             Q2         % change       % change     HY     % change    % change 
  (unaudited)                    GBPm    actual exchange    constant    GBPm     actual     constant 
                                                            exchange            exchange    exchange 
 
 Continuing operations 
 Net Revenue                    3,083         +2%             0%       6,240      +2%         +1% 
 - Like-for-like growth(1)                                    0%                              +1% 
 Operating profit - 
  reported                                                             1,406      +9%         +6% 
 Operating profit - 
  adjusted(1)                                                          1,475      +2%         -1% 
 Net income(2) - reported                                               979      +13%        +10% 
 Net income(2) - adjusted(1)                                           1,032      +4%         +2% 
 EPS (diluted) - reported                                              137.9     +13% 
 EPS (diluted) - adjusted(1)                                           145.4      +4% 
 
 Total operations (including discontinued operations) 
 Net income(2) - reported                                               112      -87%        -89% 
 Net income(2) - adjusted(1)                                           1,032      +4%         +2% 
 EPS (diluted) - reported                                              15.8      -87% 
 EPS (diluted) - adjusted(1)                                           145.4      +4% 
-----------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 

(1) Non-GAAP measures are defined on page 2

(2) Net income attributable to the owners of the parent

 
 Highlights 
   *    Like-for-like (LFL) performance in Q2 was flat (H1: 
        +1%), with volume -3% price / mix +3%. Health 
        declined by -1%. Hygiene Home continued its 
        consistent delivery with +3% growth. 
 
 
   *    Health - Q2 LFL decline of -1% (H1: -1%). IFCN was 
        flat with slowdown in China market growth. OTC +1% 
        with stabilisation in Mucinex market shares. Other 
        Health weak due to Scholl, plus slower Dettol and 
        Durex. 
 
 
   *    Hygiene Home - Q2 LFL growth of +3% (H1: +3%). 
        Another consistent quarter of broad-based growth 
        across brands and geographies. 
 
 
   *    RB 2.0. The creation of two structurally independent 
        business units remains on track for mid-2020. 
 
 
   *    Adjusted operating margin decreased 10bps to 23.6%. 
        BEI increased by 10bps to 15.4% of Net Revenue. 
 
 
   *    The Board declares an interim dividend of 73.0p per 
        share (2018: 70.5p), an increase of +4%. 
 
 
   *    Reduced uncertainty as a result of settlement agreed 
        with DoJ for $1.4bn in respect of Indivior related 
        matters and appointment of new CEO. 
 
 
   *    Full year LFL net revenue target revised to +2-3% 
        (from +3-4%) to reflect the slow start to the year 
        and improving trends for H2. No change to adjusted 
        operating margin expectations. 
 

Commenting on these results, Rakesh Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"Our like for like performance in H1 was +1%, somewhat below our expectations. Hygiene Home delivered another quarter of consistent top line growth but progress in Health in Q2 was disappointing.

We have now been operating in RB 2.0 for 18 months and have made some important achievements. Hygiene Home has been unleashed and is delivering consistently. But on our journey to be a world leader in consumer health, we have work to do to deliver consistent financial performance.

However, we believe that much of this is behind us and strong plans are in place to restore growth, including an exciting innovation pipeline such as Mucinex Night Relief and Enfa Grass Fed. We are further stepping up our investment in BEI and medical marketing to drive our growth.

We therefore expect H2 to be back to our more normal level of growth.

Our work to create two structurally independent business units continues to progress well and remains on track for completion around mid-2020.

With the slow start to the year, and the turnaround in Health still work in progress, we are revising our 2019 net revenue target to +2-3% LFL growth (previously +3-4%). Our target of maintaining adjusted operating margins remains unchanged."

Chris Sinclair, Chairman, said:

"We have made good progress during the quarter in reducing uncertainty, with the appointment of Laxman Narasimhan, our new CEO, and drawing a line under Indivior related matters.

On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Rakesh for his outstanding contribution to RB over his 32 years at the company, eight of which were as CEO. During his tenure he has transformed RB from a household cleaning company to a global leader in Consumer Health. He has lived, and, indeed improved, RB's values whilst maintaining the culture of entrepreneurship and ownership.

We still have work to do in restoring growth and outperformance. This is the Board's and Laxman's key priority. However, the future opportunities created by RB 2.0 have never been more exciting."

Basis of Presentation and Non-GAAP measures

Throughout the report, certain measures are used to describe RB's financial performance which are not defined by IFRS.

Adjusted Measures

The Executive Committee of the Group assesses the performance based on Net Revenue and certain Adjusted measures which exclude the effect of Adjusting items.

As described in Note 5, Adjusting items are significant items included in operating profit, net finance expense or income tax expense, which are relevant to an understanding of the underlying performance of the business. These comprise exceptional items, other adjusting items, and the reclassification of finance expenses on tax balances. Management believes that the use of adjusted measures including Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Earnings per Share provides additional useful information about underlying trends.

The table below reconciles the Group's reported statutory earnings measures to its adjusted measures for the six months ended 30 June 2019. Descriptions of the adjusting items are included in Note 5.

 
                                                                                          Adjusting: 
                                                                  Adjusting:  Adjusting:     Finance 
                                                                 Exceptional       Other     expense 
                                                       Reported        items       items     reclass  Adjusted 
Six months ended 30 June 2019                              GBPm         GBPm        GBPm        GBPm      GBPm 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
Operating Profit                                          1,406           29          40           -     1,475 
Net finance expense                                       (144)            -           -          25     (119) 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
Profit before income tax                                  1,262           29          40          25     1,356 
Income tax expense                                        (271)          (7)         (9)        (25)     (312) 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
Net income for the year from continuing operations          991           22          31           -     1,044 
Less: Attributable to non-controlling interests            (12)            -           -           -      (12) 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
Net income for the year attributable to owners of the 
 parent (continuing)                                        979           22          31           -     1,032 
Net loss for the year from discontinued operations        (867)          867           -           -         - 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
Total net income for the year attributable to owners 
 of the parent                                              112          889          31           -     1,032 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

Adjusted Net Income is used in the calculation of Adjusted EPS. Adjusted EPS is defined as Adjusted Net Income attributable to owners of the parent divided by the weighted average of ordinary shares. A reconciliation is included in Note 7.

The adjusted tax rate is defined as the Adjusted continuing income tax expense as a percentage of Adjusted profit before tax.

Other non-GAAP measures and terms

Like-for-Like ("LFL") growth excludes the impact on Net Revenue of changes in exchange rates, acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations. LFL growth also excludes Venezuela. A reconciliation of LFL to reported Net Revenue growth by operating segment is shown on page 5.

Constant exchange rate adjusts the actual consolidated results such that the foreign currency conversion uses the same exchange rates as were applied in the prior year.

Free Cash Flow, which is the Group's principal measure of cash flow, is defined as net cash generated from operating activities less net capital expenditure. A reconciliation of cash generated from operations to Free Cash Flow is shown on page 13. The Group tracks Free Cash Flow on a % of adjusted net income to understand the conversion of adjusted profit into cash.

Net working capital ("NWC") is the total of inventory, trade and other receivables and trade and other payables. NWC is calculated as a % of last twelve months revenue to compare changes in NWC to the growth of the business.

Brand Equity Investment ("BEI") is the marketing support designed to capture the voice, mind and heart of our consumers.

Continuing operations excludes any charges related to the previously demerged RB Pharmaceuticals business that became Indivior. Net income from discontinued operations is presented as a single line item in the Group Income Statement.

Adjusted Net Working Capital excludes the impact of the DoJ accrual in respect of the Indivior related matter, as shown on page 13.

Detailed Operating Review: Total Group

Six months ended 30 June 2019

Total half year ("HY") Net Revenue was GBP6,240m, representing +1% growth on an LFL basis of which -3% was volume and +4% price/mix. Total growth, at actual exchange rates was +2%, positively impacted by translational foreign exchange of +1%.

Our Health BU declined by -1% on an LFL basis. This comprised of +2% growth in our IFCN business, -5% in OTC and -1% in our "other health" sub category.

IFCN total category growth has slowed during the quarter, mainly due to a decline in birth rates in China. We continue to drive strong momentum in the US behind our innovation pipeline. In China we are seeing improving market share trends as we restore supply to normal service levels.

OTC had a slow start to the year due to lower incidences of cold and 'flu and related retailer inventory destocking. Growth returned in the second quarter, and we continue to see good market share momentum in most of our Powerbrands.

Other Health was weaker than expected. In Dettol, our pricing to offset input costs resulted in adverse competitive conditions, which we have reversed. Durex has been impacted by competitive challenges in China from local players. Plans are in place to build a strong innovation pipeline, but without compromising the durex promise of quality excellence. On Scholl, as previously communicated, we are implementing a strategic re-focus of the brand towards a more sustainable portfolio.

Growth in our Hygiene Home BU was +3% LFL, with broad based growth across Europe, North America and Developing Markets. Growth was strong across key brands, including Finish, Lysol, Vanish and Harpic.

Gross margin declined by -20bps to 60.2% due to investments in capacity, lower Health volumes, negative mix, including the Q1 decline in higher margin OTC products, and higher logistics costs as we rectify the supply disruption to our China IFCN business. This more than offset the delivery of MJN cost synergies and good gross margin expansion in Hygiene Home.

Brand Equity Investment ("BEI") was 15.4% of net revenue, +10bps. Investment behind the long-term strength of our brands continues to be a priority.

SG&A decreased by -20bps as a percentage of net revenue. Incremental costs were associated with the RB2.0 organisation, and additional investment in e-commerce and building a more resilient supply capability These were more than offset by MJN related synergies and lower than normal variable pay expenses, the result of weaker performance.

