Reckitt Benckiser Reports Accelerated Sales Growth Amid Margin Pressures
Reckitt Benckiser Group reported strong second-quarter sales performance in the first half of 2026, with like-for-like revenue growth reaching 4.7%, driven by innovation and robust demand from emerging markets as well as a return to North American growth. Despite this positive momentum, profitability remained under pressure due to higher input costs and the impact of divesting its Essential Home business. Adjusted operating margin fell to 23.6% in Q1–Q2 2026, down from previous periods, while adjusted earnings per share declined by 9.7%. However, cost-saving initiatives such as the Fuel for Growth program helped offset some expected margin declines. The company reaffirmed its full-year revenue and operating-margin targets of 4% to 5% growth and a range between 24.9% and 25.6%, respectively. It also announced continued shareholder returns, including an interim dividend increase by 5% and a new £500 million share buyback program.
Topics: buyback dividend_announcement profitability revenue_growth