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REG - Reckitt Benckiser Gp - 3rd Quarter Results

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RNS Number : 0937E  Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC  26 October 2022

26 October 2022
 
 

 

MOMENTUM CONTINUES - ON TRACK TO DELIVER FULL YEAR TARGETS

                     Q3 2022                    YTD 2022
 Net revenue  £m     LFL(1)   Reported  £m      LFL(1)    Reported
 Hygiene      1,527  -1.2%    +5.4%     4,406   -4.5%     -1.6%
 Health       1,533  +10.7%   +18.8%    4,353   +18.0%    +20.6%
 Nutrition    675    +24.7%   +25.9%    1,864   +24.0%    +4.3%
 Group(2)     3,735  +7.4%    +14.0%    10,623  +8.2%     +7.6%

1.     Adjusted measures are defined on page 7

2.     Group excluding IFCN China reported net revenue growth of 15.8% in
Q3 and 11.8% in YTD

Q3 highlights:

·              Group like-for-like (LFL) revenue growth of
7.4%.  Price / mix improvements of 12.0% and volume decline of 4.6% (volume
down around 1% excluding Lysol, as the category continues to normalise).
Continued broad-based growth and momentum.

·              Group reported net revenue growth of 14.0%: LFL
growth of 7.4% benefitted from FX tailwinds of 8.5% and a net M&A impact
of -1.9%.

·              70% of the portfolio less sensitive to Covid
dynamics grew high-single digits (YTD grew low-double digits). Excluding the
positive impact from US IFCN, growth was mid-single digits (YTD
high-single-digits), driven by continued innovation, improved in-market
execution and pricing across the portfolio.

·              Hygiene LFL decline of 1.2%: Performance improves
as the Lysol base continues to normalise. Hygiene grew 3.3% excluding Lysol,
led by Finish, Harpic, and Vanish.

·              Health LFL growth of 10.7%: Continued strong
momentum, led by OTC brands of Mucinex, Nurofen and Strepsils, and our
Intimate Wellness portfolio of Durex and KY.

·              Nutrition LFL growth of 24.7%: Driven by
mid-single digit growth in Developing Markets and over 40% growth in the US
with strong execution amidst temporary infant formula shortages.  Growth
includes an estimated 20.3% benefit from temporary competitor supply issues.

Outlook:

·              We are narrowing the range of our LFL net revenue
growth target to +6% to +8% for 2022 (previously +5% to +8%).  We continue to
target growth in adjusted operating margins.

·              We are already delivering sustainable mid-single
digit net revenue growth, and remain firmly on track to deliver our
medium-term goal of mid-20s adjusted operating margins by the mid-2020s.

Commenting on the results, Nicandro Durante, Chief Executive Officer, said:

 

"Reckitt delivered another quarter of broad-based growth amidst challenging
market conditions, as we continue to innovate and improve on our in-market
execution.

Since joining Reckitt in an executive capacity, I have spent time with our
people and in our markets.  It has been a delight to experience, first hand,
the energy and passion of our teams.

We have an excellent portfolio of trusted, market-leading brands in high
margin, high-growth categories and a strong culture of ownership and
delivery.  My priority is firmly focussed on continuing to execute on our
strategic path, to deliver sustainable mid-single digit growth, and mid-20s
adjusted operating margins by the mid-2020s."

 
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

We will be hosting a live audiocast followed by a Q&A session for analysts
and investors at 08:30 (BST) on Wednesday 26 October 2022.

 

Please click on the link below to join the live audiocast on the day.

 

https://www.reckitt.com/investors/results-and-presentations/
(https://www.reckitt.com/investors/results-and-presentations/)

 

Alternatively, dial in details are as follows:

 

 United Kingdom:           0800 640 6441
 All other locations:      +44 20 3936 2999
 Participant access code:  919947

 

Further Information and Contacts

Richard
Joyce
+44 (0)7807 418516

Head of Investor Relations

Patty
O'Hayer
+44 (0)7825 755688

Director, External Relations and Government Affairs

FGS

Faeth
Birch
+44 (0)7768 943171

 

Cautionary note concerning forward-looking statements

This announcement contains statements with respect to the financial condition,
results of operations and business of the Reckitt Benckiser Group plc group of
companies (the Group) and certain of the plans and objectives of the Group
that are forward-looking statements. Words such as 'intends', 'targets', or
the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future
performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such
forward-looking statements. In particular, all statements that express
forecasts, expectations and projections with respect to future matters,
including targets for net revenue, operating margin and cost efficiency, are
forward-looking statements. Such statements are not historical facts, nor are
they guarantees of future performance.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty
because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in
the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and
developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements, including many factors outside the Group's
control. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal
factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are: the general
economic, business, political 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; increases or volatility in the cost of raw materials
and commodities; 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, Reckitt
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

