Annual Results 2000

Reckitt Benckiser PLC 28 February 2001 28 February 2001 PRESS RELEASE 2000 - Targets Exceeded and Merger Phase Completed 2001 - Targets Confirm Growth Potential of Business Results at a glance Q4 % change 2000 % change Full Year Net Revenues (continuing operations) £859m +11% £3,160m +7% Operating Profit (continuing operations)1 £148m +51% £440m +30% Operating Profit 1 £148m +44% £451m +26% Net Income 1 £97m +62% £275m +38% Net Income (as reported) £109m £314m 1 Adjusted to exclude non-operating items and merger integration costs. * Exceptionally strong Q4 results and earlier delivery of merger savings contribute to net revenue and net income ahead of targets. * Net Revenues for the full year from continuing operations grew by 7% to £3,160m. Total net revenues, including discontinued businesses, grew by 5% (constant 6%) to £3,202m. * Gross Margin in 2000 improved by110 basis points to 48.8% due to merger procurement savings, higher margin launches and early results of Squeeze 2-50. * Operating Margin on continuing operations improved 250 basis points to 13.9%. * Net cost savings from the merger (after marketing increases) were £60m. * Operating Profit from continuing operations of £440m, +30%. Normalized operating profit of £451m +26%. * Net Income normalized was £275m + 38%. Including non-operating profits, total net income was £314m (1999: loss of £37m.) * Net working capital reduced by £145m. Year-end net debt was £595m. * Final dividend of 12.8 pence recommended, full year payout at 25.5 pence. Commenting today, Bart Becht, Chief Executive Officer, said: '2000 was a fantastic year. It saw Reckitt Benckiser firmly established as the world leader in household cleaning and clearly delivering on its merger promises. We completed the merger integration, achieved merger savings well ahead of schedule, sold many of the non-strategic businesses and set in train a new growth strategy that has turned the business around. Net revenues for continuing operations grew by 7%, well ahead of original targets and the remainder of the industry. Normalized net income grew by 38% to £275 million and net working capital reduced by £145 million, both ahead of original target. The merger phase is now over, allowing us to pursue even more intensely our new growth strategy. Based on this, our targets for 2001 are to grow net revenues by 4% on continuing operations at constant exchange, to grow net income by 18% on continuing operations and to reduce net working capital by a further £50 million. Achievement of these targets will further reinforce the company's global leadership position and confirm its commitment to shareholder value creation.' Detailed Commentary Basis of Comparatives For clarity in evaluating the underlying performance of the business, the following terminology is used: * Continuing Operations. Excludes net revenues and operating profit relating to businesses sold at the end of 1999 and during the course of 2000. For Q4 net revenues from discontinued businesses amount to £1m (1999 £20m) and operating profit was nil (1999 £5m). For the full year, net revenues from discontinued businesses were £42m (1999 £87m) and operating profits were £11m (1999 £18m). * Normalized. This excludes non recurring items: * Reorganization charges. Q4 and Full Year 2000 have no charges for reorganization (Q4 1999 : £181m charge, Full Year 1999: £220m charge). * Non operating items. Profits on disposal of businesses and fixed assets were £16m in Q4 (1999 £25m) and £56m in the full year (1999 £22m). * Constant Exchange. Movements of exchange rates relative to sterling affect actual results as reported. The constant exchange rate basis adjusts comparisons to exclude such movements and show the underlying growth. The detailed financial schedules attached to the release contain full details of the results as reported and as adjusted for these factors. Fourth Quarter 2000 Q4 net revenues, in part helped by the comparison to a weak Q4 in 1999, grew by an exceptionally strong 8% (6% constant) to £860m (£794m in 1999). Net revenues from continuing operations grew by an exceptional 11% (9% constant) to £859m (1999 £774m). Operating profit for Q4 was £148m (1999 loss of £78m). Normalized operating profit from continuing operations increased by 51% to £148m (1999 £98m). Gross margin increased by 200 basis points to 49.7% (47.7% in 1999) due to merger procurement benefits, significantly higher volume throughput in the quarter and the early benefits of the Squeeze 2-50 cost of goods program. The benefit to operating profits in the quarter from merger savings was £20m after increases in marketing investment. Normalized operating margins improved by 420 basis points to 17.2%, and on a continuing operations basis by 450 basis points to 17.2%. Net income was £109m (1999 loss of £135m). Normalized net income was £97m (1999 £60m), an increase of 62%. Full Year 2000 - summary Net revenues grew by 5% (6% constant) to £3,202m (1999 £3,054m). The company's strategy of refocusing on its core categories and improving sales and marketing execution, supported by higher marketing investment resulted in net revenues from continuing operations growing 7% at actual and constant to £ 3,160m (1999 £2,967m). Net revenues benefited also from comparison to an unusually low Q1 in 1999 due to trade de-loading, and to a weak Q4 in 1999. Operating Profit was £451m (1999 £137m after reorganization charges). Normalized operating profit increased by 26% to £451m (£357m). Normalized operating profit from continuing operations increased by 30% to £440m (1999 £ 339m). Gross margins increased by 110 basis points to 48.8% (1999 47.7%) due to merger procurement benefits and synergies, higher volume throughput and early Squeeze 2-50 benefits offset by some higher input costs due to increases in oil and pulp prices. Merger cost savings added £60m to operating profits after higher reinvestment in marketing. Media investment increased to 10% of net revenues. Normalized operating margins increased by 240 basis points to 14.1% (1999 11.7%). On a continuing operations basis, operating margins increased by 250 basis points to 13.9% (1999 11.4%). Net income for the year was £314m (1999 after reorganization and merger costs, loss of £37m). Normalized net income was £275m (1999 £200m) an increase of 38%. Net interest expense of £60m (1999 £69m) was lower due to cash inflow in the second half year from higher operating profits, disposal proceeds and reductions in net working capital offset by cash spend on reorganization. The tax rate for the year was marginally below 30%, in line with earlier expectations. Category Review at constant exchange rates. Fabric Care net revenues in Q4 grew by 4% and in the full year by 4% to £814m. Fabric treatment benefited from the roll out of Vanish in-wash booster in Asia and Latin America. Calgon water softener grew strongly in Europe behind a highly effective marketing campaign. Laundry detergent showed strong growth with market share gains in Europe and the roll out of tabs in private label. Surface Care net revenues grew by 4% in Q4 and by 7% in the full year to £ 764m. Lysol disinfecting spray continued to regain market share and the launch of wipes has already secured a significant share of this new category. The roll out of wipes internationally contributed to growth. Lavatory care showed strong growth in USA and particularly in Australia/New Zealand where market leadership was recaptured behind the new toilet rim gel dispenser. Multi-purpose cleaners grew strongly due to the successful relaunch of Veja in Brazil behind the 'perfumes from nature' range. Dishwashing net revenues grew by 6% in Q4 and by 1% in the full year to £413m. Performance in Europe was strong behind the successful roll out of 2-in-1, which has seen record market shares achieved in UK, France, and Netherlands. Merger transition issues and the repositioning of Electrasol at higher prices constrained performance in North America. Share has grown substantially in Australia/New Zealand. Home Care net revenues grew by 37% in Q4 and by 21% in the full year to £371m. The launch of Wizard electrical air freshener in the USA was a major success, almost doubling market share in its first six months. In Europe, the launch of Air Wick 'Crystal Air' was similarly successful, substantially enhancing net revenue growth and market share in France, UK, Spain and Italy. Pest control grew strongly in Asia due to successful innovations such as Mortein 'king' coils and 'fastkill', and the roll out of the category in China. Health & Personal Care net revenues grew by 14% in Q4 and by 12% in the full year to £388m. Strong growth came from Veet depilatories in Western Europe behind innovations, and from the introduction of the brand in Eastern Europe. Veet has been introduced into Brazil and Mexico in Q4. Dettol antiseptic grew in Asia due to increased investment and much improved execution, supported by the launch of new soap and talc extensions. Analgesics performed strongly in UK and Pakistan. Core Household business net revenues grew by 10% in Q4 and by 8% in the full year to £2,750m (1999 £2,585m). Non core, other household net revenues grew 3% in the year to £207m after stripping out the contribution of discontinued businesses. This brings total household net revenues for the year to £2,957m, an increase of 7%. Food net revenues grew by 7% in Q4 and by 7% in the full year to £203m supported by strong performance of French's Mustard and Frank's Red Hot sauce. Geographic Analysis at constant exchange and from continuing operations Western Europe: 41% of net revenues Net revenues grew by 10% in Q4 and by 5% for the year to £1,302m. This strong performance was due to the success of Air Wick Crystal Air, the successful roll out of Calgonit 2-in-1 in automatic dishwashing, innovations and investment behind the Veet depilatory brand, share gains in laundry detergent in Southern Europe and a strong year for the UK health care business. Operating margins expanded by 250 basis points to 21.2% behind gross margin expansion and fixed cost savings due to merger synergies. Operating profit increased by 18% to £276m (1999 £246m). North America: 30% of net revenues Net revenues grew by 4% in Q4 and by 5% for the year to £962m. Net revenue growth benefited from the first quarter bounceback and from particularly strong performance in air care. The outstanding success of the Wizard Electrical launch in the second half of the year almost doubled market share. Lysol continued to recapture market share in disinfecting sprays, while the new wipes expanded the category and gained a strong initial share. Food had a strong year. Operating margin expanded by 290 basis points to 13.3% due to significant improvements in gross margin and fixed cost savings due to merger synergies. Operating profit increased 34% to £128m (1999 £90m). Latin America: 8% of net revenues Net revenues grew by 24% in Q4 and by 15% in the year to £239m. Growth came from the Veja franchise's success with 'perfumes from nature' range and new market launches, from strong growth for pest control in Brazil, and from new launches including Vanish fabric treatment. Operating margins improved by 20 basis points to 2.5%. Operating profits increased by 10% or £1m to £6m (1999 £ 5m). Asia Pacific: 11% of net revenues Net revenues grew 19% in Q4 and by 14% in the year to £341m. In Australia/New Zealand growth came from the launch of Crystal Air, in-wash fabric treatment, from the success of Harpic in toilet bowl gel dispenser and from strong performance in dishwashing. In Asia, growth came in pest control due to a number of innovations, including Mortein 'fastkill' and 'king' coils and mats, plus the roll out of the category in China, and from the roll out of Vanish in-wash in the region. Dettol responded to investment and better execution, helped by new launches in soap and talc. Operating margins expanded 450 basis points to 3.8% due to significant improvements in gross margin in Asia and fixed cost savings in Australia/New Zealand due to merger synergies. Operating profits improved substantially to £13m (1999 loss of £2m). Rest of World: 10% of net revenues Net revenues grew by 3% in Q4 and by 12% in the year to £316m. Key drivers of growth were the roll out of Veet depilatories and strong performance by Calgon water softener and Calgonit dishwashing in Eastern Europe, together with good growth for Dettol in Africa behind better in-market execution. Operating margins expanded by 230 basis points to 8.5% due to substantial gross margin improvement and tight control of fixed costs. Operating profits increased by 52% to £27m (1999 £18m). New Initiatives: 2001 New initiatives already announced for 2001 include the launch of Calgonit 3-in-1 automatic dishwashing detergent plus rinse agent plus salt in Europe, and Electrasol 2-in-1 automatic dishwashing detergent plus rinse agent in North America. The geographical roll out program has seen the launch of Vanish in-wash liquid in fabric treatment in Thailand, the launch of Veet depilatory in Brazil, Mexico and Turkey, and the launch of Calgonit dishwashing products in South Africa. Air care, led by Crystal Air, has been launched in Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Finland, while Disinfecting cleaners have been rolled out into Switzerland and Austria. Financial Review Non-operating items. Profit on disposal of businesses was £56m (1999 £21m). This relates to the continuing program to dispose of the non-strategic tail. Businesses sold in 2000 include various personal care brands in Australia, Epilim, Undesa & Mirachem fatty acids and plant care. There were no profits on disposal of tangible fixed assets, other than businesses, in 2000 (1999 £1m). Net interest. Interest payable less receivable on the Company's outstanding net borrowings (borrowings less cash deposits and short-term investments) was £42m (1999 £51m). The reduction was due to cash inflow from operations, working capital and disposals slightly offset by higher short-term interest rates. In addition a coupon of £18m was payable on the convertible capital bonds. Profit before tax was £447m (1999 £52m). Normalized profit before tax was £ 391m (1999 £289m). Tax. Tax on profit for the year was £132m, a rate of 30% on the profit of £ 447m. Profit after tax. After profit attributable to minority equity holders of £1m, the profit for the period was £314m (1999 loss of £37m). Normalized profit for the period was £275m (1999 £200m) excluding reorganization and other merger costs and non-operating items. Cash Flow Cash flow from operating activities increased by £94m or 23% to £502m (1999 £ 408m). This was after much higher cash expenditure on reorganization of £117m (1999 £26m) more than offset by the reduction of £145m in working capital. Operating cash flow therefore represented 111% of normalized operating profit. Net capital expenditure was £96m (1999 £73m). Net cash flow increased by 24% to £265m (1999 £213m). Excluding merger and reorganization expenses, net cash flow increased by 38% to £382m (1999 £277m). This represents a cash conversion of 11.9% of net revenues (1999 9.1%). Net proceeds from the Company's disposal program in the year were £81m. Dividends of £177m (1999 £180m) were paid. Cash inflow before use of liquid resources and financing was therefore £169m (1999 £30m). Net borrowings reduced by £141m to £595m (1999 £736m). Balance sheet and financing At the end of 2000 the group had shareholders funds of £1,116m (£945m), an increase of 18%. Net borrowings were £595m (1999 £736m). Total capital employed in the business was £1,727m (1999 £1,698m). This financed fixed assets of £2,173m (1999 £2,051m) and net current liabilities (excluding short-term borrowings, cash and investments) of £38m (1999 assets of £107m). Net borrowings consisted of gross borrowings of £534m (1999 £735m) and the outstanding convertible capital bond of £194m (1999 £194m) offset by cash deposits and short-term investments of £133m (1999 £193m). Exchange rate differences have increased net borrowings by £46m, and net assets by £15m. The Company's financial ratios improved during the year. Interest cover on a normalized basis was 7.5 times (1999 5.2 times). Net borrowings represented 34% of capital employed (1999 43%) treating convertible bonds as borrowings. Earnings per share. Details of the calculation of earnings per share are contained in the accompanying notes to the Profit & Loss Account. These take account of the holding of JAB in 'A' shares of Reckitt Benckiser Holdings BV. Dividends The Board of Directors recommends a final dividend of 12.8 pence to give a full year total of 25.5 pence, unchanged, and in line with the previously communicated policy of maintaining absolute dividends until cover reaches the average of the international industry peer group. This full year dividend is covered 1.5 times by normalized profit for the year (1999 1.3 times). The ex-dividend date will be 7th March, and the dividend will be paid on 23 May, subject to approval at the AGM on 10 May to shareholders on the register at the record date of 9 March. For further information Colin Day Chief Financial Officer 01753 217 800 Tom Corran SVP Investor & