Reckitt Benckiser H1 2009 Results
Reckitt Benckiser
A World Leader in Household, Health and Personal Care
29 July 2009
STRONG FIRST HALF RESULTS
FULL YEAR TARGETS RAISED
Results at a glance Q2** % change % change HY % change % change
£m actual constant £m actual constant
(unaudited) exchange exchange exchange exchange
Net Revenue 1,872 +20% +8% 3,783 +23% +8%
Operating Profit - 414 +27% +14% 819 +37% +17%
reported
Operating Profit - 414 +27% +14% 819 +30% +12%
adjusted *
Net Income - reported 310 +31% +17% 613 +39% +19%
Net Income - adjusted 310 +29% +17% 613 +32% +13%
*
EPS (diluted) - 43.0p +32% 85.1p +40%
reported
EPS (diluted) - 43.0p +30% 85.1p +33%
adjusted *
* Adjusted results (including % change figures) exclude exceptional
items (see page 2). There are no exceptional items in HY 2009 compared to an
exceptional charge of £30m pre-tax in HY 2008. ** Q2 results were not subject
to the independent review.
Half Year (HY) highlights:
- Total net revenue +8% (constant exchange) to £3,783m, with growth
across the Group and its 17 Powerbrands. Excluding Reckitt Benckiser
Pharmaceuticals (RBP), net revenue was ahead +6% (at constant).
- Gross margin +80bp to 59.1%: adjusted operating margin +110bp to
21.6%.
- Adjusted net income +32% (actual exchange): adjusted diluted EPS
of 85.1p (+33%).
- Net debt of £525m (31 December 2008: £1,096m), as a result of
strong free cash flow generation and a net £53m positive foreign exchange
impact, partially offset by the payment of the final 2008 dividend of £341m.
- Net working capital of minus £1,222m, a £125m improvement versus
the 31 December 2008 level.
- The Board recommends a +34% increase in the interim dividend to
43.0p per share.
Q2 highlights:
- Total net revenue +8% (constant exchange), consistent with the
growth rate achieved in Q1. Excluding RBP, net revenue increased +5%
(constant).
- Gross margin +70bp to 59.6%: adjusted operating margin +130bp to
22.1%.
- Adjusted net income +29% (actual exchange): adjusted diluted EPS
of 43.0p (+30%).
Commenting on these results, Bart Becht, Chief Executive Officer,
said:
"Reckitt Benckiser had a very good first half despite challenging
market conditions, with net revenue growth of +8% at constant exchange. All
regions and our 17 Powerbrands contributed to this growth, supported by
continued investment and successful product initiatives.
As a result of this strong start to the year, we are raising our FY
2009 targets. We are now targeting net revenue growth of +5-6% (previously
+4%, base £6,563m) and net income growth of +10-11% (previously +8-10%, base
£1,143m), both at constant exchange."
Basis of Presentation and Exceptional Items
Where appropriate, the term "adjusted" excludes the impact of
exceptional items. There are no exceptional items in HY 2009, compared to an
exceptional charge in HY 2008 of £30m mainly relating to the integration of
Adams.
Detailed Operating Review
Second quarter 2009
Q2 net revenue increased +20% to £1,872m, with growth of +8% at
constant exchange.
The gross margin improved by +70bp to 59.6%, largely as a result of
easing input costs and benefits from cost optimisation programmes, partially
offset by a negative transaction impact from foreign exchange. While media
support increased, media spend declined by -4% (-14% constant) to a level of
11.4% of net revenue due to more favourable media buying rates. Total
marketing investment was higher, as savings from these more favourable media
rates were re-invested in Other Consumer Marketing activities. Operating
profit as reported was £414m, +27% higher than last year (+14% constant): the
operating margin increased by +130bp to 22.1% due to gross margin expansion
and operating cost efficiencies.
Net finance income was £1m (Q2 2008: net finance expense of £10m),
reflecting strong free cash flow generation and progress made on net debt
repayment during the quarter. The tax rate was 25%.
Net income was £310m, an increase of +31% (+17% constant) on Q2
2008. On an adjusted basis, net income was up +29% (+17% constant).
Diluted earnings per share of 43.0 pence rose +30% on an adjusted
basis (+32%, reported).
Half year 2009
HY net revenue increased +23% to £3,783m, with growth of +8% at
constant exchange.
The gross margin improved by +80bp to 59.1%, largely as a result of
easing input costs, benefits from cost optimisation programmes and sales price
increases, partially offset by a negative transaction impact from foreign
exchange. Marketing investment was higher, and pure media investment rose +10%
(-3% constant) to a level of 12.1% of net revenue. There was significant
growth in Other Consumer Marketing, as savings from more favourable media
rates were re-invested in other forms of brand-building initiative. Operating
profit as reported was £819m, +37% higher than last year (+17% constant): on
an adjusted basis, operating profit was ahead +30% (+12% constant). The
adjusted operating margin increased by +110bp to 21.6% due to gross margin
expansion and operating cost efficiencies.
Net finance expense was £3m (HY 2008: £19m), reflecting strong free
cash flow generation and progress made on net debt repayment during the half
year. The tax rate was 25%.
Net income was £613m, an increase of +39% (+19% constant) on HY
2008. On an adjusted basis, net income was up +32% (+13% constant).
Diluted earnings per share of 85.1 pence rose +33% on an adjusted
basis (+40%, reported).
HY 2009 Business Review
Summary: % net revenue growth
HY 2009 Growth at Constant Exchange Reported
Exchange
Europe +2% +9% +11%
NAA +7% +26% +33%
DvM +15% +14% +29%
Pharma* +43% +42% +85%
TOTAL +8% +15% +23%
* Pharma represents the Group's prescription drug business of
Subutex and Suboxone
The Business Review below is given at constant exchange rates.
Europe 47% of net revenue
HY 2009 total net revenue increased +2% to £1,782m, with growth
coming largely from Dishwashing, Home Care and Health & Personal Care. In
Dishwashing, the continued success of Quantum contributed to performance,
while growth in Air Care was supported by such initiatives as Airwick
Freshmatic, Freshmatic Mini and <i>motion. In Health & Personal Care, Nurofen,
Strepsils and Gaviscon all performed strongly, boosted by increased marketing
investment.
For the half year, the adjusted operating margin was +10bp ahead of
last year at 22.6%; this resulted in a +1% improvement in adjusted operating
profit to £403m.
In Q2, net revenue rose +2% to £864m. Adjusted operating profit
increased by +1% to £197m, with the margin up +10bp to 22.8%.
North America & Australia 27% of net revenue
HY 2009 total net revenue increased +7% to £1,008m, with all
categories contributing. In Fabric Care, growth was boosted by such new
initiatives as the launch of Spray `n Wash Bright & White, Resolve Deep Clean
Powder and concentrated formulations for Woolite. Surface Care increased
largely as a result of increased consumption of Lysol spray and disinfectant
wipes, in part due to the outbreak of the H1N1 `flu virus. Dishwashing was
driven by the launch of Quantum in the U.S., while Airwick Freshmatic and
<i>motion contributed to the performance in Home Care. In Health & Personal
Care, growth was driven by Mucinex.
In Food, growth was led by the consumer brands of French's Yellow
Mustard and Frank's Red Hot sauce.
For the half year, adjusted operating profit increased +15% to
£169m; the adjusted operating margin was +100bp higher at 16.8%.
Q2 net revenue rose +5% to £486m and adjusted operating profit was
ahead by +15% to £77m, equating to a +100bp uplift in the margin to 15.8%.
Developing Markets 19% of net revenue
HY 2009 total net revenue was ahead +15% to £739m, with growth
evident across all regions and driven particularly by Fabric Care, Surface
Care and Health & Personal Care. In Fabric Care, increased marketing
investment and new initiatives helped generate a strong performance for Vanish
across the Area. Surface Care increased largely as a result of growth in
Harpic, and Veja in Brazil. In Health & Personal Care, additional marketing
investment helped drive an excellent result for the Dettol personal care
range, with Veet and Gaviscon also strong contributors.
For the half year, adjusted operating profit increased by +20% to
£98m. This resulted in a +70bp improvement in the adjusted operating margin to
13.3%.
Q2 net revenue increased by +16% to £379m. Adjusted operating
profit improved +23% to £54m, with a +70bp uplift in the margin to 14.2%.
Pharmaceuticals 7% of net revenue
HY 2009 total net revenue for the Group's Subutex and Suboxone
prescription drug business grew +43% to £254m. These buprenorphine-based
products are used to treat opiate dependence. This very strong growth was
predominantly driven by a continued increase in penetration of Suboxone in the
U.S.
For the half year, the adjusted operating margin improved by +320bp
to 58.7%. Adjusted operating profit was £149m, an increase of +46%.
Q2 net revenue increased by +46% to £143m. Adjusted operating
profit increased +54% to £86m, for a +310bp expansion in the margin to 60.1%.
As a result of its Orphan Drug Status, Suboxone has exclusivity in
the U.S. until the end of September 2009 and in Europe until 2016. Within the
Pharmaceuticals division, the U.S. Suboxone business generated HY 2009 net
revenue of £219m and adjusted operating profit of £132m. While the Group
continues to search for ways to offset the impact of the loss of exclusivity
in the U.S. 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.
HY 2009 Category Review (at Constant Exchange Rates)
Fabric Care. Net revenue increased +1% to £807m, largely due to a
strong performance for Vanish in Developing Markets, supported by the
successful roll-out of Vanish Oxi Action Intelligence gel in selected European
markets. Woolite also contributed, helped by such new initiatives as Triple
Protection and concentrated formulations. Growth was partially offset by
weakness in Laundry Detergents and Fabric Conditioners. Q2 net revenue grew
+1% to £401m.
Surface Care. Net revenue grew +3% to £635m, with growth in both
the Dettol and Lysol ranges. Harpic Lavatory Care also performed well, helped
by such new initiatives as Harpic liquid with Max Coverage. Q2 growth was +6%
to £314m.
Dishwashing. Net revenue increased +5% to £440m due to the
continued success of Finish Quantum, behind increased investment. Q2 net
revenue was flat at £205m.
Home Care. Net revenue increased +5% to £509m. This growth was
largely driven by Air Care, supported by Airwick Freshmatic, Freshmatic Mini
and <i>motion. Q2 growth was +7% to £245m.
Health & Personal Care. Net revenue increased +14% to £978m. The
Dettol personal wash range continued to deliver excellent growth in Developing
Markets, while Mucinex, Nurofen, Strepsils and Gaviscon all contributed to a
strong performance in Healthcare. In Q2, Health & Personal care grew +9% to
£473m.
Total Household and Health & Personal Care. Net revenue was ahead
by +6% to £3,397m. In Q2, total Household and Health & Personal Care grew +5%
to £1,658m.
Pharmaceuticals. HY 2009 net revenue for the Group's Subutex and
Suboxone prescription drug business grew +43% to £254m, predominantly driven
by a continued increase in penetration of Suboxone in the U.S. Adjusted
operating profit was ahead +46% to £149m, equating to a +320bp improvement in
the margin to 58.7%.
Q2 net revenue increased by +46% to £143m, while adjusted operating
profit rose +54% to £86m.
Food. Net revenue grew +7% to £132m 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 +23% to
£25m.
Q2 net revenue grew +9% and adjusted operating profit was £15m
(+16%).
New Initiatives: H2 2009
The Group has announced a number of new product initiatives for the
second half of 2009:
In Fabric Care:
- Roll-out of Vanish Oxi Action Intelligence Plus Gel, a new
generation of premium in-wash gel stain removers that remove all stains from
garments - even the toughest greasy ones.
- Roll-out of Woolite Complete, which cleans and protects all
fabrics and colours against fabric damage and fading, offering complete
protection for all wash-loads.
In Surface Care:
- Launch of Harpic Max rim block, not only offering powerful
cleaning and continuous freshness, but also 25% more flushes for the same
price.
In Home Care:
- Roll-out of Airwick <i>motion, providing an instant boost of
freshness when motion is detected, on top of regular automatic sprays of
fragrance.
- Launch of Mortein Powergard, offering even more powerful and
long-lasting protection against pests owing to its latest superior
high-technology formula.
In Health & Personal Care:
- Launch of the Dettol brand through the pharmacy channel in
selected European markets.
- Launch of Dettol Naturals personal wash range in selected
developing markets, combining the benefits of natural ingredients with
Dettol's protection against germs to leave skin looking and feeling healthier.
- Roll-out of Strepsils Cool, delivering an instantly cooling
sensation for fast effective relief from a burning throat.
HY 2009 Financial Review
Basis of preparation. The unaudited financial information is
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and IFRSs
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and with the
accounting policies set out in the Group's 2008 Annual Report & Financial
Statements, except as explained in Note 3 to the Half Year Condensed Financial
Statements.
Constant exchange. Movements in exchange rates relative to sterling
affect actual results as reported. The constant exchange rate basis adjusts
the comparative to exclude such movements, to show the underlying growth of
the Group.
Net finance expense. Net interest payable was £3m (2008: £19m),
reflecting strong free cash flow generation and progress on net debt
repayment.
Tax. The underlying tax rate was 25% (2008: 24%).
Net working capital (inventories, short-term receivables and
short-term liabilities excluding borrowings and provisions) of minus £1,222m
was £125m lower than the 31 December 2008 level, mostly due to an improvement
in inventories.
Cash flow. Cash generated from operations increased +43% to £1,128m
(30 June 2008: £788m) and net cash flow from operations was £884m, +48% (2008:
£596m). Net interest paid was £6m lower at £7m (2008: £13m) and tax payments
increased by £53m to £175m (2008: £122m). Capital expenditure (including
intangibles) was lower than the prior year at £62m (2008: £86m).
Net debt at the end of the half year was £525m (December 2008:
£1,096m), a decrease of £571m. This reflected net cash flow from operations of
£884m and a positive foreign exchange translation impact on net debt (£53m)
predominantly arising from the weakening of the US$ during the period,
partially offset by the payment of the final 2008 dividend of £341m. The Group
regularly reviews its banking arrangements and currently has adequate
facilities available to it, only £25m of which expires within one year.
Balance sheet. At 30 June 2009, the Group had shareholders' funds
of £3,216m (31 December 2008: £3,294m), a decrease of -2%. Net debt was £525m
(31 December 2008: £1,096m) and total capital employed in the business was
£3,741m (31 December 2008: £4,390m).
This finances non-current assets of £6,661m (31 December 2008:
£7,228m), of which £590m (31 December 2008: £637m) is tangible fixed assets,
the remainder being goodwill, other intangible assets, deferred tax, available
for sale financial assets and other receivables. The Group has net working
capital of minus £1,222m (31 December 2008: minus £1,097m), current provisions
of £64m (31 December 2008: £73m) and long-term liabilities other than
borrowings of £1,635m (31 December 2008: £1,668m).
Dividends. The Board of Directors recommends an interim dividend of
43.0p (2008: 32.0p), an increase of +34%. The ex-dividend date will be 5
August and the dividend will be paid on 28 September to shareholders on the
register at the record date of 7 August. The last date for election for the
share alternative to the dividend is 7 September.
2009 Targets
As a result of the strong start to the year, the Group is raising
its FY 2009 targets to net revenue growth of +5-6% (previously +4%, base
£6,563m) and net income growth of +10-11% (previously +8-10%, base £1,143m),
both at constant exchange.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Directors consider that the principal risks and uncertainties
which could have a material impact on the Group's performance in the remaining
six months of 2009 are the same as described on pages 18-19 of the Annual
Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2008. These
include, but are not limited to:
- Market risks:
- Expiry of the Group's exclusive licence for Suboxone in the U.S.
at the end of September 2009.
- Demand for the Group's products adversely affected due to changes
in consumer preference.
- Customer de-listing of the Group's brands.
- Competition may reduce market share and margins.
- Operational risks:
- Unfavourable economic or business conditions in the markets in
which the Group operates.
- New product innovation declines or becomes less relevant to
consumers.
- Increased costs or shortages of raw and packaging materials.
- Adverse changes in the regulatory environment.
- Environmental, social and governance risks:
- Product quality and safety risks to consumers.
- Operational risks:
- Fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates.
The Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year
ended 31 December 2008 are available on the Group's website at
www.reckittbenckiser.com.
The Group at a Glance (Unaudited)
Quarter ended 30 June Half year ended 30 June
2009 2008 2009 2008
£m £m £m £m
1,872 1,564 Net revenue - total 3,783 3,074
+8% +11% Net revenue growth - +8% +11%
constant
+20% +20% Net revenue growth - total +23% +20%
59.6% 58.9% Gross margin 59.1% 58.3%
444 350 EBITDA 881 650
23.7% 22.4% EBITDA margin 23.3% 21.1%
414 325 EBIT 819 600
414 325 EBIT - adjusted * 819 630
22.1% 20.8% EBIT margin 21.6% 19.5%
22.1% 20.8% EBIT margin - adjusted * 21.6% 20.5%
415 315 Profit before tax 816 581
310 237 Net income 613 442
310 240 Net income - adjusted * 613 465
43.6p 33.3p EPS, basic, as reported 86.3p 62.1p
43.0p 33.1p EPS, adjusted and diluted * 85.1p 64.0p
* Adjusted to exclude the impact of exceptional items.
Group balance sheet data 30 June 31 December
2009 2008
£m £m
Net working capital * (1,222) (1,097)
Net debt (525) (1,096)
* Net working capital is defined as inventories, short-term receivables and
short-term liabilities, excluding borrowings and provisions.
Shares in issue
First half
Millions
31 December 2008 708.7
Issued or transferred from Treasury 1.3
31 March 2009 710.0
Issued or transferred from Treasury 3.8
30 June 2009 713.8
Group Income Statement Analysis (Unaudited)
Quarter ended Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2009 2008 % change 2009 2008 % change
£m £m £m £m
1,872 1,564 +20% Net revenue 3,783 3,074 +23%
(757) (643) +18% Cost of sales (1,549) (1,281) +21%
1,115 921 +21% Gross profit 2,234 1,793 +25%
(701) (596) +18% Net operating expenses (1,415) (1,193) +19%
414 325 +27% Operating profit 819 600 +37%
414 325 +27% Operating profit before 819 630 +30%
exceptional items
- - Exceptional items - (30)
414 325 +27% Operating profit 819 600 +37%
1 (10) Net finance income / (expense) (3) (19)
415 315 +32% Profit on ordinary activities 816 581 +40%
before taxation
(105) (78) +35% Tax on profit on ordinary (203) (139) +46%
activities
310 237 +31% Profit for the period 613 442 +39%
- - Attributable to equity - -
minority interests
310 237 +31% Attributable to ordinary 613 442 +39%
equity holders of the parent
310 237 +31% Profit for the period 613 442 +39%
Earnings per ordinary share:
43.6p 33.3p On profit for the period, basic 86.3p 62.1p
43.0p 32.6p On profit for the period, diluted 85.1p 60.8p
Earnings per ordinary share
- adjusted*:
43.6p 33.7p On profit for the period, basic 86.3p 65.4p
43.0p 33.1p On profit for the period, diluted 85.1p 64.0p
* Adjusted to exclude the impact of exceptional items.
Average common shares
outstanding: (millions)
711.9 711.4 Basic 710.7 711.5
721.6 726.1 Diluted 720.7 726.8
Segment Information (Unaudited)
Analyses by operating segment of net revenue and operating profit,
and of net revenue by product group are set out below. The figures for each
geographical area show the net revenue and operating profit made by companies
located in that area. Additional information is provided to show profit by
class of business.
Operating segment
Quarter ended Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2009 2008 % Change 2009 2008 % Change
£m £m exch. £m £m exch.
rates rates
actual const. actual const.
Net revenue
864 805 +7% +2% Europe 1,782 1,606 +11% +2%
486 384 +27% +5% North America & 1,008 758 +33% +7%
Australia
379 296 +28% +16% Developing Markets 739 573 +29% +15%
143 79 +81% +46% Pharmaceuticals 254 137 +85% +43%
1,872 1,564 +20% +8% 3,783 3,074 +23% +8%
Operating profit -
statutory basis
197 183 +8% +1% Europe 403 362 +11% +1%
77 57 +35% +15% North America & 169 90 +88% +44%
Australia
54 40 +35% +23% Developing Markets 98 72 +36% +20%
86 45 +91% +54% Pharmaceuticals 149 76 +96% +46%
414 325 +27% +14% 819 600 +37% +17%
Operating profit -
adjusted*
197 183 +8% +1% Europe 403 362 +11% +1%
77 57 +35% +15% North America & 169 120 +41% +15%
Australia
54 40 +35% +23% Developing Markets 98 72 +36% +20%
86 45 +91% +54% Pharmaceuticals 149 76 +96% +46%
414 325 +27% +14% Subtotal before 819 630 +30% +12%
exceptional items
- - Exceptional items - (30)
414 325 +27% +14% 819 600 +37% +17%
% % Operating margin - % %
adjusted*
22.8% 22.7% Europe 22.6% 22.5%
15.8% 14.8% North America & 16.8% 15.8%
Australia
14.2% 13.5% Developing Markets 13.3% 12.6%
60.1% 57.0% Pharmaceuticals 58.7% 55.5%
22.1% 20.8% 21.6% 20.5%
* Adjusted to exclude the impact of exceptional items
Segment Information (Unaudited), continued
Product segment
Quarter ended Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2009 2008 % change 2009 2008 % exchange
£m £m exch. rates £m £m exch. rates
actual const. actual const.
Net revenue by category
401 369 +9% +1% Fabric Care 807 720 +12% +1%
314 264 +19% +6% Surface Care 635 532 +19% +3%
205 184 +11% +0% Dishwashing 440 370 +19% +5%
245 205 +20% +7% Home Care 509 422 +21% +5%
473 396 +19% +9% Health & Personal Care 978 768 +27% +14%
20 16 +25% +8% Other Household 28 30 -7% -21%
1,658 1,434 +16% +5% Household and Health & 3,397 2,842 +20% +6%
Personal Care
143 79 +81% +46% Pharmaceuticals 254 137 +85% +43%
71 51 +39% +9% Food 132 95 +39% +7%
1,872 1,564 +20% +8% 3,783 3,074 +23% +8%
Operating profit - adjusted
313 270 +16% +7% Household and Health 645 538 +20% +6%
& Personal Care
86 45 +91% +54% Pharmaceuticals 149 76 +96% +46%
15 10 +50% +16% Food 25 16 +56% +23%
414 325 +27% +15% Subtotal before 819 630 +30% +12%
exceptional items
- - Exceptional items - (30)
414 325 +27% +15% 819 600 +37% +17%
% % Operating margin - adjusted % %
18.9% 18.8% Household and Health 19.0% 18.9%
& Personal Care
60.1% 57.0% Pharmaceuticals 58.7% 55.5%
21.1% 19.6% Food 18.9% 16.8%
22.1% 20.8% 21.6% 20.5%
For further information, please contact:
Reckitt Benckiser +44 (0)1753 217800
Joanna Speed
Director, Investor Relations
Andraea Dawson-Shepherd
Global Director, Corporate Communications &
Affairs
Brunswick (Financial PR) +44 (0)20 7404 5959
Susan Gilchrist
Senior Partner
Notice to shareholders
The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2008
included in these Half Year Condensed Financial Statements is based upon the
Group's consolidated financial statements for that year. Those financial
statements have been reported on by the Group's auditors and have been
delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those
accounts; their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under
either Section 237 (2) or Section 237 (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The Half
Year Condensed Financial Statements are unaudited and do not amount to full
statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985
(as amended).
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 Group 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.
Half Year Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Group Income Statement (Unaudited)
For the six months ended 30 June
At 30 June At 30 June Full Year
2009 2008 2008
Notes £m £m £m
Net revenue 5 3,783 3,074 6,563
Cost of sales (1,549) (1,281) (2,673)
Gross profit 2,234 1,793 3,890
Net operating expenses (1,415) (1,193) (2,385)
Operating profit 5 819 600 1,505
Operating profit before exceptional 5 819 630 1,535
items
Exceptional items 4 - (30) (30)
Operating profit 5 819 600 1,505
Finance income 10 15 31
Finance expense (13) (34) (62)
Net finance expense (3) (19) (31)
Profit on ordinary activities 816 581 1,474
before taxation
Tax on profit on ordinary activities 7 (203) (139) (354)
Profit for the period 613 442 1,120
Attributable to equity minority - - -
interests
Attributable to ordinary equity 613 442 1,120
holders
of the parent
Profit for the period 613 442 1,120
Earnings per ordinary share:
On profit for the period, basic 8 86.3p 62.1p 157.6p
On profit for the period, diluted 8 85.1p 60.8p 154.7p
Dividend per ordinary share 9 48.0p 30.0p 62.0p
(paid in period)
Total dividends for the period 9 341 214 441
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
For the six months ended 30 June
30 June 30 June Full Year
2009 2008 2008
£m £m £m
Profit for the period 613 442 1,120
Net exchange adjustments on foreign currency (352) 107 491
translation
Actuarial gains and losses, net of tax (69) (35) (74)
Available for sale reserve, net of tax 8 - (8)
Tax movement on share option exercises (1) 4 (23)
Net hedged gains and losses taken to (10) 3 19
reserves, net of tax
Other comprehensive income for the (424) 79 405
period, net of tax
Total comprehensive income for the 189 521 1,525
period
Attributable to equity minority interests - - -
Attributable to ordinary equity shareholders 189 521 1,525
of the parent
189 521 1,525
Group Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
At 30 At 30 At 31
June June December
2009 2008 2008
Notes £m £m £m
ASSETS
Non-current assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets 5,914 5,324 6,454
Property, plant and equipment 10 590 517 637
Deferred tax assets 117 154 93
Available for sale financial assets 20 26 25
Other receivables 20 11 19
6,661 6,032 7,228
Current assets:
Inventories 458 451 556
Trade and other receivables 892 770 906
Derivative financial instruments 9 17 69
Available for sale financial assets 5 24 6
Cash and cash equivalents 511 485 417
1,875 1,747 1,954
Total assets 8,536 7,779 9,182
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Borrowings 11 (1,026) (1,492) (1,571)
Provisions for liabilities and charges 12 (64) (62) (73)
Trade and other payables (2,191) (1,973) (2,189)
Tax liabilities (398) (303) (383)
(3,679) (3,830) (4,216)
Non-current liabilities:
Borrowings 11 (6) (4) (4)
Deferred tax liabilities (1,073) (997) (1,172)
Retirement benefit obligations 6 (379) (220) (316)
Provisions for liabilities and charges 12 (41) (34) (31)
Tax liabilities (128) (120) (128)
Other non-current liabilities (14) (21) (21)
(1,641) (1,396) (1,672)
Total liabilities (5,320) (5,226) (5,888)
Net assets 3,216 2,553 3,294
EQUITY
Capital and reserves:
Share capital 13 72 72 72
Merger reserve (14,229) (14,229) (14,229)
Hedging reserve 3 (3) 13
Available for sale reserve - - (8)
Foreign currency translation reserve 80 48 432
Retained earnings 17,288 16,663 17,012
3,214 2,551 3,292
Equity minority interests 2 2 2
Total equity 3,216 2,553 3,294
Group Cash Flow Statement (Unaudited)
For the six months ended 30 June
30 June 30 June Full Year
2009 2008 2008
Notes £m £m £m
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash generated from operations:
Operating profit 819 600 1,505
Depreciation 57 47 100
Amortisation 4 2 7
Other non cash movements (9) - -
Fair value losses / (gains) 8 (1) -
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment - - 5
and intangible assets
Decrease / (increase) in inventories 47 (38) (65)
Increase in trade and other receivables (36) (6) (32)
Increase in payables and provisions 208 153 61
Share award expense 30 31 59
Cash generated from operations: 1,128 788 1,640
Interest paid (18) (28) (58)
Interest received 11 15 31
Tax paid (175) (122) (280)
Net cash generated from operating 946 653 1,333
activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (64) (90) (216)
and intangible assets
Disposal of property, plant and equipment 2 4 9
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired 14 - (1,068) (1,081)
Maturity of short-term investments - 13 34
Disposal of available for sale assets 1 - -
Net cash used in investing activities (61) (1,141) (1,254)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 44 30 63
Share purchases - (182) (300)
Proceeds from borrowings - 1,146 1,146
Repayments of borrowings (463) (142) (506)
Dividends paid to the Company's shareholders 9 (341) (214) (441)
Net cash (used) / generated in (760) 638 (38)
financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 125 150 41
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 398 311 311
Exchange (losses) / gains (28) 6 46
Cash and cash equivalents at end 495 467 398
of period
Cash and cash equivalents comprise
Cash and cash equivalents 511 485 417
Overdrafts (16) (18) (19)
495 467 398
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS
Net cash generated from operating activities 946 653 1,333
Net purchases of property, plant and equipment (62) (57) (156)
Net cash flow from operations 884 596 1,177
Management uses net cash flow from operations as a performance measure.
Group Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited)
For the six months ended 30 June
Foreign
Available currency
Share Merger for sale Hedging translation Retained Minority
capital reserve reserve reserve reserve earnings interest Total
Balance at 1 January 2008 72 (14,229) - (6) (59) 16,605 2 2,385
Share based payments 31 31
Deferred tax on share awards (18) (18)
Tax movement on share option exercises 4 4
Profit for the half year 442 442
Dividends (214) (214)
Actuarial gains/losses (net of tax) (35) (35)
Net exchange adjustments on foreign
currency translation 107 107
Gains and losses taken to reserves on
cash flow hedges 3 3
Shares repurchased and held in Treasury (182) (182)
Treasury shares re-issued 30 30
Balance at 30 June 2008 72 (14,229) - (3) 48 16,663 2 2,553
Share based payments 28 28
Deferred tax on share awards (5) (5)
Tax movement in reserves (1) (1)
Profit for second half year 678 678
Dividends (227) (227)
Actuarial gains/losses (net of tax) (39) (39)
Revaluation of available for sale assets (8) (8)
Net exchange adjustments on foreign
currency translation 384 384
Gains and losses taken to reserves
on cash flow hedges 16 16
Shares repurchased and held in Treasury (118) (118)
Treasury shares re-issued 33 33
Balance at 31 December 2008 72 (14,229) (8) 13 432 17,012 2 3,294
Share based payments 30 30
Deferred tax on share awards (1) (1)
Tax movement in reserves - -
Profit for the half year 613 613
Dividends (341) (341)
Actuarial gains/losses (net of tax) (69) (69)
Revaluation of available for sale assets 8 8
Net exchange adjustments on foreign
currency translation (352) (352)
Gains and losses taken to reserves
on cash flow hedges (10) (10)
Shares repurchased and held in Treasury - -
Treasury shares re-issued 44 44
Balance at 30 June 2009 72 (14,229) - 3 80 17,288 2 3,216
Notes to the Half Year Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. General Information
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc is a public limited company
incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is
103-105 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3UH. The Company is listed on the
London Stock Exchange. The Half Year Condensed Financial Statements were
approved by the Board of Directors for issue on 29 July 2009.
This condensed consolidated interim financial information has been
reviewed, not audited.
2. Basis of Preparation
The Half Year Condensed Financial Statements for the six months
ended 30 June 2009 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, `Interim
financial reporting' as adopted by the European Union and as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board and with the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority. The
Half Year Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with
the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December
2008, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union and IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board.
3. Accounting Policies
Except as described below, the accounting policies applied are
consistent with those of the Financial Statements 2008.
Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax
rate that would be applicable to expected total annual earnings.
The following standards, amendments and interpretations became
effective for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 January 2009:
- IFRS 2 (amendment), `Share-based payment'. The Group has
considered the amendment which only impacts the Save As You Earn schemes. The
impact was not material.
- IFRS 8, `Operating segments'. IFRS 8 replaces IAS 14, `Segment
reporting'. The Group early adopted the standard for the year ended 31
December 2008.
- IAS 1 (revised), `Presentation of financial statements'. The Half
Year Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared under the revised
disclosure requirements, presenting two statements; an income statement and a
statement of comprehensive income.
The following standards, amendments and interpretations became
effective for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 January 2009
but either have no material impact or are not relevant to the Group :
- IAS 1 amendment 'Presentation of financial statements on Puttable financial
instruments and obligations arising on liquidation'.
- IAS 23 (amendment), `Borrowing costs'.
- IAS 27 (revised), `Consolidated and Separate Financial
Statements'.
- IAS 32 (amendment), `Financial instruments: Presentation'.
- IAS 39 (amendment), `Financial instruments: Recognition and
measurement' and IFRS 7 (Amendment), `Financial Instruments: Disclosures', on
the `Reclassification of financial assets' (effective 1 July 2008).
- IFRIC 12, `Service concession arrangements'.
- IFRIC 13, `Customer loyalty programmes'.
- IFRIC 14 'IAS 19 - The limit on a defined benefit asset, minimum funding
requirements and their interaction'.
- IFRIC 15, `Agreements for the construction of real estate'.
- IFRIC 16, `Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation'.
There are also a number of changes to standards as a result of the annual
improvements May 2008 project, mainly effective for the financial year
beginning 1 January 2009. These had no material impact on the Group.
The following new standards, amendments to standards and
interpretations have been issued, but are not effective for the financial year
beginning 1 January 2009 and have not been early adopted:
- IFRS 1 'First time adoption of IFRS', effective from 1 July 2009.
- IFRS 3 (revised), `Business combinations'.
- IAS 27 'Consolidated and separate financial statements', effective from 1
July 2009.
- IFRIC 17, `Distributions of non-cash assets to owners'.
- IFRIC 18, `Transfers of assets from customers'.
4. Exceptional Items
Exceptional items in 2008 consist of a restructuring charge of £30m
as a result of the acquisition and integration of Adams business, plus some
further restructuring in the enlarged Group. There were no exceptional items
in the six months to 30 June 2009.
5. Operating Segments
The Executive Committee considers the business principally from a
geographical perspective, but with the Pharmaceuticals business being managed
separately given the significantly different nature of the business and the
risks and rewards associated with it. The geographical segments derive their
revenue primarily from the manufacture and sale of branded products in
Household Cleaning and Health & Personal Care.
The Executive Committee assesses the performance of the operating
segments based on net revenue and operating profit. This measurement basis
excludes the effects of exceptional items. Finance income and expense are not
allocated to segments, as they are managed on a central Group basis.
Half Year Ended 30 June
Europe NAA Developing RBP Elimination Total
Markets
2009 £m £m £m £m £m £m
Total gross segment net 1,838 1,008 742 254 (59) 3,783
revenue
Inter-segment revenue (56) - (3) - 59 -
Net revenue 1,782 1,008 739 254 - 3,783
Operating profit - 403 169 98 149 - 819
statutory basis
Exceptional items - - - - - -
Operating profit - adjusted 403 169 98 149 - 819
Europe NAA Developing RBP Elimination Total
Markets
2008 £m £m £m £m £m £m
Total gross segment net 1,650 758 575 137 (46) 3,074
revenue
Inter-segment revenue (44) - (2) - 46 -
Net revenue 1,606 758 573 137 - 3,074
Operating profit - 362 90 72 76 - 600
statutory basis
Exceptional items - 30 - - - 30
Operating profit - adjusted 362 120 72 76 - 630
There were no significant changes to the allocation of assets
between reportable segments since 31 December 2008.
Net revenue by product segment
The Group also analyses its revenue by the following product groups:
Fabric Care, Surface Care, Dishwashing, Home Care, Health & Personal Care,
together with Other Household, Pharmaceuticals and Food.
Half Year Ended 30
June
2009 2008
£m £m
Net revenue by category
Fabric Care 807 720
Surface Care 635 532
Dishwashing 440 370
Home Care 509 422
Health & Personal Care 978 768
Other Household 28 30
Household and Health & 3,397 2,842
Personal Care
Pharmaceuticals 254 137
Food 132 95
3,783 3,074
6. Defined Benefit Pension Schemes
The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution
pension schemes around the world covering many of its employees, which are
principally funded. The Group's two most significant defined benefit pension
schemes (UK and US) are both funded by the payment of contributions to
separately administered trust funds. The Group also operates a number of other
post-retirement schemes in certain countries.
As at 30 June 2009, the present value of the Group's scheme
liabilities less the fair value of plan assets was a deficit of £362m (31
December 2008: deficit of £301m).
At 30 June At 30 June At 31 December
2009 2008 2008
£m £m £m
Total equities 351 427 366
Total bonds 282 303 284
Total other assets 63 90 60
Fair value of plan assets 696 820 710
Present value of scheme liabilities (1,058) (1,031) (1,011)
Net liability recognised in the
balance sheet (362) (211) (301)
The net pension liability is recognised in the balance sheet as
follows:
At 30 June At 30 June At 31 December
2009 2008 2008
£m £m £m
Non-current asset:
Funded scheme surplus 17 9 15
Non-current liability:
Funded scheme deficit (178) (42) (94)
Unfunded scheme liability (201) (178) (222)
Retirement benefit obligations (379) (220) (316)
Net pension liability (362) (211) (301)
7. Income Taxes
Income tax expense is recognised based on management's best
estimate of the weighted average annual income tax rate expected for the full
financial year. The estimated average annual tax rate used for the year to 31
December 2009 is 25% (the estimated tax rate for the six months ended 30 June
2008 was 24%).
8. Earnings per Share
Basic
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit
attributable to equity holders of the Company (2009: £613m; 2008: £442m) by
the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period
(2009: 710,615,636; 2008: 711,463,436).
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 two categories of dilutive potential
ordinary shares: Executive Options and Employee Sharesave schemes. The options
only dilute earnings per share when they result in the issue of shares at an
exercise price below the market price of the share and when all performance
criteria (if applicable) have been met. As at 30 June 2009, there were 10.4m
(2008: 15m) of Executive Options not included within the dilution because the
contingent performance targets had not been met.
Reported Basis
The reconciliation between profit for the half year and the
weighted average number of shares used in the calculations of the diluted
earnings per share is set out below:
2009 2008
Profit for Average Earnings Profit Average Earnings
the half number of per for number of per
year, £m shares share, the shares share,
pence half pence
year,
£m
Profit attributable to 613 710,615,636 86.3 442 711,463,436 62.1
shareholders
Dilution for Executive options 9,241,605 14,325,568
outstanding
and Executive Restricted Share
Plan
Dilution for Employee Sharesave 808,000 1,047,416
Scheme
options outstanding
On a diluted basis 613 720,665,241 85.1 442 726,836,420 60.8
Adjusted Basis
The reconciliation between profit for the half year and the
weighted average number of shares used in the calculations of the diluted
earnings per share is set out below:
2009 2008
Profit for Average Earnings Profit Average Earnings
the half number of per for number of per
year, £m shares share, the shares share,
pence half pence
year,
£m
Profit attributable to 613 710,615,636 86.3 465 711,463,436 65.4
shareholders
Dilution for Executive 9,241,605 14,325,568
options outstanding
and Executive Restricted
Share Plan
Dilution for Employee 808,000 1,047,416
Sharesave Scheme
options outstanding
On a diluted basis 613 720,665,241 85.1 465 726,836,420 64.0
The Directors believe that diluted earnings per ordinary share,
adjusted for the impact of the exceptional items after the appropriate tax
amount, provides additional useful information on underlying trends to
shareholders in respect of earnings per ordinary share.
9. Dividends
A final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 December
2008 of 48.0 pence per share amounting to £341m was paid on 28 May 2009 to
shareholders who were on the register on 27 February 2009.
The Directors are proposing an interim dividend in respect of the
financial year ending 31 December 2009 of 43.0 pence per share which will
absorb an estimated £307m of shareholders' funds. It will be paid on 28
September 2009 to shareholders who are on the register on 7 August 2009. The
expected tax impact of this dividend is £nil (2008: £nil).
10. Property, Plant and Equipment
During the period there were additions of £64m (2008: £61m) and
disposals of £2m (2008: £4m). The additions and disposals were across all
categories of property, plant and equipment. There was no significant capital
expenditure which was contracted but not capitalised at 30 June 2009 or 2008.
11. Financial Liabilities - Borrowings
At 30 June At 30 June At 31 December
2009 2008 2008
Current £m £m £m
Bank loans and overdrafts (a) 18 191 225
Commercial paper (b) 1,005 1,297 1,341
Finance lease obligations 3 4 5
1,026 1,492 1,571
At 30 June At 30 June At 31 December
2009 2008 2008
Non-current £m £m £m
Finance lease obligations 6 4 4
6 4 4
a) Bank loans are denominated in a number of currencies; all are unsecured and
bear interest based on relevant LIBOR equivalent.
b) Commercial paper was issued in a number of currencies, all unsecured and
bearing interest based on relevant LIBOR equivalent.
At 30 June At 30 June At 31 December
2009 2008 2008
Maturity of debt £m £m £m
Bank loans and overdrafts repayable:
Within one year or on demand 18 191 225
Other borrowings repayable:
Within one year or on demand:
Commercial paper 1,005 1,297 1,341
Finance leases 3 4 5
Between two and five years :
Finance leases (payable by instalments) 6 4 4
1,014 1,305 1,350
Gross borrowings (unsecured) 1,032 1,496 1,575
Borrowing facilities
The Group has various borrowing facilities available to it. The
undrawn committed facilities available, in respect of which all conditions
precedent have been met at the balance sheet date, were as follows:
At 30 June At 30 June At 31 December
2009 2008 2008
Undrawn committed facilities £m £m £m
Expiring within one year 25 - -
Expiring between one and two years 900 25 25
Expiring in more than two years 750 1,650 1,444
1,675 1,675 1,469
12. Provisions for Liabilities and Charges
Restructuring Other
provision provisions Total
£m £m £m
At 1 January 2008 36 19 55
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 14) - 35 35
Charged to the income statement 30 - 30
Utilised during the year (22) (4) (26)
Exchange adjustments 2 - 2
At 30 June 2008 46 50 96
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 14) - 4 4
Charged to the income statement 8 - 8
Utilised during the year (8) (13) (21)
Exchange adjustments 5 12 17
At 31 December 2008 51 53 104
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 14) - 7 7
Charged to the income statement - 8 8
Transfers - 19 19
Utilised during the year (20) (7) (27)
Exchange adjustments (3) (3) (6)
At 30 June 2009 28 77 105
Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:
At 30 June At 30 June At 31 December
2009 2008 2008
£m £m £m
Current 64 62 73
Non-current 41 34 31
105 96 104
Other provisions include provisions for onerous leases, various legal,
environmental and other obligations throughout the Group, the majority of
which are expected to be utilised within five years.
The restructuring provision relates to further restructuring of configuration
in the Group. The majority is expected to be utilised in 2009 with the
remainder being utilised in 2010.
13. Share Capital
Non voting
Equity Nominal redeemable Nominal Subscriber Nominal
ordinary value preference value ordinary value
Authorised shares £m shares £m shares £m
At 1 January 2009
Ordinary shares of 10p each 945,500,000 95
945,500,000 95
At 30 June 2009
Ordinary shares of 10p each 945,500,000 95
945,500,000 95
Issued and fully paid
At 1 January 2009 722,368,512 72 - - 2 -
Allotments - -
At 30 June 2009 722,368,512 72 - - 2 -
14. Business Acquisitions
There were no business combinations during the six months ended 30
June 2009. In 2008, the Group acquired Adams Respiratory Therapeutics, Inc.
During the six months to 30 June 2009, the provisional fair value exercise on
the fair values of net assets acquired was completed. This resulted in
recognising an additional £7m goodwill and £7m long-term liabilities. There
were no other adjustments to the provisional fair values disclosed in the
Financial Statements 2008.
15. Contingent Liabilities
Contingent liabilities for the Group, comprising guarantees
relating to subsidiary undertakings, at 30 June 2009 amounted to £28m (31
December 2008: £41m).
The Group is involved in the early stages of a number of enquiries
from competition authorities. Any potential liability in respect of such
enquiries is not quantifiable as at the date of this report, therefore the
Directors have made no provision for such potential liabilities.
16. Post Balance Sheet Events
Share capital issued since 30 June 2009
In the period 30 June 2009 to 28 July 2009 the Company has not
issued any ordinary shares.
Details of the interim dividend proposed are given in note 9.
17. Seasonality
Demand for the majority of products sold by the Group is not
subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. Within some categories such as
Health & Personal Care and Pest Control, some products do exhibit seasonal
fluctuations; however, peak demand in the northern hemisphere markets largely
tends to counter that in the southern hemisphere markets. Other less
significant seasonal relationships also occur within the group, which do not
have a material impact on overall performance of the Group in any one quarter.
18. Related Party Transactions
There have been no changes in the related party transactions from
those described in the Financial Statements 2008. There were no material
related party transactions in the six months to 30 June 2009.
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
The Directors confirm that these Half Year Condensed Financial
Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the
European Union and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
and that the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:
- An indication of important events that have occurred during the
first six months and their impact on the Half Year Condensed Financial
Statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for
the remaining six months of the financial year; and
- Material related party transactions in the first six months and
any material changes in the related party transactions described in the
last annual report.
The Directors of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc are listed in the
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc Annual Report and Financial Statements for 31
December 2008. A list of current Directors is maintained on the Reckitt
Benckiser Group plc website: www.reckittbenckiser.com.
By order of the Board
Bart Becht
Chief Executive Officer
Adrian Bellamy
Director
29 July 2009
Independent Review Report to Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
Introduction
We have been engaged by the Company to review the Half Year Condensed
Financial Statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months
ended 30 June 2009, which comprises the Group income statement, Group
statement of comprehensive income, Group balance sheet as at 30 June 2009,
Group cash flow statement, Group statement of changes in equity and related
notes. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly
financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements
or material inconsistencies with the information in the Half Year Condensed
Financial Statements.
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 Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the Group are
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and IFRSs
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The Half Year
Condensed Financial Statements included in this half-yearly financial report
has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34,
`Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the Half Year
Condensed Financial Statements in the half-yearly financial report based on
our review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and
only for the Company for the purpose of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules
of the Financial Services Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in
producing this report, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose
or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may
come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
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 United Kingdom. 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. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in
accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) 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.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to
believe that the Half Year Condensed Financial Statements in the half-yearly
financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2009 is not prepared, in all
material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as
adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
28 July 2009
London
Notes:
(a) The maintenance and integrity of the Reckitt Benckiser Group plc website
is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors
does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors
accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the Half
Year Condensed Financial Statements since they were initially presented on the
website.
(b) Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other
jurisdictions.