Adjusted operating margin in H1 decreased by -10bps at 23.6%.

Second Quarter 2019

Q2 Net Revenue was GBP3,083m, a flat performance on an LFL basis. This consisted of -3% volume and +3% price mix.

Total growth was +2% due to the impact of positive translational FX (+2%) as the pound sterling weakened against the currencies in which we generate revenue.

The Health BU declined by -1% LFL. IFCN had a flat performance as it both lapped a strong comparator and saw slowing category growth trends in China due to the reduction in birth rates over the previous two years. The US continues to perform strongly behind our innovation programme and focus on growth channels.

Our OTC portfolio of brands returned to growth in the quarter despite a tough comparator. Mucinex shares are stabilising as we progressively lap the re-entry of private label variants a year ago, and our other key brands of Nurofen, Strepsils and Gaviscon continue to drive good share gains, offset by a slower performance from a number of our smaller brands.

Other Health experienced another poor quarter. VMS brands grew. However, Scholl continues to decline as we implement the portfolio re-focus of the brand, Dettol and Durex slowed in the second quarter in key developing markets.

The Hygiene Home BU grew by +3% on an LFL basis, led by strong performances from Finish, Harpic and Lysol.

HY 2019 Business Review

Review by Operating Segment

The table below summarises the results of our two business units - Health and Hygiene Home, including breaking out the net revenue for infant nutrition (IFCN), over the counter products (OTC) and the remainder of our health portfolio (Other Health), including Dettol, Durex, Scholl, Veet, Clearasil and our vitamin, minerals and supplements products.

 
                  Quarter ended                                                                Half Year ended 
                      30 June                                                                       30 June 
                                   % change                                                                 % change 
   2019                2018       exch. rates                                          2019   2018(2)     exch. rates 
   GBPm                GBPm       actual   const.                                      GBPm      GBPm    actual   const. 
                                                    Total Net Revenue 
    758                 741           +2        -   IFCN                              1,516     1,441        +5       +2 
    405                 395           +3       +1   OTC                                 875       911        -4       -5 
    740                 751           -1       -3    Other Health                     1,447     1,451         -       -1 
-------  ------------------  -----------  -------  -------------------------------  -------  --------  --------  ------- 
  1,903               1,887           +1       -1   Health                            3,838     3,803        +1       -1 
  1,180               1,140           +4       +3   Hygiene Home                      2,402     2,335        +3       +3 
  3,083               3,027           +2        -   Total                             6,240     6,138        +2       +1 
         ------------------  -----------  -------  -------------------------------  -------  --------  -------- 
 
                                                    Operating profit 
                                                    Health                              948       985        -4       -6 
                                                    Hygiene Home                        527       468       +13      +11 
                                                    Operating profit - adjusted(1)    1,475     1,453        +2       -1 
                                                    Adjusting items                    (69)     (162) 
                                                    Total Operating profit            1,406     1,291        +9       +6 
             ------  ----------  ----------------  -------------------------------  -------  --------  -------- 
 
                                                    Operating margin - adjusted(1)        %         % 
                                                    Health                             24.7      25.9   -120bps 
                                                    Hygiene Home                       21.9      20.0   +190bps 
                                                    Total                              23.6      23.7   -10bps 
           ----  ------------  ------------------  -------------------------------  -------  --------  -------- 
 
 
   1     Adjusted to exclude the impact of adjusting items 
   2     Restated for the adoption of IFRS16 (see Note 19) 
   Health             62% of Net Revenue 
 
 By Category                   Q2                                 H1 
                GBPm    LFL(1)   FX(2)   Reported   GBPm    LFL(1)   FX    Reported 
 IFCN            758      0%      +2%      +2%      1,516    +2%     +3%     +5% 
 OTC             405     +1%      +2%      +3%       875     -5%     +1%     -4% 
 Other           740     -3%      +2%      -1%      1,447    -1%     +1%      0% 
 Total          1,903    -1%      +2%      +1%      3,838    -1%     +2%     +1% 
 
 
 By Geography                    Q2                                 H1 
                  GBPm    LFL(1)   FX(2)   Reported   GBPm    LFL(1)   FX    Reported 
 North America     450     +4%      +6%      +10%      870     -4%     +6%     +2% 
 Europe / 
  ANZ              482     -2%      0%       -2%       987     -2%     -1%     -3% 
 DvM               971     -3%      +2%      -1%      1,981    +1%     +1%     +2% 
 Total            1,903    -1%      +2%      +1%      3,838    -1%     +2%     +1% 
 

(1) Non-GAAP measures are defined on page 3

(2) Includes rounded 1% Net M&A impact

North America comprises United States and Canada.

Europe / ANZ comprises Europe, Russia / CIS, Turkey, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.

DvM comprises all remaining countries in the Group.

-- Growth in the consumer health markets we serve remains in the +3-5% range, in line with our medium term expectations. Within this, IFCN has slowed to the lower end of this range due to the recent decline in birth rates in China.

-- Q2 total Net Revenue was GBP1,903m, with LFL decline of -1%. The decline consisted of -5% volume and +4% price mix. For the half year, total Net Revenue was GBP3,838m, and LFL decline of -1%, consisting of -5% volume and +4% price mix.

   IFCN   (Infant Nutrition) 
   --     The IFCN segment delivered a flat LFL performance in Q2, and YTD LFL growth of +2%. 

-- Underlying trends in the category remain positive, currently at the lower end of +3-5%, with growth moderating in China.

-- North America revenue continues to deliver strong, above market growth. The introduction of milk fat globular membrane (MFGM) for improved cognitive benefits, into our IFCN products, combined with our focus on growth channels, is enabling us to grow both volume share and mix benefits through premiumisation.

-- China saw a relatively flat performance in the quarter, with low single digit market growth and some share decline. Our supply of products to the market returned to more normal levels following the supply disruption in Q3 last year and actions to make Enfinitas available to mothers, is delivering.

-- Our other IFCN markets experienced a mixed quarter with good growth in Indonesia and Argentina offset by weakness in other ASEAN and Latin American markets.

-- We see significant value-creation opportunities within this category and remain on track to deliver the synergies and other objectives which we communicated at the time of our acquisition of MJN.

   OTC    (Over the Counter / health relief products) 
   --     The OTC category delivered LFL growth of +1% in the quarter and an HY LFL decline of -5%. 

-- We saw good, broad-based growth across our powerbrands of Mucinex, Nurofen, Strepsils and Gaviscon during Q2 following the seasonally impacted performance in some of these brands in Q1. These were offset by weakness in some local brands.

-- Mucinex had a good quarter, and returned to growth, as shares continued to stabilise. We are broadening the brand franchise with the launch of our new "Night Shift" range for cold and 'flu and sinus, ahead of the upcoming cold and 'flu season.

Other Health (Wellness and Health Hygiene brands)

   --     Other Health delivered a LFL decline of -3% in the quarter and a HY decline of -1%. 

-- Our VMS brands delivered growth in the quarter, behind a strong performance from Airborne and the continued rollout of Neuriva, our new brain health brand, where we are seeing early encouraging signs in consumer demand.

-- Dettol had a slow quarter, with challenging conditions in Africa, Middle East, and parts of ASEAN where input cost-led price increases are being rolled back due to competitive conditions.

-- Durex experienced a weak quarter in China due to increased competitive pressures. Scholl continues to decline as we implement a re-focus of the brand.

Health - Action Plan

We have focused and detailed action plans in place to accelerate growth in our Health BU. These include:

- In IFCN we have a stronger innovation pipeline including NeuroPro / Pro Mental for improved cognitive benefits, underpinned by an increased medical marketing programme.

- In Greater China, we have stepped up our investments in making our products available to new mothers now that supply has returned to more normal levels. In addition, as part of our distribution expansion programme into lower tier cities, we are launching our new "grass fed" local innovation.

- We are also undertaking other initiatives in many of our smaller markets, including a relaunch of our Enfa range of products in Hong Kong, and increased investment in medical marketing programmes across LATAM and ASEAN.

- In OTC we are launching our new Mucinex "Night Shift" range for cold and 'flu and sinus innovation in the USA.

- In Other Health we are working on the re-focus of Scholl, where gadgets now represent approximately 16% of the brand's net revenue. On Durex we have a strong innovation pipeline, which will come to market from 2020. In Dettol we are investing heavily in social and digital marketing campaigns to support an enhanced innovation pipeline including our "co-created with Moms" range of products in India - delivering the best germ protection with no compromise on safety, transparency and authenticity.

   -     Our focus and investment behind E Commerce continues: 

o Over 40% of our global media spend is now online

o 100% of our brand marketing people have been upskilled

o We plan to have 10 agile, in-house content studios by the end of 2019

o We have centralised our 1p, 2p, 3p data for insights and audience building

o We have a connected tech stack across all brands and channels

-- From a channel perspective, e-commerce remains the key growth driver, and now represents approximately 11% of net revenue for the Health BU.

-- Adjusted operating profit was GBP948m, with a 24.7% margin, -120bps versus the prior year. Gross margin was the main driver of this decline due to investments in capacity and capability, negative mix (decline in OTC brands in H1), input cost pressures, increased freight costs as the China supply issues were resolved and a lack of operating leverage. BEI increased as a percentage of net revenue in the half as we continue to invest behind the long-term strength of our brands. This was offset by a reduction in SG&A due to reductions in variable pay accruals as a result of below target performance. In H2 we will lap the material costs associated with the IFCN supply issues, and we expect some but not all of the negative margin pressures from H1 to end or abate.

   Hygiene Home           38% of Net Revenue 
 
 By Geography                   Q2                                H1 
                  GBPm    LFL(1)   FX    Reported   GBPm    LFL(1)   FX    Reported 
 North America     375     +2%     +5%     +7%       751     +2%     +6%     +8% 
 Europe / 
  ANZ              509     +3%     -1%     +2%      1,044    +1%     -2%     -1% 
 DvM               296     +3%     -2%     +1%       607     +6%     -3%     +3% 
 Total            1,180    +3%     +1%     +4%      2,402    +3%     0%      +3% 
 

(1) Non-GAAP measures are defined on page 3

North America comprises United States and Canada.

Europe / ANZ comprises Europe, Russia / CIS, Turkey, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.

DvM comprises all remaining countries in the Group.

-- HY19 total Net Revenue was GBP2,402m, with LFL growth of +3%. Growth in H1 comprised -1% volume and +4% price/mix.

-- Q2 total Net Revenue was GBP1,180m, with LFL growth of +3% (-1% volume, +4% price/mix). We have been lapping a strong volume and weak price mix comparator in both Q2 and H1.

-- Market growth remains at the upper end of our medium-term expectations of +2-3%, as does our LFL net revenue growth, in both the quarter and half.

-- In the US, Lysol was a growth driver in the quarter with a strong delivery from our recently launched laundry sanitiser. Finish also performed well behind additives and the continued success of our recent Quantum Ultimate Clean & Shine innovation.

-- In Europe/ANZ, Hygiene Home grew by +1% LFL in H1, as we roll out Quantum Ultimate Clean and Shine (Finish) following success in the US. Air Wick grew, but declined in the half, after a slow start to the year, and Harpic continues to deliver strong growth.

-- Our Hygiene Home business is relatively underpenetrated in DvM. The two largest markets; Brazil and India, saw good growth in H1 with DvM, as a whole growing, by +6% LFL.

-- Within DvM, our largest brand, Harpic, had a strong performance, with penetration programmes and innovation driving growth. Finish, Lysol and Vanish also performed well.

-- From a channel perspective, e-commerce continued to drive strong growth and now represents 4% of total Net Revenue for the BU.

-- Adjusted operating profit was GBP527m, with a 21.9% margin, +190bps versus the prior year. This strong growth was predominantly gross margin driven, supplemented by some BEI and SG&A efficiencies. Easy pricing comps will abate in H2, and the phasing of BEI investment has moved materially toward H2 this year.

New Product Initiatives: H2 2019

RB announces a number of new product initiatives for the second half of 2019:

Health:

   --    Enfagrow Grassfed: with high quality natural milk source 
   --    Enfamil / Enfinitas Stage 4: to best meet the needs of children > 3 years 
   --    Enfagrow Pro Mental: extending the successful Neuro Pro model in Latin America 
   --    Mucinex: new Night Shift range for Cold & Flu and Sinus 
   --    Mucinex Junior: Smaller caplet size to compliment Adult Mucinex Fast Max Tablets range 

-- Dettol "Co-Created with Moms" range: delivering the best germ protection with no compromise on safety, transparency and authenticity

-- Durex ECom condoms: Large pack box for easy delivery & storage. Premium look and available in different SKUs

   --    Durex Featherlight: superior thinness upgrade across our Featherlight range 

Hygiene Home:

-- Lizol - surface cleaner for cement: a new specialist surface cleaner for cement with super tough stain removal for India, where a significant number of consumers have cement floors

-- SBP Odourless insect control range: addressing one of the top barriers of repellent and insect control use

-- Harpic Bathroom Cleaner: expanding our Harpic bathroom cleaner platform in Indonesia with sachets and pouches - smaller formats that consumers prefer. Allows us to reach more of the middle class with a great product that delivers 10x better cleaning

-- Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White: advanced Vanish Crystal White formulation revives dull whites to 10 shades whiter in just 1 wash

-- Air Wick Seasonal devices: a decorated, seasonal range of Air Wick electrical devices in the U.S. to bring some seasonal fun into the home

-- Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Sport: specifically designed to break down body/sweat malodours in clothes at the molecular level. Contains 0% bleach, is gentle on fabrics and works even in cold water

RB 2.0

At our Q3 2017 trading update we announced our plan to combine the IFCN division with our existing health and some health hygiene brands, to form the Health Business Unit ("BU"), and the home and other home hygiene brands to form the Hygiene Home BU.

Each BU is focused on and fully end-to-end accountable for its business - from innovation through brand development and supply to the customer. The BUs were effective from 1 January 2018.

We believe that dedicated focus on Hygiene Home brands and the creation of separate end-to-end accountable BUs will enhance organic growth and strategic flexibility in the future.

We highlighted in our previous statements that it would take until mid-2020 to complete the "infrastructure" changes under RB 2.0.

These changes are on track.

Other Matters

Korea HS Issue

The HS issue in South Korea is a tragic event, with many parties involved. We continue to make both public and personal apologies to victims.

No material updates have occurred since our Q1 2019 results update.

Lung Injury Categorisation

During the second quarter of 2019:

- On 5 April 2019, the South Korean government announced Round 4 categorisation results, which were reported in our Q1 2019 results update.

- The status of South Korean government's lung injury categorisation is outlined in the table below.

 
 Round      Total      Applicants   Category    Cat I&II       Oxy RB       Assessment 
          HS Injury     Assessed     I & II     percentage      users        completion 
          applicants    for lung                              - Category     (expected) 
                         injury                               I & II(2) 
   1         361          361         174          48%           140         Completed 
        ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
   2         169          169          53          31%           46          Completed 
        ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
   3         752         669(3)        84          13%           76          Completed 
        ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
                                                                              Round 4 
                                                                              is open 
   4      5,194(1)       4,236        163          4%            146        indefinitely 
        ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Total      6,476        5,435        474          9%            408 
        ------------  -----------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

1. Round 4 remains open to applicants. The number of applicants shown in the table are the applicants set out on the KEITI website as at 19 July 2019.

   2.         Both sole Oxy RB users and users of multiple manufacturers' products, including Oxy RB. 
   3.         All of the remaining unassessed Round 3 applicants have withdrawn their applications. 

On 26 July 2019, the South Korean government announced 10 additional lung injury victims, from an additional 360 cases assessed for round 4-10 categorisation. These results have not yet been updated on the KEITI website and are therefore not updated in the table above.

Asthma and Toxic Hepatitis

On 27 September 2017, the South Korean government announced the recognition of asthma as an HS injury. Since then, the government reviewed the medical records of existing lung injury applicants to categorise asthma injury. From 23 July 2018, the South Korean Ministry of Environment allowed HS users to apply for asthma-only categorisation as part of Round 4. This applies to HS users who think they have suffered from asthma only as a result of HS exposure. Of the 5,164 HS users assessed for asthma to date, 341 have been categorised as victims. Asthma only applicants are included within the 6,476 applicants to date, set out in the above table. The South Korean government has not disclosed the number of asthma-only applications filed to date.

On 26 July 2019, the South Korean government announced the recognition of toxic hepatitis as an HS injury. No data supporting the Korean government's finding has been made available. The government plans to develop categorization standards for HS-induced toxic hepatis and start categorizing existing HS applicants after the standards have been developed.

Details of existing provisions and contingent liabilities relating to the HS issue can be found in note 12, and our Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018.

Indivior / RB Pharma related matters:

On 11 July 2019, RB announced it has reached agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice ("DoJ") and the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") to resolve the long-running investigation into the sales and marketing of Suboxone Film by its former prescription pharmaceuticals business Indivior, a business that was wholly demerged from the Group in 2014.

Under the terms of the agreements, RB agreed to pay a total of up to $1.4 billion to fully resolve all federal investigations into RB in connection with the subject matter of the Indivior indictment and claims relating to state Medicaid programs for those states choosing to participate in the settlement. The resolution will also protect the Group's participation in all U.S. government programmes.

While RB has acted lawfully at all times and expressly denies all allegations that it engaged in any wrongful conduct, after careful consideration, the Board determined that the agreement is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. It avoids the costs, uncertainty and distraction associated with continued investigations, litigation and the potential for an indictment at a time of significant transformation under RB 2.0 and during CEO transition. This is a non-criminal resolution and is on the basis that there is no admission of any violation of law or any wrongdoing by RB or any RB Group employee.

The settlement amount is being funded through existing borrowing facilities and cash generation. RB had previously recognised $400 million, which was increased to $1.5 billion at its half-year results. RB believes this will cover the settlement and any remaining litigation exposures. For details, please refer to Note 17.

Financial Review

Net finance expense. Net finance expense was GBP144m (2018(1) : GBP180m). The decrease reflects the repayment of term loans and bonds, since January 2018, and GBP16m of non-repeating benefits. Adjusted finance expense excludes GBP25m of finance expenses on tax balances which is presented within adjusted income tax expense. Refer to Note 5 for further details of adjusting items.

Tax. The adjusted tax rate, which excludes the effect of adjusting items, was 23% (2018: 23%). We expect the ongoing adjusted tax rate to remain approximately 23%.

Adjusting items. In 2019, adjusting items comprised of GBP69m of expenses recorded in operating profit (2018: GBP162m), GBP29m of these costs relate to the MJN / RB 2.0 restructuring programme, GBP40m relate to amortisation of certain acquired intangibles. Further details of these items can be found in Note 5.

Discontinued operations. The adjusting expense in respect of Indivior PLC of GBP867m (2018: GBP7m) is reported within discontinued operations (refer to Note 17).

Net working capital. During the year, inventories increased to GBP1,334m (December 2018: GBP1,276m), trade and other receivables decreased to GBP2,074m (December 2018: GBP2,097m), and trade and other payables (excluding GBP1,102m DoJ accrual) increased to GBP4,856m (December 2018: GBP4,811m). There was an improvement in adjusted net working capital to minus GBP1,448m (December 2018: minus GBP1,438m). Adjusted net working capital as a percentage of rolling 12 month Net Revenue is -11% (December 2018: -11%).

Cash flow. Cash generated from continuing operations was GBP1,525m (2018(1) : GBP1,626m). Net cash generated from operating activities was GBP1,091m (2018(1) : GBP1,120m) after net interest payments of GBP129m (2018: GBP175m) and tax payments of GBP305m (2018: GBP331m).

Free cash flow is the amount of cash generated from operating activities after capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and any related disposals. 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 as a percentage of continuing adjusted net income was 90% (2018(1) : 96%).

 
                                                     30 June    30 June 
                                                        2019    2018(1) 
-------------------------------------------------   --------  --------- 
 Cash generated from continuing operations             1,525      1,626 
 Less: net interest paid                               (129)      (175) 
 Less: tax paid                                        (305)      (331) 
 Less: purchase of property, plant & equipment         (131)      (139) 
 Less: purchase of intangible assets                    (50)       (42) 
 Plus: proceeds from the sale of property, plant 
  & equipment                                             19         15 
 
 Free cash flow                                          929        954 
--------------------------------------------------  --------  --------- 
 

Net debt. at 30 June 2019 was GBP10,545m (December 2018(1) : GBP10,746m). This reflected the increase of cash and cash equivalents of GBP207m, and foreign exchange / other movements of GBP23m. The Group regularly reviews its banking arrangements and currently has adequate facilities available to it.

Balance sheet. At the end of June 2019, the Group had total equity of GBP14,475m (December 2018(1) : GBP14,771m).

This finances non-current assets of GBP33,319m (December 2018(1) : GBP33,002m), of which GBP2,183m (December 2018(1) : GBP2,162m) is property, plant and equipment, the remainder being goodwill, other intangible assets, deferred tax, retirement benefit surplus, equity instruments - FVOCI and other receivables. The Group has adjusted net working capital of minus GBP1,448m (December 2018: minus GBP1,438m), current provisions of GBP227m (December 2018(1) : GBP537m) and long-term liabilities other than borrowings of GBP5,580m (December 2018(1) : GBP5,564m).

Dividends. The Board of Directors declares an interim dividend of 73.0 pence (2018: 70.5 pence), in line with its stated policy to pay out about 50% of basic adjusted earnings per share. The ex-dividend date will be 22 August 2019 and the dividend will be paid on 26 September 2019 to shareholders on the register at the record date of 23 August 2019. The last date for election for the share alternative to the dividend is 5 September 2019.

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS16 (see Note 19)

Capital returns policy. RB 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.

We intend to continue our current policy of paying an ordinary dividend equivalent to around 50% of total adjusted net income.

Legal provisions. The Group is involved in litigation, disputes and investigations in multiple jurisdictions around the world. It has made provisions for such matters, where appropriate. Where it is too early to determine the likely outcome of these matters, or to make a reliable estimate, the Directors have made no provision for such potential liabilities. Further details can be found in Note 9.

Contingent liabilities. The Group is involved in a number of civil and/or criminal investigations by Government authorities as well as litigation proceedings and has made provisions for such matters where appropriate. Where it is too early to determine the likely outcome of these matters, or to make a reliable estimate, the Directors have made no provision for such potential liabilities. Further details can be found in Note 12.

Targets

Net Revenue:

With the slow start to the year, and the turnaround in Health still work in progress, we are reducing our 2019 net revenue target to +2-3% LFL growth (previously +3-4%).

Adjusted Operating margin:

Our target of maintaining adjusted operating margins in 2019 remains unchanged.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

On pages 42-57 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 we set out our assessment of the principal risks and uncertainties that the business would face during 2019. These are grouped as strategic, operational, compliance and other risks as were presented under the headings shown below.

Strategic: RB 2.0 Delivery, Innovation, Disruption.

Operational: Product Safety, Supply continuity, cyber-security, Fatality or major employee safety incident, Talent

Compliance: Tax disputes, regulatory environment, legal non-compliance, Department of Justice (DoJ), South Korea Humidifier Sanitiser (HS)

Other: 'Black Swan' event.

With the exception of DoJ, the nature and potential impact of such risks remain essentially unchanged for the second half of 2019. More information on the settlement with the DoJ is included in page 12.

This announcement contains inside information

For further information, please contact:

 
 RB 
  Richard Joyce 
  SVP, Investor Relations 
  Patty O'Hayer 
  Director, External Relations and Government 
  Affairs                                            +44 (0)1753 217800 
 Finsbury 
  Philip Walters 
  Financial Public Relations                       +44 (0) 20 7251 3801 
 

Notice to shareholders

Cautionary note concerning forward-looking statements

This presentation contains statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of RB (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 and social conditions in the key markets in which the Group operates; 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; interruptions in the Group's supply chain and disruptions to its production facilities; 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

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (RB)

Half Year Condensed Financial Statements

Group Income Statement

For the six months ended 30 June 2019

 
                                                        Six months ended 
                                                                     30 June 
                                                     30 June            2018 
                                                        2019   (restated)(1) 
                                              Note      GBPm            GBPm 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 Net revenue                                     4     6,240           6,138 
 Cost of sales                                       (2,483)         (2,428) 
-------------------------------------------  -----  -------- 
 Gross profit                                          3,757           3,710 
 Net operating expenses                              (2,351)         (2,419) 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 Operating profit                                4     1,406           1,291 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 Adjusted operating profit                             1,475           1,453 
 Adjusting items                                 5      (69)           (162) 
 Operating profit                                      1,406           1,291 
                                             -----  -------- 
 Finance income                                           51              35 
 Finance expense                                       (195)           (215) 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 Net finance expense                                   (144)           (180) 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 Profit before income tax                              1,262           1,111 
 Income tax expense                              6     (271)           (232) 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 Net income for the period from continuing 
  operations                                             991             879 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 
 Net loss from discontinued operations          17     (867)             (7) 
 
 Net income for the period                               124             872 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 
 Attributable to non-controlling interests                12              12 
 Attributable to owners of the parent                    112             860 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 Net income for the period                               124             872 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 
 Basic earnings per ordinary share: 
 From continuing operations (pence)              7     138.3           123.0 
 From discontinued operations (pence)            7   (122.5)           (1.0) 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 From total operations                           7      15.8           122.0 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 
 Diluted earnings per ordinary share: 
 From continuing operations (pence)              7     137.9           122.2 
 From discontinued operations (pence)            7   (122.1)           (1.0) 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 From total operations                           7      15.8           121.2 
-------------------------------------------  -----  --------  -------------- 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 June 2019

 
                                                               Six months ended 
                                                                            30 June 
                                                            30 June            2018 
                                                               2019   (restated)(1) 
                                                               GBPm            GBPm 
--------------------------------------------------------   --------  -------------- 
 Net income for the period                                      124             872 
 
 Other comprehensive income / (expense) 
 Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent 
  periods 
 Net exchange gains / (losses) on foreign currency 
  translation, net of tax                                       287           (122) 
 Gains / (losses) on net investment hedges, 
  net of tax                                                      2            (20) 
 (Losses) / gains on cash flow hedges, net 
  of tax                                                        (7)              17 
                                                                282           (125) 
 Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in 
  subsequent periods 
 Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans, 
  net of tax                                                   (26)              70 
 Revaluation of equity instruments - FVOCI                      (6)               3 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------------- 
                                                               (32)              73 
 
 Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the period, 
  net of tax                                                    250            (52) 
 
 Total comprehensive income for the period                      374             820 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Attributable to non-controlling interests                       12              11 
 Attributable to owners of the parent                           362             809 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the period                      374             820 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income attributable to 
  owners of the parent arising from: 
 Continuing operations                                        1,229             816 
 Discontinued operations                                      (867)             (7) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------------- 
                                                                362             809 
 --------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------------- 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

Group Balance Sheet

As at 30 June 2019

 
                                                                            31 December 
                                                                30 June            2018 
                                                                   2019   (restated)(1) 
                                                        Note       GBPm            GBPm 
 ASSETS 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill and other intangible assets                            30,582          30,278 
 Property, plant and equipment                                    2,183           2,162 
 Equity instruments - FVOCI                                          54              53 
 Deferred tax assets                                                182             209 
 Retirement benefit surplus                                         174             191 
 Other non-current receivables                                      144             109 
                                                                         -------------- 
                                                                 33,319          33,002 
                                                                         -------------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                                      1,334           1,276 
 Trade and other receivables                                      2,074           2,097 
 Derivative financial instruments                          8         77              38 
 Current tax recoverable                                             65              48 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                        1,713           1,483 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
                                                                  5,263           4,942 
 Assets of disposal group classified as held 
  for sale                                                            -              10 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
                                                                  5,263           4,952 
                                                                         -------------- 
 Total assets                                                    38,582          37,954 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 Current liabilities 
 Short-term borrowings (including lease liabilities)            (2,769)         (2,269) 
 Provisions for liabilities and charges                    9      (227)           (537) 
 Trade and other payables                                       (5,958)         (4,811) 
 Derivative financial instruments                          8       (27)            (42) 
 Current tax liabilities                                            (6)            (10) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
                                                                (8,987)         (7,669) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Long-term borrowings (including lease liabilities)             (9,540)         (9,950) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                                       (3,580)         (3,619) 
 Retirement benefit obligations                                   (328)           (318) 
 Provisions for liabilities and charges                    9       (60)            (74) 
 Non-current tax liabilities                                    (1,132)         (1,105) 
 Other non-current liabilities                                    (480)           (448) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
                                                               (15,120)        (15,514) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
 Total liabilities                                             (24,107)        (23,183) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
 Net assets                                                      14,475          14,771 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
 
 EQUITY 
 Capital and reserves 
 Share capital                                            10         74              74 
 Share premium                                                      245             245 
 Merger reserve                                                (14,229)        (14,229) 
 Hedging reserve                                                      -               7 
 Foreign currency translation reserve                               719             430 
 Retained earnings                                               27,622          28,197 
 Attributable to owners of the parent                            14,431          14,724 
 Attributable to non-controlling interests                           44              47 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
 Total equity                                                    14,475          14,771 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------------- 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

Group Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 30 June 2019

 
                                                                                     Total 
                                                                              attributable 
                                                                                 to owners 
                       Share      Share      Merger       Other    Retained         of the   Non-controlling     Total 
                     capital    premium    reserves    reserves    earnings         parent         interests    equity 
                        GBPm       GBPm        GBPm        GBPm        GBPm           GBPm              GBPm      GBPm 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance at 1 
  January 
  2019 (reported)         74        245    (14,229)         437      28,215         14,742                47    14,789 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Effects of IFRS 
  16                       -          -           -           -        (18)           (18)                 -      (18) 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance at 1 
  January 
  2019 
  (restated)(1)           74        245    (14,229)         437      28,197         14,724                47    14,771 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Net income for 
  the period               -          -           -           -         112            112                12       124 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -          -           -         282        (32)            250                 -       250 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -          -           -         282          80            362                12       374 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Transactions 
 with 
 owners 
 Share-based 
  payments                 -          -           -           -          35             35                 -        35 
 Current tax on 
  share awards             -          -           -           -           4              4                 -         4 
 Re-issue of 
  Treasury 
  shares                   -          -           -           -          33             33                 -        33 
 Dividends                 -          -           -           -       (709)          (709)              (15)     (724) 
 Transactions 
  with 
  non-controlling 
  interests                -          -           -           -        (18)           (18)                 -      (18) 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners              -          -           -           -       (655)          (655)              (15)     (670) 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 
  June 
  2019                    74        245    (14,229)         719      27,622         14,431                44    14,475 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Balance at 1 
  January 
  2018 (reported)         74        243    (14,229)         406      27,039         13,533                40    13,573 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Effects of IFRS 
  16                       -          -           -           -        (18)           (18)                 -      (18) 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance at 1 
  January 
  2018 (restated)         74        243    (14,229)         406      27,021         13,515                40    13,555 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Net income for 
  the period               -          -           -           -         860            860                12       872 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -          -           -       (124)          73           (51)               (1)      (52) 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -          -           -       (124)         933            809                11       820 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Transactions 
 with 
 owners 
 Share-based 
  payments                 -          -           -           -          38             38                 -        38 
 Deferred tax on 
  share awards             -          -           -           -        (12)           (12)                 -      (12) 
 Current tax on 
  share awards             -          -           -           -           6              6                 -         6 
 Re-issue of 
  Treasury 
  shares                   -          -           -           -          65             65                 -        65 
 Dividends                 -          -           -           -       (688)          (688)              (10)     (698) 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners              -          -           -           -       (591)          (591)              (10)     (601) 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 
  June 
  2018 
  (restated)(1)           74        243    (14,229)         282      27,363         13,733                41    13,774 
-----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ----------------  -------- 
 

Group Cash Flow Statement

For the six months ended 30 June 2019

 
                                                               Six months ended 
 
                                                           30 June          30 June 
                                                              2019             2018 
                                                                      (restated)(1) 
                                                    Note      GBPm             GBPm 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------------- 
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
 Cash generated from continuing operations           16      1,525            1,626 
 Interest paid                                               (179)            (209) 
 Interest received                                              50               34 
 Tax paid                                                    (305)            (331) 
 Net cash generated from operating activities                1,091            1,120 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  --------------- 
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
 Purchase of property, plant & equipment                     (131)            (139) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                                (50)             (42) 
 Proceeds from the sale of property, plant 
  & equipment(2)                                                19               15 
 Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired      15      (18)                - 
 Reduction in short-term investments                           (1)                - 
 Purchase of equity instruments - FVOCI                        (6)             (10) 
 Dividends received from investments                             1                - 
 Net cash used in investing activities                       (186)            (176) 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  --------------- 
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
 Treasury shares reissued                                       33               65 
 Proceeds from borrowings                                      495              613 
 Repayment of borrowings (including lease 
  liabilities)                                               (496)          (1,427) 
 Dividends paid to owners of the parent              11      (709)            (688) 
 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests                  (15)             (10) 
 Other financing activities                                    (6)             (16) 
 Net cash used in financing activities                       (698)          (1,463) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------------- 
 
 Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                                  207            (519) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 
  period                                                     1,477            2,117 
 Exchange gains / (losses)                                      24             (64) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period              1,708            1,534 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------------- 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents comprise: 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                   1,713            1,542 
 Overdrafts                                                    (5)              (8) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------------- 
                                                             1,708            1,534 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  --------  --------------- 
 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

(2) Includes GBP10m receipt relating to Adjusting items.

   1.           General Information 

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc is a public limited company listed on the London Stock Exchange and incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is 103-105 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3UH.

The Half Year Condensed Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 30 July 2019. The Half Year Condensed Financial Statements have been reviewed, not audited.

   2.           Basis of Preparation 

The Half Year Condensed Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2019 have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as endorsed by the European Union. The Half Year Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018, which have been prepared in accordance with European Union endorsed International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 are also in compliance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

These Half Year Condensed Financial Statements do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018 were approved by the Board of Directors on 18 March 2019 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

Having assessed the principal risks, the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the interim financial information.

   3.           Accounting Policies and Estimates 

With the exception of those changes described below, the accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the Half Year Condensed Financial Statements are consistent with those described on pages 142-150 of the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.

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 Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.

Income tax expense for the six months is accrued using the expected tax rate that would be applicable to the total annual profit, before the impact of adjusting items, for the year ending 31 December 2019. Refer to Note 6 for further details.

IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

On 1 January 2019 the Group adopted IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments. IFRIC 23 further clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes under IAS12. The adoption did not lead to any changes to the opening balance of retained earnings and no material impact on the Income Statement.

IFRS 16 Leases

On 1 January 2019, the Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases, using the full retrospective approach to previous periods and applying IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting estimates and Errors. Comparative reported numbers related to 2018 have been restated. Deferred tax adjustments relating to the restatement have not been made as they are not material. The impact of the restatement is included in Note 19.

The standard requires recognition of a 'right of use' asset, representing the right to use the underlying asset and a liability, representing the obligation to make lease payments, for almost all lease contracts. The impact on the Income Statement is that former lease-operating expenses are replaced by depreciation and interest. Total expenses (depreciation for 'right of use' assets and interest on lease liabilities) are higher in the earlier years of a typical lease and lower in the later years, in comparison with former accounting for operating leases. The main impact on the Statement of Cash Flows is higher cash flows from operating activities, since cash payments for the principal part of the lease liability are classified in the net cash flow from financing activities.

   3.           Accounting Policies and Estimates (continued) 

For leases in place at 1(st) January 2019 IFRS 16 is only applied for contracts that contract constituted a lease under IAS 17 Leases or IFRIC 4 Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease.

In response to IFRS 16, the Group has updated its lease accounting policy, as follows:

The Group has various lease arrangements for buildings (such as offices and warehouses), cars, and IT and other equipment. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis locally and furthermore subjected to domestic rules and regulations. This results in a wide range of different terms and conditions. At the inception of a lease contract, the Group assesses whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a certain period in exchange for a consideration, in which case it is identified as a lease. The Group recognises a right of use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease arrangements in which it is the lessee, except for short--term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets. For these leases, the Group recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight--line basis over the term of the lease. Lease related assets and liabilities are measured on a present value basis. Lease related assets and liabilities are subjected to re-measurement when either terms are modified, or lease assumptions have changed. Such an event results in the lease liability being re-measured to reflect the measurement of the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the discount rate at the moment of the change. The lease assets are adjusted to reflect the change in the re-measured liabilities.

Right of use assets

Right of use assets are measured at costs and at the inception of the lease may include the following components:

   --      The initial measurement of the lease liability; 
   --      Prepayments before commencement date of the lease; 
   --      Initial direct costs; 
   --      Costs to restore. 

The right of use assets are reduced for lease incentives relating to the lease. The right of use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the duration of the contract. In the event that the lease contract becomes onerous, the right of use asset is impaired for the part which has become onerous.

Lease liabilities

Lease liabilities include the net present value of the following components:

   --      Fixed payments excluding lease incentive receivables; 
   --      Future contractually agreed fixed increases; 

-- Payments related to renewals or early termination, when options to renew or for early termination are reasonably certain to be exercised.

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If such rate cannot be determined, the lessee's incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar economic environment with similar terms and conditions. The discount rate that is used to calculate the present value reflects the interest rate applicable to the lease at inception of the contract. Lease contracts entered into in a currency different then the local functional currency are subjected to periodic foreign currency revaluations which are recognised in the Income Statement in net finance costs.

The lease liabilities are subsequently increased by the interest costs on the lease liabilities and decreased by lease payments made.

Subleases

The Group subleases some of its right of use assets. In these instances, the Group is an intermediate lessor. The majority of the Group's sublease arrangements are classified as operating leases. Sublease contracts with the classification of operating leases results in sublease income being recognised periodically during the sub-rental period. Operating subleases have no impact to the right of use asset measurement.

   4.           Operating Segments 

The Group's operating segments are RB Health and RB Hygiene Home.

The Chief Office Decision Maker ("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 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 provided to the Executive Committee for the periods ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 is as follows:

 
                                                 RB Hygiene 
  Six months ended 30 June 2019      RB Health         Home   Total 
                                          GBPm         GBPm    GBPm 
--------------------------------    ----------  -----------  ------ 
 Net revenue                             3,838        2,402   6,240 
 Adjusted operating profit                 948          527   1,475 
 Adjusting items                                               (69) 
----------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ------ 
 Operating profit                                             1,406 
 Net finance expense                                          (144) 
----------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ------ 
 Profit before income tax                                     1,262 
----------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ------ 
 
 
                                                            RB Hygiene 
 Six months ended 30 June 2018 (restated)       RB Health         Home   Total 
                                                     GBPm         GBPm    GBPm 
------------------------------------------     ----------  -----------  ------ 
 Net revenue                                        3,803        2,335   6,138 
 Adjusted operating profit(1)                         985          468   1,453 
 Adjusting items                                                         (162) 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ------ 
 Operating profit(1)                                                     1,291 
 Net finance expense(1)                                                  (180) 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ------ 
 Profit before income tax(1)                                             1,111 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ------ 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

   5.           Adjusting items 

The Group uses certain adjusted earnings measures, including Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Net Income, to provide additional clarity about the underlying performance of the business.

The Group makes reference to adjusting items in presenting the Group's principal adjusted earnings measures. Adjusting items are significant items included in operating profit, net finance expense or income tax expense, which are relevant to an understanding of the underlying performance of the business. These comprise exceptional items, other adjusting items, and the reclassification of finance expenses on tax balances:

   --      Exceptional items are material, non-recurring items of expense or income. 

-- Other adjusting items comprise the amortisation of certain fair value adjustments recorded in respect of finite-life intangible assets recognised in the purchase price allocation for the acquisition of MJN. These are not classified as exceptional items because of their recurring nature.

-- Adjusting items include a reclassification of finance expenses on tax balances into income tax expense, to align with the Group's tax guidance. As a result, these expenses are presented as part of income tax expense in the adjusted profit before income tax measure.

   5.         Adjusting items (continued) 

The table below provides a reconciliation of the Group's reported statutory earnings measures to its adjusted measures for the six months ended 30 June 2019:

 
                                                                                           Adjusting: 
                                                       Adjusting:        Adjusting:           Finance 
                                                      Exceptional             Other           expense 
                                            Reported        items             items           reclass       Adjusted 
Six months ended 30 June 2019                   GBPm         GBPm              GBPm              GBPm           GBPm 
------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ---  -------- 
Operating Profit                               1,406           29   (2)          40   (3)           -          1,475 
Net finance expense                            (144)            -                 -                25  (4)     (119) 
------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ---  -------- 
Profit before income tax                       1,262           29                40                25          1,356 
Income tax expense                             (271)          (7)  (2)          (9)  (3)         (25)  (4)     (312) 
------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ---  -------- 
Net income for the year from continuing 
 operations                                      991           22                31                 -          1,044 
Less: Attributable to non-controlling 
 interests                                      (12)            -                 -                 -           (12) 
------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ---  -------- 
Net income for the year attributable to 
 owners of the parent (continuing)               979           22                31                 -          1,032 
Net loss for the year from discontinued 
 operations                                    (867)          867   (1)           -                 -              - 
------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ---  -------- 
Total net income for the year attributable 
 to owners of the parent                         112          889                31                 -          1,032 
------------------------------------------  --------  -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ---  -------- 
 

1. Exceptional items within discontinued operations relate to the current year charge of the settlement amount for US Department of Justice ("DoJ") and the US Federal Trade Commission. Refer to Note 17 for further details.

2. Exceptional items within Operating Profit of GBP29 million relate to previously announced restructuring projects, principally RB 2.0 costs.

Included within income tax expense is a GBP7 million tax credit for these exceptional costs.

3. Other adjusting items of GBP40 million relate to the amortisation of certain intangible assets recognised as a result of the acquisition of MJN, charged during the period ended 30 June 2019. In addition, there is a GBP9 million income tax credit in respect of these costs.

4. Adjusting items of GBP25 million relate to the reclassification of interest on income tax balances from finance expense to income tax in the adjusting measure.

The table below provides a reconciliation of the Group's reported statutory earnings measures to its adjusted measures for the six months ended 30 June 2018:

 
                                                                                             Adjusting: 
                                                           Adjusting:       Adjusting:          Finance 
                                                          Exceptional            Other          expense 
                                           Reported             items            items          reclass       Adjusted 
Six months ended 30 June 2018(5)               GBPm              GBPm             GBPm             GBPm           GBPm 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ---  -----------  ---  ----------  ---  ----------  ---  -------- 
Operating Profit                              1,291               124  (2)          38  (3)           -          1,453 
Net finance expense                           (180)                 -                -               26  (4)     (154) 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ---  -----------  ---  ----------  ---  ----------  ---  -------- 
Profit before income tax                      1,111               124               38               26          1,299 
Income tax expense                            (232)              (29)  (2)         (9)  (3)        (26)  (4)     (296) 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ---  -----------  ---  ----------  ---  ----------  ---  -------- 
Net income for the year from continuing 
 operations                                     879                95               29                -          1,003 
Less: Attributable to non-controlling 
 interests                                     (12)                 -                -                -           (12) 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ---  -----------  ---  ----------  ---  ----------  ---  -------- 
Net income for the year attributable to 
 owners of the parent (continuing)              867                95               29                -            991 
Net loss for the year from discontinued 
 operations                                     (7)  (1)            7                -                -              - 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ---  -----------  ---  ----------  ---  ----------  ---  -------- 
Total net income for the year 
 attributable to owners of the parent           860               102               29                -            991 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ---  -----------  ---  ----------  ---  ----------  ---  -------- 
 

1. Exceptional items within discontinued operations relate to a foreign exchange loss on the provision booked in prior year for ongoing investigations by the US Department of Justice ("DoJ") and the US Federal Trade Commission. Refer to Note 17 for further details.

2. Exceptional items within Operating Profit of GBP124 million relate to previously announced restructuring projects, including:

   --      MJN integration / RB 2.0 costs of GBP121 million; and 
   --      Restructuring and other projects of GBP3 million. 

Included within income tax expense is a GBP29 million tax credit for these exceptional costs.

3. Other adjusting items of GBP38 million relate to the amortisation of certain intangible assets recognised as a result of the acquisition of MJN, charged during the period ended 30 June 2018. In addition, there is a GBP9 million income tax credit in respect of these costs.

4. Adjusting items of GBP26 million relate to the reclassification of interest on income tax balances from finance expense to income tax in the adjusting measure.

   5.     Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19). 
   6.           Income Taxes (continuing operations) 

Income tax expense is recognised based on management's best estimate of the weighted average annual income tax rate applying to profits before the impact of adjusting items expected for the full financial year. The estimated average annual tax rate for continuing operations before adjusting items ('adjusted tax rate') for the year ended 31 December 2019 is 23% and therefore the estimated tax rate before adjusting items for the six months ended 30 June 2019 was 23%. The income tax credit arising on adjusting items for the six months ended 30 June 2019 is GBP16 million.

EC State Aid

In addition to the matters included in Note 7 in the Group Annual Report and Financial Statement for year ended 31 December 2018, there have been further developments in the State Aid investigation by the European Commission ("EC") into the Group Financing Exemption in the UK controlled foreign company rules. On 25 April 2019 the EC released its decision concluding that the UK Controlled Foreign Company legislation up to 31 December 2018 partially represented State Aid. On 13 June 2019 the UK government applied to annul the EC decision. The Group believes that no provision is required at this time.

   7.           Earnings per share 
 
                                               Six months ended 
                                              30 June    30 June 
                                                 2019    2018(1) 
                                                pence      pence 
-------------------------------------------  --------  --------- 
 Basic earnings per share 
  From continuing operations                    138.3      123.0 
  From discontinued operations                (122.5)      (1.0) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  --------- 
 Total basic earnings per share                  15.8      122.0 
 
 Diluted earnings per share 
  From continuing operations                    137.9      122.2 
  From discontinued operations                (122.1)      (1.0) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  --------- 
 Total diluted earnings per share                15.8      121.2 
 
 Adjusted basic earnings per share 
  From continuing operations                    145.8      140.6 
  From discontinued operations                      -          - 
-------------------------------------------  --------  --------- 
 Total adjusted basic earnings per share        145.8      140.6 
 
 Adjusted diluted earnings per share 
  From continuing operations                    145.4      139.6 
  From discontinued operations                      -          - 
-------------------------------------------  --------  --------- 
 Total adjusted diluted earnings per share      145.4      139.6 
-------------------------------------------  --------  --------- 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

Basic

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to owners of the parent from continuing operations (six months ended 30 June 2019: GBP979 million; six months ended 30 June 2018: GBP867 million) and discontinued operations (six months ended 30 June 2019: net loss of GBP867 million; six months ended 30 June 2018: net loss of GBP7 million) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period (six months ended 30 June 2019: 708,030,772; six months ended 30 June 2018: 704,785,079).

   7.           Earnings per share (continued) 

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 2019, there were 8,433,465 (30 June 2018: 7,255,942) Executive Share Awards excluded from the dilution.

Average number of shares

 
                                                     30 June 2019     30 June 2018 
                                                   Average number   Average number 
                                                        of shares        of shares 
 On a basic basis                                     708,030,772      704,785,079 
 Dilution of Executive Share Awards                     1,836,130        4,612,665 
 Dilution for Employee Sharesave Scheme Options 
  outstanding                                              43,844          261,724 
------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 On a diluted basis                                   709,910,746      709,659,468 
------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 

Adjusted earnings

The Directors believe that diluted earnings per ordinary share, which excludes the impact of adjusting items, provides additional useful information about underlying trends to Shareholders in respect of earnings per ordinary share.

Details of the adjusted net income attributable to owners of the parent are as follows:

 
                                                        Six months ended 
                                                        30 June    30 June 
                                                           2019    2018(1) 
 Continuing operations                                     GBPm       GBPm 
 Net income attributable to owners of the parent            979        867 
 Exceptional items, net of tax                        5      22         95 
 Other adjusting items, net of tax                    5      31         29 
---------------------------------------------------      ------  --------- 
 Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the 
  parent                                                  1,032        991 
---------------------------------------------------      ------  --------- 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

 
                                                        Six months ended 
                                                         30 June   30 June 
                                                            2019      2018 
 Discontinued operations                                    GBPm      GBPm 
 Net loss attributable to owners of the parent             (867)       (7) 
 Exceptional items, net of tax                        5      867         7 
 Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the             -         - 
  parent 
---------------------------------------------------  ---  ------  -------- 
 
   8.           Net Debt 
 
 
                                                             30 June 2019   31 December 2018 
  Analysis of net debt                                               GBPm               GBPm 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ----------------- 
Cash and cash equivalents                                           1,713              1,483 
Overdrafts                                                            (5)                (6) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ----------------- 
Cash and cash equivalents                                           1,708              1,477 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ----------------- 
Borrowings (excluding overdrafts and lease liabilities)(1)       (11,950)           (11,872) 
Derivative financial instruments (debt)                                51               (10) 
Lease liabilities(2)                                                (354)              (341) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ----------------- 
Financing liabilities                                            (12,253)           (12,223) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ----------------- 
Net debt at end of period                                        (10,545)           (10,746) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ----------------- 
 

(1) Borrowings as at 31 December 2018 have been restated to present GBP1m of finance leases under IAS 17 as lease liabilities under IFRS 16.

(2) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

   8.           Net Debt (continued) 

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain elements of interest rate and exchange risk on its net debt. The split between these items and other derivatives on the Balance Sheet is shown below:

 
                                                      Assets             Liabilities 
--------------------------------------------   --------------------  -------------------- 
                                               Current  Non-Current  Current  Non-Current 
--------------------------------------------   -------  -----------  -------  ----------- 
Derivative financial instruments (debt)             57            -      (6)            - 
Derivative financial instruments (non-debt)         20            -     (21)            - 
At 30 June 2019                                     77            -     (27)            - 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------  ----------- 
 
 
                                                      Assets             Liabilities 
--------------------------------------------   --------------------  -------------------- 
                                               Current  Non-Current  Current  Non-Current 
--------------------------------------------   -------  -----------  -------  ----------- 
Derivative financial instruments (debt)             15            -     (25)            - 
Derivative financial instruments (non-debt)         23            1     (17)            - 
At 31 December 2018                                 38            1     (42)            - 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------  ----------- 
 

Note that non-current derivative assets are presented within other non-current receivables on the Balance Sheet.

 
                                                                                                           31 December 
                                                                                             30 June 2019         2018 
                                         Cash and cash equivalents  Financing liabilities        Net Debt     Net Debt 
                                                              GBPm                   GBPm            GBPm         GBPm 
---------------------------------------  -------------------------  ---------------------  --------------  ----------- 
Net debt at beginning of the period(1)                       1,477               (12,223)        (10,746)     (11,095) 
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and 
 cash equivalents                                              207                      -             207        (586) 
Proceeds from borrowings                                         -                  (495)           (495)        (697) 
Repayment of borrowings (including 
 lease liabilities)(1)                                           -                    496             496        2,314 
Other financing cash flows                                       -                      6               6         (24) 
New lease liabilities                                            -                   (36)            (36)         (48) 
Exchange, fair value and other 
 movements(1)                                                   24                    (1)              23        (610) 
---------------------------------------  -------------------------  ---------------------  --------------  ----------- 
Net debt at end of the period                                1,708               (12,253)        (10,545)     (10,746) 
---------------------------------------  -------------------------  ---------------------  --------------  ----------- 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

   9.           Provisions for Liabilities and Charges 
 
Six months ended 30 June 2019           Legal  Restructuring       Other       Total 
                                   provisions     provisions  provisions  provisions 
                                         GBPm           GBPm        GBPm        GBPm 
---------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
At 1 January 2019(1)                      461             52          98         611 
Charged to the income statement             3              1          23          27 
Utilised during the period(2)           (285)           (28)         (8)       (321) 
Released to the income statement          (6)              -        (20)        (26) 
Exchange adjustments                      (3)              -         (1)         (4) 
---------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
At 30 June 2019                           170             25          92         287 
---------------------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

(2) $300 million (GBP235 million) of the provision relating to the DoJ matter has been utilised and is now included in trade and other payables (see Note 17).

Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

 
              30 June  31 December 
                 2019      2018(1) 
                 GBPm         GBPm 
------------  -------  ----------- 
Current           227          537 
Non-current        60           74 
------------  -------  ----------- 
                  287          611 
------------  -------  ----------- 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19).

   9.           Provisions for Liabilities and Charges (continued) 

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is more likely than not that there will be an outflow of resources to settle that obligation, and the amount can be reliably estimated.

Legal provisions of GBP170 million (31 December 2018: GBP461 million) include exceptional legal provisions of GBP147 million (31 December 2018: GBP431 million) in relation to a number of historical regulatory matters in a number of markets, predominantly:

-- The Department of Justice ("DoJ") investigation referenced in Note 17 of GBP78 million (31 December 2018: GBP313 million); and

-- The HS issue in South Korea. The provision held at the end of the period covers certain Round 4 applicants as discussed in Note 12. During the period, a number of payments were made to claimants in respect of Rounds 1, 2 and 3 of the HS issue, partially utilising the provision held for this matter.

The restructuring provision relates to business integration costs associated with the acquisition of MJN and subsequent RB 2.0 reorganisation, the majority of which is expected to be utilised within five years.

Other provisions include environmental and other obligations throughout the Group, the majority of which are expected to be utilised within five years.

   10.         Share Capital 
 
                                                      Nominal 
                                    Equity ordinary     value 
                                             shares      GBPm 
-------------------------------    ----------------  -------- 
 Issued and fully paid 
 At 1 January 2019 and 30 June 
  2019                                  736,535,179        74 
---------------------------------  ----------------  -------- 
 

At 30 June 2019, of the issued share capital, 27,506,342 shares were held as Treasury shares (31 December 2018: 29,033,361). All shares were fully paid.

   11.         Dividends 

A final dividend of 100.2 pence per share for the year ended 31 December 2018 was paid on 23 May 2019 to Shareholders who were on the register on 23 April 2019, amounting to GBP709 million.

The Directors have declared an interim dividend in respect of the year ending 31 December 2019 of 73.0 pence per share which will absorb an estimated GBP518 million of shareholders' funds. It will be paid on 26 September 2019 to shareholders who are on the register on 23 August 2019.

   12.         Contingent Liabilities and Assets 

From time to time, the Group is involved in discussions in relation to ongoing tax matters in a number of jurisdictions around the world, including ongoing European Commission ("EC") State Aid matters. Where appropriate, the Directors make provisions based on their assessment of each case.

HS South Korea

The HS issue in South Korea was a tragic event. The Group continues to make both public and personal apologies to victims.

There are a number of further expected costs and income relating to the issue that either cannot be reliably estimated or are not considered probable at the current time. In particular:

1. Round 4 lung injury: The South Korean government opened Round 4 to new applicants on 25 April 2016 for an indefinite period. It has received 5,194 applications to participate in Round 4 as at 29 July 2019 and continues to receive applications. Oxy RB has commenced payments under a compensation plan during 2018 and made provision for the Round 4 Oxy RB Category I & II users categorised to date. The number of additional victims in Round 4 cannot be reliably estimated at the current time as it is open for an indefinite period.

   12.       Contingent Liabilities and Assets (continued) 

2. Asthma-related injury and other potential lung or non-lung injuries: A damage relief committee set up by the Ministry of Environment ("MOE") announced a recognition standard for asthma caused by HS, based on the increased incidence of asthma in HS users. On 26 July 2019 the committee announced a recognition standard for toxic hepatitis caused by HS. From 23 July 2018, HS users can apply for asthma-only categorisation as part of Round 4. No provision has been made for either asthma or toxic hepatitis because:

a) no detailed underlying data has yet been made available in respect of general causation of asthma or toxic hepatitis injuries by HS, although 341 asthma victims have been announced by the MOE as at 26 July 2019; and

b) it is not possible to estimate the total number of applicants across all rounds (including future asthma-only claims in Round 4) and therefore the total number of potential victims with potential asthma, toxic hepatitis injuries, or for any other injuries that the MOE may decide to recognise.

3. The Group continues to assess and, where appropriate, pursue rights which Oxy RB may have to recover sums from other involved parties.

4. On 9 August 2017, the Humidifier Sanitiser Injury Special Relief Act became effective and further amendments have since been introduced. Given the high profile and complex nature of this issue, the amendments to this Act, the rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Act and other legal or governmental proposals or developments in South Korea may give rise to further financial liability for the Group.

   13.       Financial Instruments 

Except for the Group's bonds and senior notes, the fair values of other financial assets and liabilities at amortised cost approximate their carrying values.

