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Rentokil Initial Plc (GB:RTO)
LSE:RTO
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Rentokil Initial (RTO) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:RTO

Rentokil Initial

(LSE:RTO)

Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
387.00p
▲(4.34%Upside)
Rentokil Initial's overall stock score of 69 reflects a balance of strong international growth and strategic initiatives against challenges in profitability and North American operations. The stock's valuation is high, but corporate events suggest confidence in long-term prospects. Technical indicators are mixed, suggesting cautious optimism.
Positive Factors
Leadership
The appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors adds leadership experience in multi-site B2B and B2C companies, enhancing the Board's expertise.
Valuation
The shares look 'cheap' compared to history and other 'Quality' names in the sector and closest peer Rollins, at 18x 2025e P/E.
Negative Factors
Executive Turnover
There has been significant churn at the top of the organization, with key executives like the group CFO and CEO of North America leaving within the past year.
Integration Challenges
Uncertainties from the large integration of Terminix to manage alongside the group's plan to reinvigorate US organic growth cannot rule out further downside risk to estimates through 2025.
Lead Generation
Management has noted that inbound customer leads have not improved, hindering organic growth recovery.

Rentokil Initial (RTO) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Rentokil Initial Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionRentokil Initial (RTO) is a leading global provider of services in pest control, hygiene, and workwear. With a presence in over 80 countries, the company specializes in delivering essential services for businesses and residential customers, ensuring safety, hygiene, and efficiency in various environments. Its core products and services include pest management solutions, hygiene services such as washroom cleaning and sanitation, and the supply and maintenance of workwear and protective gear.
How the Company Makes MoneyRentokil Initial generates revenue primarily through its three main service segments: Pest Control, Hygiene, and Workwear. The Pest Control segment provides services to eliminate and prevent pest infestations in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, often through service contracts and one-time treatments. The Hygiene segment offers a range of hygiene solutions, including washroom services, air care, and hand hygiene products, typically on a subscription or contract basis. The Workwear segment involves the rental, cleaning, and maintenance of workwear and uniforms for various industries, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The company also benefits from strategic partnerships and acquisitions that expand its service offerings and geographic reach. Additionally, Rentokil Initial invests in innovation and technology to enhance service delivery and efficiency, contributing to its competitive edge and revenue growth.

Rentokil Initial Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Mar 06, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: -2.78%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 31, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted significant international growth and improvements in customer and colleague retention. However, North American operations faced challenges with low organic growth and weak lead flow, impacting overall performance. The decline in operating profit and the need for better investment strategies were notable concerns.
Q4-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
International Revenue Growth
The International business delivered revenue growth of 8.2%, with organic revenue contributing 4.7%. Pest Control organic growth in International markets was strong at 5.3%.
Customer and Colleague Retention
Customer retention improved by 60 basis points to over 81% in each month of Q4 2024, and colleague retention increased by 4.2% in North America, with Terminix colleague retention up by 13.9% since integration began.
Record High Customer Satisfaction
In 2024, an increase in Net Promoter Score and improved customer satisfaction levels were achieved, with customer retention rising by 50 basis points.
Successful Integration Efforts
The integration process is progressing well, with over 250 branches now operating on unified systems, and 15% of the Terminix branch network fully integrated.
Negative Updates
North American Organic Growth Challenges
North America underperformed with only 1.3% growth, and organic growth in North American Pest Control was a mere 1.5%.
Decline in Operating Profit
Adjusted operating profit decreased by 7.1% to GBP 860 million, with a corresponding margin reduction of 130 basis points.
Weak Lead Flow and Sales Challenges
Ongoing weak lead flow and sales conversion issues persisted, particularly affecting Q1 2025 performance expectations.
Impact of Inflation and Investment Ineffectiveness
Investment efforts in 2024 did not drive optimal effectiveness, leading to a need to redirect funds in 2025.
Company Guidance
The call highlighted several key financial metrics and strategic goals for Rentokil Initial in 2024 and plans for 2025. The company reported a revenue of GBP 5.6 billion for 2024, indicating a 3.9% growth, with an organic revenue increase of 2.8%. The International segment saw an 8.2% revenue increase, largely driven by strong pest control growth of 5.3%. Notably, customer retention improved to over 80%, and colleague retention rose by 2.4%. In North America, the business underperformed with only 1.3% growth, but operational adjustments are underway including the integration of 58 branch systems and the opening of 10 satellite branches. For 2025, Rentokil aims to enhance lead generation, sales conversion, and expand its branch network to over 500 locations. The company expects operating profit margins in North America to exceed 20% by 2027, supported by cost synergies and strategic marketing efforts. Free cash flow for 2024 was GBP 410 million, with a cash conversion rate of 80%, and the company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.9x. Rentokil also plans to continue its progressive dividend policy with a proposed final dividend of 5.93 pence per share.

