Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (LSE:RKT, ETR:3RB) second-quarter performance may not lag its consumer goods peers, but a material rerating of the stock still feels some way off, according to analysis by Citigroup. The American bank's London-based analysts, in a new note, say that second quarter results (due on Thursday 24 July) are likely to highlight strength in the firm's core emerging markets, notably China and India.
Britain's Reckitt is talking exclusively to private equity firm Advent International over a sale of the consumer goods group's Essential Home business, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
Here is how Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (RBGLY) and Reeds (REED) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
The Lysol maker confirmed its 2025 guidance as it reported comparable sales growth for the first quarter.
Reckitt Benckiser Group (RBGLY) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.
Does Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (RBGLY) have what it takes to be a top stock pick for momentum investors? Let's find out.
Reckitt said on Friday a circuit court in the United States had ruled that a new trial could be sought by plaintiffs in a case that accused the London-listed firm and Abbott of failing to warn of the risks of premature-infant formulas.
Reckitt , the maker of Dettol cleaning products and Strepsils throat lozenges, missed expectations for fourth-quarter like-for-like net sales, posting on Thursday a 4.6% rise.
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC has upped its dividend after a drop in profit last year as efforts continued to revamp the consumer goods business. Operating profit fell 4.2% to £2.43 billion in the year to December 31, as revenue slipped 3.0% to £14.17 billion on an international financial reporting standards basis.
Reckitt has shown a medium-term uptrend since April 2024, outperforming peers, but litigation risks from Mead Johnson remain substantial, making the stock a hold. Reckitt's strategic focus on high-growth, high-margin brands and potential divestitures could drive future revenue and earnings growth, despite current sales declines. The company's dividend history is strong, with a 22-year streak of no cuts, but future increases are likely modest due to a high payout ratio.
Reckitt Benckiser shareholders have had a tough year, with the stock underperforming global staples by around 17 points since my last article in January. Uncertainty surrounding the cost of litigation relating to its infant formula business has driven much of that. Reckitt maintains a good underlying business, and Nutrition is only 10% of earnings. The stock trades for just 15x EPS, representing a circa 25% discount to its long-run average and a 40% discount compared to select peers.
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (LSE:RKT, ETR:3RB) bolstered its boardroom, adding more c-suite expertise in non-executive positions. Bacardi chief executive Mahesh Madhavan is taking a seat as a non-executive director, whilst ex-Merck chief exec and chair Stefan Oschmann similarly joins as a NED.