Reckitt Benckiser stock reports 2.7 percent H1 growth
Published on 09/30/2026 at 09:02 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Reckitt Benckiser stock is backed by 2.7 percent Core Reckitt like-for-like net revenue growth in the first half of 2026. The company accelerated that growth to 4.2 percent in the second quarter, giving investors a clearer measure of operating momentum across health, hygiene and nutrition.
Q2 growth accelerated to 4.2 percent
According to Reckitt in its H1 2026 investor update, Core Reckitt like-for-like net revenue growth reached 2.7 percent for the half year and 4.2 percent in Q2. Volume contributed 0.5 percent in the half year, while price and mix added 2.2 percent.
The comparison matters because the second-quarter rate was 1.5 percentage points above the first-half rate. Reckitt also reported a 60.9 percent Core Reckitt gross profit margin and a 24.8 percent adjusted operating profit margin for H1 2026.
Margins support the full-year plan
Reckitt reiterated its full-year 2026 expectations in the investor update dated September 30, 2026. The company is targeting 4 percent to 5 percent Core Reckitt like-for-like net revenue growth, while its Fuel for Growth program is intended to reduce fixed costs and create capacity for investment.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share stood at 152.1 pence for H1 2026, although the investor update states that the figure declined 9.7 percent. That contrast leaves the second-half execution rate and cost savings central to the earnings case.
JPMorgan upgrades Reckitt to Buy
On September 1, 2026, MarketScreener reported that JPMorgan upgraded Reckitt from Neutral to Buy. The bank changed its price target from GBp 6,500.00 to GBp 5,800.00, a 10.77 percent reduction despite the rating upgrade.
London listing remains below yearly high
Reckitt Benckiser Group was trading at GBp 4,928.00 on the London Stock Exchange on September 30, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. London time. Its market capitalization was GBP 31.3 billion, and the 52-week range was GBp 3,664.00 to GBp 6,522.92.
The quoted level stood 24.45 percent below the 52-week high. For investors, the key comparison is now between the 4.2 percent Q2 growth rate and the 4 percent to 5 percent full-year target, with margin delivery providing the next test of that plan.
Reckitt Benckiser stock at a glance
- Company: Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
- Ticker: RKT
- Primary exchange: London Stock Exchange
- Price on London Stock Exchange as of September 30, 2026, 8:00 a.m. London time: GBp 4,928.00
- Market capitalization: GBP 31.3 billion as of September 30, 2026
- 52-week range: GBp 3,664.00-6,522.92
- Sector / Industry: Consumer Defensive / Household and Personal Products
- Index membership: FTSE 100
- Next earnings date: October 27, 2026
