3rd Quarter Results
RECKITT BENCKISER
A World Leader in Household, Health and Personal Care
27 October 2008
EXCELLENT MOMENTUM CONTINUED IN Q3
FULL YEAR TARGETS RAISED
Results at a glance Q3 % change % change YTD % change % change
£m actual constant £m actual constant
exchange exchange exchange exchange
Net Revenue 1,664 +24 +13 4,738 +22 +12
Operating Profit - 380 +12 +2 980 +16 +5
reported
Operating Profit - 380 +31 +17 1,010 +26 +14
adjusted *
Net Income - reported 285 +12 +4 727 +12 +3
Net Income - adjusted 285 +31 +20 750 +22 +12
*
EPS (diluted) - 39.5p +14 100.3p +14
reported
EPS (diluted) - 39.5p +33 103.4p +24
adjusted *
* Adjusted results exclude exceptional items (see page 2).
Q3 highlights:
- Like-for-like ("LFL") net revenue growth of +10%, consistent with
the strong momentum of the first half of the year.
- Gross margin +90bp to 58.8%: adjusted operating margin +100bp to
22.8%.
- Adjusted net income +31% (actual exchange): adjusted diluted EPS
of 39.5p (+33%).
Year-to-date ("YTD") highlights:
- LFL net revenue growth of +10%, strongly driven by growth in the
Group's 17 Powerbrands.
- Gross margin +80bp to 58.5%: adjusted operating margin +70bp to
21.3%.
- Adjusted net income +22% (actual exchange): adjusted diluted EPS
of 103.4p (+24%).
- Net debt of £1,077m reflects Adams acquisition, partially offset
by ongoing strong cash flow generation.
- Net working capital of minus £1,002m: £176m improvement versus
year-end December 2007.
Commenting on these results, Bart Becht, Chief Executive Officer,
said:
"Reckitt Benckiser continued its excellent momentum in Q3, with
like-for-like growth of +10%. Strong growth came across all regions and
Powerbrands, behind heavy media investment and the success of innovations such
as Finish Quantum and Vanish Intelligence.
As a result of this momentum in the underlying business, we are
raising our full year target for net revenue growth to +13% from at least
+11-12% (including Adams, base £5,220m) at constant exchange. For net income
growth, we are confident of achieving at least our previously communicated
target of +11% at constant exchange, or around +21% at actual exchange
(excluding restructuring, base £905m)."
Basis of Analysis
The results include the Adams Respiratory Therapeutics business
(Adams) from 30 January 2008, the date of acquisition. Operating profit is not
separately disclosed for the Adams business as, in the view of the Directors,
it is not practicable to identify its operating profit due to its integration
into the commercial infrastructure of Reckitt Benckiser.
Where appropriate, the term "adjusted" excludes the impact of
exceptional items. Exceptional items in 2008 consist of a restructuring charge
of £30m mainly relating to the integration of Adams: exceptional items in 2007
consist of a £47m net gain on the disposal of Hermal, offset by restructuring
of configuration of the Group.
Where appropriate, the term "like-for-like" ("LFL") describes
business performance on a comparable basis, excluding the impact of business
acquisitions, disposals and foreign exchange movements.
Detailed Operating Review
Third quarter 2008
Q3 net revenue increased +24% (+13% at constant exchange) to
£1,664m. LFL growth was +10%. Adams contributed £59m in Q3 2008, while
disposed businesses contributed £11m to Q3 net revenue in 2007.
The gross margin improved by +90 bps to 58.8% due to sales price
increases, benefits from cost optimisation programmes, volume leverage and the
impact of a positive mix more than offsetting higher input costs. The
inclusion of the recently-acquired Adams business contributed approximately
40bps of the increase of +90bp.
Marketing investment was higher, and pure media investment rose
+27% (+15% constant) to a level of 12.5% of net revenue, an increase of +30
bps on Q3 last year.
Operating profit as reported was £380m, +12% higher than last year
(+2% constant); on an adjusted basis, operating profit was ahead +31% (+17%
constant). The adjusted operating margin increased by +100 bps to 22.8% due to
gross margin expansion and fixed cost leverage, partially offset by additional
marketing investment.
Net finance expense was £7m (Q3 2007: £4m), reflecting interest on
the debt to finance the Adams acquisition earlier in the year. The tax rate
for the quarter was 24%.
Net income was £285m, an increase of +12% (+4% constant) on Q3
2007. On an adjusted basis, net income was up +31% (+20% constant).
Diluted earnings per share of 39.5 pence rose +33% on an adjusted
basis (+14%, reported), ahead of net income growth as the accretion from the
buyback more than offset dilution from new share issues.
Year to date (nine months) 2008
YTD net revenue increased +22% (+12% at constant exchange) to
£4,738m. LFL growth was +10%. Adams contributed £125m for the eight months
since acquisition, while disposed businesses contributed £47m in the nine
months of ownership in 2007.
The gross margin improved by +80 bps to 58.5% due to sales price
increases, benefits from cost optimisation programmes, volume leverage and the
impact of a positive mix more than offsetting higher input costs. The
inclusion of the recently-acquired Adams business contributed approximately
30bps of the increase of +80bp.
Marketing investment was higher, and pure media investment rose
+26% (+16% constant) to a level of 13.2% of net revenue, an increase of +50bps
versus YTD 2007.
Operating profit as reported was £980m, +16% higher than last year
(+5% constant). Excluding the exceptional charge of £30m in Q1 2008 and the
gain of £47m in Q3 2007, adjusted operating profit was £1,010m, an increase of
+26% on 2007 (+14% constant). The adjusted operating margin improved by +70
bps to 21.3% due to gross margin expansion and fixed cost leverage, partially
offset by additional marketing investment.
Net finance expense was £26m (YTD 2007: £20m), reflecting interest
on the debt to finance the Adams acquisition early in the year. The tax rate
for the nine months was 24%, in line with the expected rate for the full year.
Net income was £727m, an increase of +12% (+3% constant) on YTD
2007. On an adjusted basis, net income growth was +22% (+12% at constant).
Diluted earnings per share grew +14% to 100.3p. Earnings per share
(diluted, adjusted) increased +24% to 103.4p, ahead of net income growth as
the accretion from the buyback more than offset dilution from new share
issues.
YTD Business Review (at Constant Exchange Rates)
Summary: % net revenue growth
YTD 2008 LFL Acquisitions & Exchange Reported
Disposals
Europe +7 -2 +13 +18
NAA +7 +12 +6 +25
DvM +17 - +5 +22
Pharma* +42 - +7 +49
TOTAL +10 +2 +10 +22
*Pharma represents the Group's prescription drug business of
Subutex and Suboxone
Europe 52% of net revenue
Total net revenue for the nine months increased +5% to £2,441m;
excluding disposals in the prior year, LFL net revenue grew +7%, with growth
coming across all categories. In Fabric Care, growth principally came from
Vanish behind recent initiatives - such as Vanish Oxi Action Magnets and
Intelligence - with Calgon Water Softeners also contributing. Surface Care
increased as a result of Dettol All in 1, new Cillit Bang variants (such as
Grease & Floors and Stain & Mildew) and Harpic (including the new cageless
in-the-bowl toilet cleaners), while a strong performance by Finish Max in 1
and Quantum drove Dishwashing. In Home Care, growth came from new initiatives
such as Airwick Aqua Essences, Freshmatic Mini and the Symphonia liquid
electricals range. Growth in Health & Personal Care was led by Nurofen and
Strepsils, following increases in marketing support.
Year to date, the adjusted operating margin was +20bps ahead of
last year at 22.5%, due to modest expansion in gross margins and fixed cost
leverage partially offset by higher marketing investment. This resulted in a
+5% improvement in adjusted operating profit to £550m.
In Q3, net revenue rose +5% to £835m: LFL growth was +7%, with
disposals deducting -2%. Adjusted operating profit increased by +4% to £188m,
with the margin up +10bp to 22.5%.
North America & Australia 25% of net revenue
On a LFL basis, net revenue grew +7%; including Adams, net revenue
increased +19% to £1,199m. Adams contributed £125m to net revenue in the first
eight months of ownership.
Excluding Adams, YTD net revenue growth was driven particularly by
Surface Care, Dishwashing and Health & Personal Care. In Surface Care, growth
came from Lysol disinfectants and disinfectant cleaners, while Dishwashing
increased as a result of the continuing success of Electrasol 3in1 Powerball
tabs and Jet Dry Turbo Dry. In Health & Personal Care, Nurofen and Strepsils
performed well following increased marketing investment.
Strong growth in Food came particularly from the consumer brands of
French's yellow mustard and Frank's Red Hot sauce.
Year to date, adjusted operating profit increased +23% to £224m,
due primarily to the mix benefit from the Adams acquisition. The adjusted
operating margin was +120bps higher at 18.7%
Q3 net revenue rose +23% to £441m, with LFL growth of +6%. Adjusted
operating profit was ahead by +33% to £104m, equating to a +220bp improvement
in the margin to 23.6%.
Developing Markets 18% of net revenue
YTD net revenue was ahead +17% to £876m. Strong growth was evident
across all regions of Asia, Latin America and Africa Middle East, in Fabric
Care, Surface Care, Home Care and Health & Personal Care. In Fabric Care,
initiatives to drive category penetration across the Area generated growth
behind Vanish. In Surface Care, Harpic performed well across the Area, as did
Veja in Brazil. In Home Care, growth came from Airwick, driven by Freshmatic.
In Health & Personal Care, Strepsils grew strongly due to higher investment,
while Dettol and Veet benefited from range extensions and additional
investment.
Year to date, adjusted operating profit increased by +20% to £109m.
This resulted in a +30bp improvement in the adjusted operating margin to
12.4%.
Q3 net revenue increased by +16% to £303m. Adjusted operating
profit improved 23% to £37m, with a +50bp uplift in the margin to 12.2%.
Pharmaceuticals 5% of net revenue
YTD net revenue for the Group's Subutex and Suboxone prescription
drug business grew +42% to £222m. These buprenorphine-based products are used
to treat opiate dependence. This very strong growth was exclusively driven by
a continued increase in penetration of Suboxone in the USA.
Year-to-date, the adjusted operating margin improved by +80bps to
57.2%. Adjusted operating profit was £127m, an increase of +43%.
Q3 net revenue increased by +42% to £85m. Adjusted operating profit
increased +38% to £51m, for a +40bp expansion in the margin to 60.0%.
As a result of its Orphan Drug Status, Suboxone has exclusivity in
the USA until the end of September 2009 and in Europe until 2016. Within the
Pharmaceuticals division, the US Suboxone business generated YTD net revenue
of £183m and adjusted operating profit of £110m. While the Group continues to
search for ways to offset the impact of the loss of exclusivity in the USA at
the end of September 2009, up to 80% of the revenues and profits of that
business might be lost to generic competition in 2010, with the possibility of
further erosion thereafter.
YTD Category Review (at Constant Exchange Rates)
Fabric Care. Net revenue increased +6% to £1,113m. This growth
largely came from Vanish, driven by recent initiatives, such as Vanish Oxi
Action Magnets and Intelligence. Calgon Water Softeners also delivered a
strong performance, benefiting from higher marketing investment. Q3 net
revenue grew +5% to £393m.
Surface Care. Net revenue grew +8% to £814m principally due to
strong growth for the Lysol and Dettol ranges, the launch of further variants
of Cillit Bang such as Grease & Floors and Stain & Mildew, and Veja in Brazil.
Harpic Lavatory Care also performed well, due in part to the new cageless
in-the-bowl toilet cleaner. Q3 growth was +6% to £282m.
Dishwashing. Net revenue increased +11% to £555m due to the success
of Finish Quantum and the launch of Finish Max in One in Europe, as well as
strong growth of Electrasol 3in1 Powerball tablets and Jet Dry Turbo Dry in
North America behind increased investment. Q3 growth was +13% to £185m.
Home Care. Net revenue improved by +8% to £646m. Growth in Air Care
came from the continuing success of Airwick Freshmatic and such newer
initiatives as Mini Freshmatic, Airwick Aqua Essences and the Airwick
Symphonia liquid electrical ranges. Pest Control growth came mainly as a
result of a strong performance in Latin American and Australia. Q3 growth was
+5% to £224m.
Health & Personal Care. Net revenue increased +22% to £1,195m, with
LFL growth of +15%. Strong growth in Dettol antiseptic came from Developing
Markets, due to the expansion of the personal wash range and increased
marketing investment. Strong performance in Healthcare was led by Nurofen and
Strepsils, boosted by such successful initiatives as Nurofen Express and
Strepsils Cool and Sore Throat & Blocked Nose variants, and supported by
higher investment. The Adams business contributed £125m to net revenue for the
eight months of ownership, as marketing investment drove increased penetration
of Mucinex.
In Q3, Health & Personal Care grew +30% to £427m, including LFL
growth of +16%.
Total Household and Health & Personal Care. Net revenue was ahead
by +11% to £4,371m, +9% on a LFL basis. In Q3, total Household and Health &
Personal Care grew +11% to £1,529m, +8% on a LFL basis.
Pharmaceuticals. YTD net revenue for the Group's Subutex and
Suboxone prescription drug business grew +42% to £222m, exclusively driven by
a continued increase in penetration of Suboxone in the USA. Adjusted operating
profit was ahead +43% to £127m, equating to a +80bp improvement in the margin
to 57.2%.
Q3 net revenue increased by +42% to £85m, while adjusted operating
profit increased +38% to £51m.
Food. Net revenue grew +8% to £145m with good performance across
the consumer portfolio, in particular further growth for French's Yellow
Mustard and Frank's Red Hot Sauce. Adjusted operating profit increased +4% to
£29m.
Q3 net revenue grew +11%, and adjusted operating profit was £13m
(+2%).
Financial Review
Basis of preparation. The unaudited financial information is
prepared under IFRS, in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the
Group's 2007 Annual Report and Accounts.
Net working capital (inventories, short term receivables and short
term liabilities excluding borrowings and provisions) improved by £176m in the
period to minus £1,002m, mostly due to further improvement in payables.
Net debt as at 30th September 2008 was £1,077m (December 2007:
£125m), an increase of £952m compared to year-end 2007. This reflected the
debt taken on as a result of the Adams acquisition of £1.1bn, the payment of
two dividends totalling £441m and the ongoing share buyback programme spend of
£246m, partially offset by ongoing strong net cash flow generation from the
business.
In Q3, net debt increased by £90m compared to the position at the
end of June 2008, reflecting the interim dividend payment (£227m), further
share buybacks (£64m) and the negative impact of foreign exchange on
US$-denominated debt, partially mitigated by strong cash flow generation.
Acquisitions. During the nine months, the Group acquired Adams
Respiratory Therapeutics Inc for a total cash consideration of £1,096m.
Share buyback. Between February and September 2008, the Group
purchased 8.7m shares at a cost of £246m as part of its ongoing share buyback
programme. In Q3, the Group purchased 2.3m shares at a cost of £64m. The Group
is committed to completing its £300m programme for full year 2008.
Outlook
For the full year, the Group is raising its target for net revenue
growth to +13% from at least +11-12% (including Adams, base £5,220m) at
constant exchange. This upgrade reflects better-than-expected momentum in the
underlying business, with the like-for-like growth target now raised to +9%
(previously at least +7-8%).
The Group is confident of achieving at least its previously
communicated target for net income growth of +11% at constant exchange, or
around +21% at actual exchange (excluding restructuring, base £905m).
For further information, please contact:
Reckitt Benckiser +44 (0)1753 217800
Joanna Speed
Director, Investor Relations
Mark Wilson
Corporate Control & Investor Relations
Andraea Dawson-Shepherd
Global Director, Corporate Communication &
Affairs
Brunswick (Financial PR) +44 (0)20 7404 5959
Susan Gilchrist
Senior Partner
Catherine Colloms
Director
Cindy Legget-Flynn (US) +1 212 333 3810
Partner
Cautionary note concerning forward-looking statements
This document contains statements with respect to the financial
condition, results of operations and business of Reckitt Benckiser and certain
of the plans and objectives of the Company with respect to these items. These
forward looking statements are made pursuant to the `Safe Harbor' provisions
of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In
particular, all statements that express forecasts, expectations and
projections with respect to future matters, including trends in results of
operations, margins, growth rates, overall market trends, the impact of
interest or exchange rates, the availability of financing to the Company,
anticipated cost savings or synergies and the completion of strategic
transactions are forward-looking statements. 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, discussed in this report, that could cause actual results and
developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements, including many factors outside Reckitt Benckiser's
control. Past performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future
performance.
The Group at a Glance (Unaudited)
Quarter ended 30 Nine months ended 30
September September
2008 2007 2008 2007
£m £m £m £m
1,605 1,326 Net revenue - LFL 4,613 3,850
59 - Net revenue - acquisition 125 -
- 11 Net revenue - disposed - 47
businesses
1,664 1,337 Net revenue - total 4,738 3,897
+10% +8% Net revenue growth - LFL +10% +6%
+24% +8% Net revenue growth - total +22% +18%
58.8% 57.9% Gross margin 58.5% 57.7%
408 362 EBITDA 1,058 916
24.5% 27.1% EBITDA margin 22.3% 23.5%
380 338 EBIT 980 848
380 291 EBIT - adjusted * 1,010 801
22.8% 25.3% EBIT margin 20.7% 21.8%
22.8% 21.8% EBIT margin - adjusted * 21.3% 20.6%
373 334 Profit before tax 954 828
285 254 Net Income 727 649
285 218 Net Income adjusted * 750 613
40.1p 35.6p EPS, basic, as reported 102.2p 90.7p
39.5p 29.8p EPS, adjusted and diluted * 103.4p 83.4p
* Adjusted to exclude the impact of exceptional items.
Group balance sheet data 30 September 31 December
2008# 2007
£m £m
Net working capital * (1,002) (826)
Net debt (1,077) (125)
* Net working capital is defined as inventories, short term receivables and
short term liabilities, excluding borrowings and provisions.
# Where appropriate, these amounts include provisional fair values in respect
of the Adams acquisition.
Shares in issue
Millions
31 December 2007 712.0
Issued or transferred from Treasury 4.8
Repurchased and transferred to Treasury (6.4)
30 June 2008 710.4
Issued or transferred from Treasury 1.7
Repurchased and transferred to Treasury (2.3)
30 September 2008 709.8
Group Income Statement Analysis
Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 September
2008 2007 % change 2008 2007 % change
£m £m £m £m
1,664 1,337 24% Net revenues 4,738 3,897 22%
(686) (563) 22% Cost of sales (1,967) (1,648) 19%
978 774 26% Gross profit 2,771 2,249 23%
(598) (436) 37% Net operating expenses (1,791) (1,401) 28%
380 338 12% Operating profit 980 848 16%
380 291 31% Operating profit before exceptional 1,010 801 26%
items
- 47 - Exceptional items (30) 47 -
380 338 12% Operating profit 980 848 16%
(7) (4) 75% Net finance expense (26) (20) 30%
373 334 12% Profit on ordinary activities before 954 828 15%
taxation
(88) (80) 10% Tax on profit on ordinary activities (227) (179) 27%
285 254 12% Profit for the period 727 649 12%
0 0 - Attributable to equity minority 0 0 -
interests
285 254 12% Attributable to ordinary equity 727 649 12%
holders of the parent
285 254 12% Profit for the period 727 649 12%
Earnings per ordinary share:
40.1p 35.6p On profit for the period, basic 102.2 90.7p
39.5p 34.7p On profit for the period, diluted 100.3 88.3p
Earnings per ordinary share -
adjusted*:
40.1p 30.5p On profit for the period, basic 105.5 85.6p
39.5p 29.8p On profit for the period, diluted 103.4 83.4p
* Adjusted to exclude the impact of exceptional items.
Average common shares outstanding:
(millions)
710.2 714.4 Basic 711.0 715.9
721.9 731.6 Diluted 725.2 734.7
Segmental Analysis
Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 September
2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change
£m £m exch. rates £m £m exch. rates
actual const. actual const.
Net revenue
835 697 20% 5% Europe # 2,441 2,069 18% 5%
441 336 31% 23% North America & Australia # 1,199 960 25% 19%
303 247 23% 16% Developing Markets 876 719 22% 17%
85 57 49% 42% Pharmaceuticals # 222 149 49% 42%
1,664 1,337 24% 13% 4,738 3,897 22% 12%
Operating profit - statutory basis
188 203 (7)% (17)% Europe # 550 509 8% (3)%
104 72 44% 33% North America & Australia # 194 168 15% 7%
37 29 28% 23% Developing Markets 109 87 25% 20%
51 34 50% 38% Pharmaceuticals # 127 84 51% 43%
380 338 12% 2% 980 848 16% 5%
Operating profit - adjusted*
188 156 21% 4% Europe # 550 462 19% 5%
104 72 44% 33% North America & Australia # 224 168 33% 23%
37 29 28% 23% Developing Markets 109 87 25% 20%
51 34 50% 38% Pharmaceuticals # 127 84 51% 43%
380 291 31% 17% Subtotal before exceptional 1,010 801 26% 14%
items
- 47 - - Exceptional items (30) 47 - -
380 338 12% 2% 980 848 16% 5%
% % Operating margin - adjusted* % %
22.5 22.4 Europe # 22.5 22.3
23.6 21.4 North America & Australia # 18.7 17.5
12.2 11.7 Developing Markets 12.4 12.1
60.0 59.6 Pharmaceuticals # 57.2 56.4
22.8 21.8 Subtotal before exceptional 21.3 20.6
items
* Adjusted to exclude the impact of exceptional items.
# 2007 comparatives have been reclassified to disclose Pharmaceuticals
separately, previously reported within Europe and North America & Australia.
Additional Information: Product Segment
Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 September
2008 2007 % change 2008 2007 % exchange
£m £m exch. rates £m £m exch. rates
actual const. actual const.
Net revenue by category
393 330 19% 5% Fabric Care 1,113 935 19% 6%
282 243 16% 6% Surface Care 814 702 16% 8%
185 144 28% 13% Dishwashing 555 449 24% 11%
224 197 14% 5% Home Care 646 561 15% 8%
427 303 41% 30% Health & Personal Care ** 1,195 908 32% 22%
18 21 -14% -25% Other Household 48 63 -24% -30%
1,529 1,238 24% 11% Household and Health & 4,371 3,618 21% 11%
Personal Care
85 57 49% 42% Pharmaceuticals 222 149 49% 42%
50 42 19% 11% Food 145 130 12% 8%
1,664 1,337 24% 13% 4,738 3,897 22% 12%
**Net revenue of £59m for Q3 and £125m for YTD (2007: £nil and
£nil) in respect the Adams business are included within Health & Personal
Care. On a LFL basis, growth of Health & Personal Care is +15% YTD and +16%
for Q3.
Operating profit - adjusted
316 246 28% 15% Household and Health & 854 691 24% 11%
Personal Care
51 34 50% 38% Pharmaceuticals 127 84 51% 43%
13 11 18% 2% Food 29 26 12% 4%
380 291 31% 17% Subtotal before exceptional 1,010 801 26% 14%
items
- 47 Exceptional items (30) 47
380 338 12% 2% 980 848 16% 5%
% % Operating margin - adjusted % %
20.7 19.9 Household and Health & 19.5 19.1
Personal Care
60.0 59.6 Pharmaceuticals 57.2 56.4
26.0 26.2 Food 20.0 20.0
22.8 21.8 Subtotal before exceptional 21.3 20.6
items