Rentokil Initial Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Rentokil Initial shows robust revenue growth and strong gross profit margins, indicating effective cost management. However, the declining net profit margin and negative free cash flow growth are concerning, suggesting challenges in expense management and cash flow sustainability. The balance sheet is stable with moderate debt levels, supporting financial stability.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Rentokil Initial has demonstrated a consistent growth in revenue from 2019 to 2024, with a notable revenue growth rate of 1.13% from 2023 to 2024. The gross profit margin is impressive at 83.91% in 2024, indicating strong cost control. However, the net profit margin has declined to 5.65% in 2024, down from 7.09% in 2023, reflecting potential challenges in managing expenses or increased interest costs.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet shows a stable equity base with stockholders' equity increasing to 4,229 million in 2024. The debt-to-equity ratio is 0.97, indicating a moderate level of leverage. The return on equity is 7.26%, reflecting a decent return for shareholders. The equity ratio remains healthy at 40.06%, suggesting financial stability.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Operating cash flow has decreased slightly from 737 million in 2023 to 678 million in 2024, indicating some pressure on cash generation. The free cash flow to net income ratio stands at 1.51, suggesting good cash profitability. However, the free cash flow growth rate is negative at -11.99%, pointing to potential challenges in sustaining cash flow from operations or increased capital expenditures.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.44B5.38B3.71B2.95B2.79B
Gross Profit4.56B1.50B977.00M714.80M653.00M
EBITDA1.10B1.16B747.00M676.80M586.50M
Net Income307.00M381.00M232.00M263.00M186.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets10.55B11.13B11.92B4.32B5.84B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments911.00M1.56B2.09B597.90M2.34B
Total Debt4.11B4.73B5.40B1.93B3.40B
Total Liabilities6.33B7.04B7.82B3.06B4.71B
Stockholders Equity4.23B4.09B4.10B1.26B1.13B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow463.00M526.00M410.00M403.30M391.70M
Operating Cash Flow678.00M737.00M600.00M563.20M544.20M
Investing Cash Flow-373.00M-416.00M-1.20B-441.10M-327.00M
Financing Cash Flow-752.00M-361.00M1.32B-417.10M62.20M

Rentokil Initial Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price370.90
Price Trends
50DMA
351.88
Positive
100DMA
346.21
Positive
200DMA
366.62
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
4.77
Negative
RSI
63.83
Neutral
STOCH
90.83
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:RTO, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 370.9 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 352.14, above the 50-day MA of 351.88, and above the 200-day MA of 366.62, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 4.77 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 63.83 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 90.83 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:RTO.

Rentokil Initial Risk Analysis

Rentokil Initial disclosed 27 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Rentokil Initial reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Rentokil Initial Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
£7.70B22.9125.35%318.61%1.94%16.26%
75
Outperform
£2.14B50.604.71%144.71%-0.68%-78.93%
75
Outperform
£1.73B17.2623.48%304.10%14.34%-16.43%
74
Outperform
£557.99M16.2512.12%2.87%10.34%33.59%
69
Neutral
£9.32B30.457.38%180.62%1.13%-19.48%
67
Neutral
£372.43M29.765.32%194.43%-0.65%
65
Neutral
$11.16B15.865.39%1.92%3.11%-24.90%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:RTO
Rentokil Initial
370.90
-83.82
-18.43%
GB:SRP
Serco Group plc
211.00
22.87
12.16%
GB:JSG
Johnson Service
139.60
-15.32
-9.89%
GB:ITRK
Intertek
4,912.00
129.74
2.71%
GB:RST
Restore
272.00
21.65
8.65%
GB:MTO
Mitie Group plc
141.40
24.32
20.77%

Rentokil Initial Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Rentokil Initial Announces Change in Major Holdings
Neutral
Jul 10, 2025

Rentokil Initial PLC has announced a change in the nature of its holdings due to security lending, with GIC Private Limited now holding a 6.5% stake in the company. This adjustment in voting rights reflects a slight increase from previous holdings, indicating a strategic move by GIC to strengthen its influence within Rentokil Initial, potentially impacting the company’s governance and decision-making processes.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RTO) stock is a Buy with a £6.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rentokil Initial stock, see the GB:RTO Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Rentokil Initial Announces Total Voting Rights Update
Neutral
Jul 1, 2025

Rentokil Initial plc has announced that as of June 30, 2025, its issued share capital consists of 2,526,039,885 ordinary shares, each carrying one voting right. This update is crucial for shareholders to determine their interests in the company’s share capital under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RTO) stock is a Buy with a £6.40 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rentokil Initial stock, see the GB:RTO Stock Forecast page.

Other
Rentokil Initial Director Invests in Company Shares
Positive
Jun 3, 2025

Rentokil Initial plc announced that Sally Johnson, a Non-Executive Director, purchased 3,567 ordinary shares of the company at a price of £3.5085 per share on June 2, 2025. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflects a personal investment by a key managerial figure, potentially signaling confidence in the company’s future performance.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RTO) stock is a Buy with a £6.40 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rentokil Initial stock, see the GB:RTO Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Rentokil Initial to Sell France Workwear Business to H.I.G. Capital
Positive
May 28, 2025

Rentokil Initial plc has announced the intended sale of its France Workwear business to H.I.G. Capital for approximately €410 million, with completion expected in Q4 2025. This move allows Rentokil Initial to streamline its operations, focusing more on its core pest control and hygiene & wellbeing sectors, enhancing capital efficiency, and improving cash flow. The transaction aligns with the company’s strategy to concentrate on high-growth markets and reduce capital expenditure, while the proceeds will be used for corporate purposes including deleveraging and investment in growth opportunities.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RTO) stock is a Buy with a £6.40 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rentokil Initial stock, see the GB:RTO Stock Forecast page.

DividendsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Rentokil Initial CEO Increases Stake through Dividend Reinvestment
Positive
May 19, 2025

Rentokil Initial plc announced that its CEO, Andy Ransom, acquired 17,753 ordinary shares through the company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan, with each share priced at £3.4706. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflects a significant investment by a key executive, potentially indicating confidence in the company’s future performance and stability.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RTO) stock is a Buy with a £6.40 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rentokil Initial stock, see the GB:RTO Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Rentokil Initial AGM 2025: Resolutions Passed Amid Shareholder Engagement
Neutral
May 7, 2025

Rentokil Initial PLC held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 7, 2025, where all proposed resolutions were passed. Notably, the re-election of Richard Solomons as a director saw over 20% opposition, prompting the board to engage further with shareholders. The successful passing of resolutions, including those related to director appointments and financial matters, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to governance and shareholder engagement.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Rentokil Initial Strengthens Board with New Non-Executive Directors
Positive
May 7, 2025

Rentokil Initial has announced the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors, Leanne Sheraton and Sam Mitchell, effective June 1, 2025. These appointments aim to enhance the company’s board with extensive experience in marketing, brand development, and leadership in North American multi-site businesses. The changes are expected to support Rentokil Initial’s strategic plans, particularly in North America, as the company continues to focus on growth and customer acquisition. Additionally, two current Non-Executive Directors, Linda Yueh and Sarosh Mistry, will be stepping down from the board.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Rentokil Initial CEO Andy Ransom to Retire by 2026
Neutral
May 7, 2025

Rentokil Initial plc announced the upcoming retirement of its Chief Executive, Andy Ransom, by the 2026 AGM. Ransom, who has served as CEO for 12 years, has been pivotal in establishing the company as a global leader in pest control. The board, led by Chair Richard Solomons, has initiated the search for a successor. The company is currently prioritizing the turnaround of its underperforming North American business, while maintaining its focus on global market expansion. Ransom will continue to lead these efforts until a new CEO is appointed.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Rentokil Initial Issues $1.25 Billion in Notes to Enhance Financial Flexibility
Positive
Apr 28, 2025

Rentokil Initial has announced the issuance of $750 million in 5.000% Notes due 2030 and $500 million in 5.625% Notes due 2035 through its subsidiary, Rentokil Terminix Funding, LLC. The proceeds will be used to repay a term loan maturing in October 2025 and for general corporate purposes, enhancing the company’s financial flexibility and potentially strengthening its market position.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jul 19, 2025