 

Group Overview
           £m      Volume  Price/ Mix  LFL(1)  Net M&A      FX     Reported
 Q3 2022   3,735   -4.6%   +12.0%      +7.4%   -1.9%        +8.5%  +14.0%
 YTD 2022  10,623  -0.8%   +9.0%       +8.2%   -4.9%        +4.3%  +7.6%

1.     Adjusted measures are defined on page 7

Group net revenue grew by 7.4% on a LFL basis in Q3 with price / mix
improvements of 12.0% and volume decline of 4.6%.  Price / mix benefitted
from a positive mix impact in our Nutrition business, and some trade spend
efficiencies.  Gross pricing in the quarter was high single digits.

Volumes remain positive in both our Health and Nutrition GBUs but declined in
Hygiene. This was largely due to expected volume declines in Lysol as we faced
tough comparatives.  Excluding the impact of Lysol, the volume decline in the
quarter for the Group was around 1%.

On an IFRS basis, net revenue grew 14.0%.

Net revenue growth benefitted from the temporary uplift in demand for Reckitt
Nutrition products due to the temporary supply shortages of infant nutrition
products in the US.  We estimate this benefit to have added approximately
3.0% in Q3 and 2.7% on a YTD basis.

Our in-market competitiveness remains strong.  63% of our Core Category
Market Units (CMUs), weighted by net revenue, held or gained share on a YTD
basis.

The net effect of M&A reduced net revenue by 1.9% in Q3 and 4.9% on a YTD
basis, representing the disposal of IFCN China, EnfaBebé in Argentina,
Scholl, E45 and Dermicool, offset by the acquisition of Biofreeze.

FX tailwinds increased net revenue by 8.5%, primarily as the result of a
strengthening of the US Dollar against Sterling.

eCommerce LFL net revenue grew 5% in Q3 (YTD grew 14%) and represents 12% of
Group net revenue.

 

Outlook

Following a strong YTD performance, we reiterate our full year LFL net revenue
targets, but narrow the range to +6% to +8% for 2022 (previously +5% to
+8%).

We continue to expect inflation on our cost of goods sold to remain in the
high teens for the full year.

In H1, our adjusted operating margin benefitted from favourable product mix,
productivity initiatives, pricing and phasing of investments.  In addition,
H1 margins benefitted from a gain on sale of surplus land in Asia (FY impact
+45bps) plus volume leverage and mix benefits from the temporary supply
shortages of infant nutrition products in the US.

During the second half of the year, we expect Nutrition margins to normalise,
a higher level of investment versus the first half of the year, and to face a
tougher inflationary environment as more favourable hedge positions prevailing
in the first half are renewed at higher rates.

For the full year we continue to expect growth in adjusted operating margins.

Guidance for capital expenditure, net interest expense and our effective tax
rate in 2022 remain unchanged from that indicated in our interim statement on
27 July 2022.

We are already delivering sustainable mid-single digit net revenue growth and
remain firmly on track to deliver our medium-term goal of mid-20s adjusted
operating margins by the mid-2020s.

 

Operating Segment Review

 

Hygiene                                                                                                                41% of net revenue in Q3 2022
           £m     Volume  Price/ Mix  LFL(1)  Net M&A      FX     Reported
 Q3 2022   1,527  -13.0%  +11.8%      -1.2%   -            +6.6%  +5.4%
 YTD 2022  4,406  -12.4%  +7.9%       -4.5%   -            +2.9%  -1.6%

1.     Adjusted measures are defined on page 7

Hygiene like-for-like performance improved in Q3 as the Lysol base continues
to normalise.  Net revenue declined 1.2% on a LFL basis (grew by 3.3%
excluding Lysol) in Q3. We saw broad-based growth across our core brands,
offset by Lysol, down as expected due to tough comparatives.

Price / mix improvements of 11.8% in the quarter reflect continued
implementation of pricing initiatives.  These were offset by volume declines
of 13.0% due to high Lysol comparatives and some category volume softness,
mainly in air care.

49% of Core Hygiene CMUs (weighted by net revenue) held or gained market share
on a YTD basis.  Lysol saw share gains in the core disinfection spray
category, as well as the laundry sanitiser segment, offset by a reduction in
wipes which is lapping a branded competitor's distribution challenges last
year.

Lysol LFL net revenue is around 50% above pre-pandemic levels both in Q3 and
on a YTD basis.  This is driven by expansion in both core consumption as
consumers continue to exhibit elevated hygiene behaviours, and entry into new
markets and adjacent categories over the past two years. Q3 revenue trends
improved with mid-teens revenue decline (versus H1 revenue decline of around
30%), as comparatives continue to normalise.

Finish LFL net revenue grew double digits in the quarter with growth across
North America, Europe and Developing Markets.  Growth is underpinned by a
combination of pricing actions and success from our latest Finish Quantum "All
in 1" innovation, delivering better performance to mid-tier consumers,
leveraging thermoforming technology to deliver higher quality and more
sustainable auto-dish solutions.

Air Wick LFL net revenue was down mid-single digits in the quarter due to soft
market conditions in both Europe and the US.  Net revenue remains well above
2019 levels as consumers continue to spend more time at home than
pre-pandemic.

Vanish LFL net revenue grew high-single digits in the quarter due to strong
market share gains in a number of key markets.

Harpic LFL net revenue grew mid-teens in the quarter with strong growth in
emerging markets, driven by market share gains and innovation, such as Harpic
Power Plus 10x Max Clean in India, a 20% more viscous formula providing better
cleaning performance, and Harpic Power Plus 3 in Thailand, a relatively new
and under penetrated market for us.

 

Health                                                                                                                    41% of net revenue in Q3 2022
           £m     Volume  Price/ Mix  LFL(1)  Net M&A      FX     Reported
 Q3 2022   1,533  +0.6%   +10.1%      +10.7%  -0.1%        +8.2%  +18.8%
 YTD 2022  4,353  +9.9%   +8.1%       +18.0%  -1.8%        +4.4%  +20.6%

1.     Adjusted measures are defined on page 7

Health net revenue grew 10.7% in Q3 and 18.0% YTD on a LFL basis.  This
reflected volume growth of 0.6% and price / mix improvements of 10.1%.

57% of Core Health CMUs held or gained market share on a YTD basis driven by
gains across our OTC and Intimate Wellness portfolios.

OTC net revenue grew around 20% in Q3 with continued strong market growth and
share gains.  Our cold and flu relief brands, Mucinex, Strepsils and Lemsip,
delivered strong growth benefitting from high cold and flu incidences, as well
as continued expansion into adjacent categories, with the recent successful
launches of Mucinex InstaSoothe and Strepsils Herbals. Nurofen also delivered
strong growth with continued success of recent innovations such as Nuromol in
UK and Nurofen Meltlets in Australia.

Our Intimate Wellness portfolio saw strong growth in Q3, particularly in
Europe, driven by the execution of our Durex lifestyle campaign, which drove
distribution gains across multiple channels. Developing market growth was
negatively impacted by Covid related lockdowns in China for part of the
quarter.

Dettol net revenue declined low-single digits in Q3 behind high comparatives
in certain markets, but continues to stabilise well above pre-pandemic levels,
and remains on track to grow in the year.  Our recent innovations such as
Dettol Tru Protect 4in1 laundry pods, Dettol Powder to Liquid handwash, and
the Dettol Personal Care upgrade have been well received in the market.  We
continue to expect low-single digit growth for the year, and net revenue at
around 40% above pre-pandemic levels.

Our Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements business grew low-single digits in the
quarter with continued strong growth in Neuriva despite softer market
conditions in the US.

 

Nutrition                                                                                                                18% of net revenue in Q3 2022
           £m     Volume  Price/ Mix  LFL(1)  Net M&A      FX      Reported
 Q3 2022   675    +7.1%   +17.6%      +24.7%  -13.4%       +14.6%  +25.9%
 YTD 2022  1,864  +9.4%   +14.6%      +24.0%  -27.4%       +7.7%   +4.3%

1.     Adjusted measures are defined on page 7

Nutrition net revenue grew 24.7% on a LFL basis in Q3.  This reflected volume
growth of 7.1% and price / mix improvements of 17.6% (of which c.9% is retail
price increases, and the balance consisting of favourable mix and trade spend
leverage and efficiencies).

The benefit to LFL net revenue growth from competitor supply issues is
estimated to be around 20% in Q3 and around 18% on a YTD basis, reflected
across both volume and price / mix.

98% of Core Nutrition CMUs held or gained market share on a YTD basis with
particularly strong share gains across the US and Canada.

IFCN US net revenue grew around 40% on a LFL basis in the quarter, with strong
growth in both our core Enfa and specialty brands.  Significant market share
growth was driven by strong execution in response to increased demand.

Our focus remains doing everything possible to put more infant formula on
shelves, addressing concerns of parents across the US, while safeguarding the
highest levels of quality.  We have recently been granted a temporary import
approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which enables us to import
additional infant formula supplies into the US from our manufacturing
facilities in both Singapore and Mexico.

The temporary supply disruptions in the US should reduce in Q4.  As a result,
we expect both the competitive environment to intensify and the temporary
benefits from additional WIC sales in states where Reckitt does not hold the
government contract, to dissipate.  We expect to exit 2022 in the US with a
larger, stronger business, but with more normalised sales volumes and
operating profit margins.

Our Developing Markets business grew net revenue mid-single-digits in Q3 with
market share improvements in all of our main markets.

The net effect of M&A was a 13.4% reduction in net revenue in Q3,
representing the disposal of IFCN China and EnfaBebé in Argentina.

Performance by Geography
                     £m      Volume  Price / Mix  LFL(1)  Net M&A      FX      Actual
 Q3 2022
 North America       1,329   -5.4%   +12.5%       +7.1%   -            +16.1%  +23.2%
 Europe / ANZ        1,169   -1.0%   +11.1%       +10.1%  -            +0.7%   +10.8%
 Developing Markets  1,237   -7.2%   +12.2%       +5.0%   -5.4%        +8.8%   +8.4%
 Group net revenue   3,735   -5.1%   +12.5%       +7.4%   -1.9%        +8.5%   +14.0%
 YTD 2022
 North America       3,585   -4.7%   +9.4%        +4.7%   +1.0%        +10.4%  +16.1%
 Europe / ANZ        3,384   +4.5%   +7.4%        +11.9%  -2.4%        -2.7%   +6.8%
 Developing Markets  3,654   -2.2%   +10.2%       +8.0%   -12.2%       +5.3%   +1.1%
 Group net revenue   10,623  -1.0%   +9.2%        +8.2%   -4.9%        +4.3%   +7.6%

1.     Adjusted measures are defined on page 7

North America Q3 net revenue grew 7.1% on a LFL basis, with strong growth in
Finish, Mucinex and IFCN, partially offset by declines in Lysol given high
comparatives and slower market conditions in Air Wick.

Europe / ANZ Q3 net revenue grew 10.1% on a LFL basis, with broad-based
geographic growth in Finish, Vanish, Nurofen, Strepsils, Dettol and Veet.
Category volumes slowed in parts of our Hygiene business, such as air care.

Developing Markets Q3 net revenue grew 5.0% on a LFL basis, with strong growth
in Finish, Vanish, Harpic, Veja and Strepsils offset by high comparatives in
Lysol and Dettol.

 

Other Matters

Russia

On 13 April 2022, Reckitt announced it had begun a process aimed at
transferring ownership of its Russian business, which may include a transfer
to a third party or to local employees.

 

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Like-for-like ('LFL'): Net revenue growth or decline at constant exchange
rates (see below) excluding the impact of acquisitions, disposals and
discontinued operations. Completed disposals are excluded from LFL revenue
growth for the entirety of the current and prior years. Acquisitions are
included in LFL revenue growth twelve months after the completion of the
relevant acquisition.  LFL growth also excludes countries with annual
inflation greater than 100% (Venezuela).

Constant exchange rate ('CER'): Net revenue growth or decline adjusting the
actual consolidated results such that the foreign currency conversion uses the
same exchange rates as were applied in the prior financial year.

Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Operating Profit margin: Adjusted
operating profit reflects the IFRS operating profit excluding items in line
with the Group's adjusted items policy, which can be found on page 81 of the
2021 Annual Report and Accounts. The adjusted operating profit margin is the
adjusted operating profit expressed as a percentage of net revenue.

Other definitions and terms

eCommerce: eCommerce channel net revenue is defined as direct sales from
Reckitt to online platforms or directly to consumers. Estimates of total
eCommerce sales as a percentage of group revenues includes direct sales and an
estimate of sales achieved by our brands corresponding to sales through our
omnichannel distributors and retailer's websites.

Category Market Unit (CMU): Reckitt analyses its market share by CMUs, which
represent country and either brand or category, e.g., US Lysol. This allows us
to analyse the components of market share growth taking into account both
geography and brand / category. Management has identified those Core CMUs that
are the most strategically important. The list of Core CMUs is kept under
continual review and will change over time based on strategic decisions.
Currently, Core CMUs cover c.65% of Group net revenue and between c.55% to
c.80% of each GBU's net revenue. As a measure of competitiveness, management
tracks the percentage of Core CMUs holding or gaining market share, weighted
by net revenue.

 

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