The fair value measurement hierarchy levels have been defined as follows:

   1.   Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1). 

2. 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.

3. Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (i.e. unobservable inputs) (level 3).

The fair value of bonds at 30 June 2019 is a liability of GBP6,546 million (31 December 2018: GBP6,175 million), and the fair value of the senior notes at 30 June 2019 is a liability of GBP2,556 million (31 December 2018: GBP2,432 million). These values are derived using a quoted market rate in an active market (level 1 classification). The book value of bonds at 30 June 2019 is a liability of GBP6,472 million (31 December 2018: GBP6,440 million) and the book value of senior notes at 30 June 2019 is a liability of GBP2,475 million (31 December 2018: GBP2,464 million).

 
                                                          30 June 2019    31 December 2018 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------ 
                                                      Asset  Liability   Asset   Liability 
Fair value and book value of derivatives               GBPm       GBPm    GBPm        GBPm 
----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ------  ---------- 
FX forward exchange contract derivatives (1) 
    used for hedging                                     20       (21)      24        (17) 
    classified as fair value through profit or loss      57        (2)      15         (9) 
Interest rate swap derivatives used for hedging (2)       -        (4)       -        (16) 
Total derivatives on balance sheet                       77       (27)      39        (42) 
----------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ------  ---------- 
 

(1) Fair value 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)

(2) Fair value determined by discounting future cash flows at floating market rates (level 2 classification).

The fair value of equity instruments - FVOCI at 30 June 2019 is GBP54 million (31 December 2018: GBP53 million). The fair value is derived using both quoted share price information (level 1 classification) and other non-market information (level 3 classification)

The Group's financial risk management objectives and policies are consistent with those disclosed in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.

   13.       Financial Instruments (continued) 

In July 2019, the Group increased the undrawn committed banking facilities on which all conditions precedent have been met from GBP4,500 million to GBP5,500 million. The terms of the new facility are in line with Group's previously existing facilities.

   14.         Related Party Transactions 

RB & Manon Business Co. Ltd (Manon)

A dividend of GBP10 million was paid to the non-controlling shareholders of RB & Manon Business Co. Ltd during the six months ended 30 June 2019 (six months ended 30 June 2018: GBP8 million).

At the start of the year, the parties were subject to symmetrical put and call options over the non-controlling shareholdings, exercisable after a period of five years. In the event they are not exercised under the agreement they are automatically extended for a further six twelve month terms. During the year, an additional agreement was entered into on similar terms over non-controlling shareholdings to support the expansion of the Hygiene Home business unit.

The present value of the put option at 30 June 2019 was a liability of GBP164 million (31 December 2018: GBP148 million).

Other

The Group has related party relationships with its directors and key management personnel and pension schemes. There are no further related party transactions.

   15.         Acquisitions 

On 22 February 2019 the Group completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of UpSpring, Ltd, an innovative pre and post-natal healthcare company based in Texas, USA.

   16.         Cash generated from operations 
 
                                                                  Six months ended 
                                                               30 June         30 June 
                                                                  2019            2018 
                                                       Note       GBPm   (restated)(1) 
                                                                                  GBPm 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  --------  -------------- 
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
 Operating profit from continuing operations                     1,406           1,291 
 Gains on sale of property, plant and equipment                    (4)               - 
  and intangible assets 
 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 
  (2)                                                              214             196 
 Increase in inventories                                          (43)            (62) 
 (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables                (6)              74 
 (Decrease)/increase in payables and provisions                   (77)              89 
 Share-based payments                                               35              38 
 Cash generated from continuing operations                       1,525           1,626 
------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------------- 
 

(1) Restated for the adoption of IFRS 16 (see Note 19). In addition, presentation of cash flow in 2019 has been updated, 2018 items are re-presented on a consistent basis

(2) Includes GBP40m (2018: GBP38m) amortisation of acquisition related intangibles (adjusting item)

   17.         Discontinued Operation 

On 11 July 2019, the Group announced it has reached agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice ("DoJ") and the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") to resolve the long-running investigation into the sales and marketing of Suboxone Film by its former prescription pharmaceuticals business Indivior, a business that was wholly demerged from the Group in 2014.

Under the terms of the agreements, the Group agreed to pay a total of up to $1.4 billion (GBP1.1 billion) to fully resolve all federal investigations into the Group in connection with the subject matter of the Indivior indictment and claims relating to state Medicaid programs for those states choosing to participate in the settlement. The resolution will also protect the Group's participation in all U.S. government programmes.

While the Group has acted lawfully at all times and expressly denies all allegations that it engaged in any wrongful conduct, after careful consideration, the Board of the Group determined that the agreement is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. It avoids the costs, uncertainty and distraction associated with continued investigations, litigation and the potential for an indictment at a time of significant transformation under RB 2.0 and during CEO transition. This is a non-criminal resolution and is on the basis that there is no admission of any violation of law or any wrongdoing by the Group or any of the Group's employees. Details of the amount recorded are as follows:

 
                                                       GBPm 
                                                   -------- 
 Amounts charged within discontinued operations 
 In period ended 30th June 2019                         867 
 In previous periods                                    313 
 Total liability recognised at 30th June 2019         1,180 
-------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 
                                                    30 June 
                                                       2019 
                                                       GBPm 
                                                   -------- 
 Amounts recorded in 
 Provisions                                              78 
 Trade and Other Payables                             1,102 
                                                      1,180 
 ------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 
   18.         Seasonality 

Demand for some of the Group's products is subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. In particular, some cold and influenza and pest control products exhibit seasonal fluctuation. The intensity of seasons can vary from year to year with a corresponding impact on the Group's performance.

   19.         Effects from implementation of IFRS 16 'Leases' 

Group Income Statement

 
                                                     Effects 
                                          30 June    of IFRS    30 June 
                                             2018         16       2018 
                                         Reported              Restated 
                                             GBPm       GBPm       GBPm 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Net operating expenses                   (2,424)          5    (2,419) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Operating profit                           1,286          5      1,291 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Adjusted operating profit                  1,448          5      1,453 
--------------------------------------                        --------- 
 Operating profit                           1,286          5      1,291 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Finance expense                            (208)        (7)      (215) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Net finance expense                        (173)        (7)      (180) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Profit before income tax                   1,113        (2)      1,111 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Net income for the period from 
  continuing operations                       881        (2)        879 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Net income for the period                    874        (2)        872 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Attributable to owners of the parent         862        (2)        860 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Net income for the period                    874        (2)        872 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Basic earnings per ordinary share: 
 From continuing operations (pence)         123.3      (0.3)      123.0 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 From total operations                      122.3      (0.3)      122.0 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Diluted earnings per ordinary share: 
 From continuing operations (pence)         122.5      (0.3)      122.2 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 From total operations                      121.5      (0.3)      121.2 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
   19.       Effects from implementation of IFRS 16 'Leases' (continued) 

Group Balance Sheet

 
                                           31 December    Effects   31 December 
                                                  2018    of IFRS          2018 
                                                               16 
                                              Reported                 Restated 
                                                  GBPm       GBPm          GBPm 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 ASSETS 
 Property, plant and equipment                   1,858        304         2,162 
 Total non-current assets                       32,698        304        33,002 
 Total assets                                   37,650        304        37,954 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 Current liabilities 
 Short-term borrowings (including 
  lease liabilities)                           (2,209)       (60)       (2,269) 
 Provisions for liabilities and charges          (542)          5         (537) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
                                               (7,614)       (55)       (7,669) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Long-term borrowings (including 
  lease liabilities)                           (9,670)      (280)       (9,950) 
 Provisions for liabilities and charges           (87)         13          (74) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
                                              (15,247)      (267)      (15,514) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 Total liabilities                            (22,861)      (322)      (23,183) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 Net assets                                     14,789       (18)        14,771 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 EQUITY 
 Capital and reserves 
 Retained earnings                              28,215       (18)        28,197 
 Attributable to owners of the parent           14,742       (18)        14,724 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 Total equity                                   14,789       (18)        14,771 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 

Group Cash Flow Statement

 
                                                          Effects 
                                               30 June    of IFRS    30 June 
                                                  2018         16       2018 
                                              Reported              Restated 
                                                  GBPm       GBPm       GBPm 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
 Cash generated from continuing operations       1,591      35(1)      1,626 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                                     1,085         35      1,120 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
 Net cash used in investing activities           (176)          -      (176) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
 Repayment of borrowings (including 
  lease liabilities)                           (1,392)       (35)    (1,427) 
 Net cash (used in) / from financing 
  activities                                   (1,428)       (35)    (1,463) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Net (decrease) / increase in cash 
  and cash equivalents                           (519)          -      (519) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of the period                                  1,534          -      1,534 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents comprise: 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                       1,542          -      1,542 
 Overdrafts                                        (8)          -        (8) 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
                                                 1,534          -      1,534 
-------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

(1) Includes GBP30m depreciation, amortisation and impairment.

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

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 by the EU;

   --      the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by: 

(a) 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

(b) 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 Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. A list of current Directors is maintained on the Reckitt Benckiser Group plc website: www.rb.com.

By order of the Board

Rakesh Kapoor

Chief Executive Officer

Christopher Sinclair

Chairman

30 July 2019

INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO RECKITT BENCKISER GROUP PLC

Conclusion

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of Financial Statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2019 which comprises the Group Income Statement, Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, Group Balance Sheet, Group Statement of Changes in Equity, 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 2019 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules ("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority ("the UK FCA").

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board 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.

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 International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU. 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 by the EU.

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.

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.

Richard Broadbelt

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square

London

E14 5GL

30 July 2019

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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