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Reckitt ( (GB:RKT) ) has shared an update.
Reckitt reported that Core operations delivered 1.3% like-for-like net revenue growth in the first quarter of 2026, with Emerging Markets up 7.6% and double‑digit gains in China and India offsetting weakness in Europe, a soft cold and flu season and geopolitical disruption in the Middle East. Excluding seasonal over‑the‑counter products, Core like‑for‑like growth reached 3.1%, while the disposal of the Essential Home business and currency headwinds pushed Group IFRS net revenue down 11.8%.
North America saw modest like‑for‑like decline despite solid volume growth and strong performance from non‑seasonal brands such as Lysol, whereas Europe suffered a 4.2% like‑for‑like revenue drop amid subdued categories and intense auto‑dishwashing promotions. Non‑core Mead Johnson Nutrition declined 2.7% on a tough comparison, but underlying trends were described as solid, and a £1 billion share buyback remains in progress, with roughly two‑thirds of the programme completed by mid‑April.
Management kept its 2026 guidance for Core like‑for‑like net revenue growth of 4% to 5% and expects margin delivery to be weighted to the second half as the cold and flu season normalises and its Fuel for Growth cost‑saving programme offsets stranded costs from the Essential Home divestment. The company flagged ongoing uncertainty from the war in the Middle East and potential pressure on consumer demand if commodity prices remain elevated, but believes higher input costs can largely be managed through supply‑chain productivity, pricing, mix and a robust gross margin profile.
The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RKT) stock is a Buy with a £6000.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Reckitt stock, see the GB:RKT Stock Forecast page.
Spark’s Take on RKT Stock
According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, RKT is a Neutral.
The score is driven primarily by improved financial performance (notably profitability and lower leverage) and supportive valuation (moderate P/E and solid yield). These are tempered by weak technicals (below key moving averages with negative momentum) and earnings-call-flagged near-term pressures on cash flow, leverage, and 2026 margin/EPS visibility.
To see Spark’s full report on RKT stock, click here.
More about Reckitt
Reckitt Benckiser Group is a global consumer health, hygiene and nutrition company whose portfolio includes leading over-the-counter medicines, disinfectants, home cleaning products and infant nutrition formulas. The group focuses on branded products across categories such as germ protection, surface care, auto-dishwashing, sexual wellness and paediatric nutrition, with a strong presence in North America, Europe and Emerging Markets including China and India.
Average Trading Volume: 2,142,426
Technical Sentiment Signal: Hold
Current Market Cap: £32.71B
For a thorough assessment of RKT stock, go to TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.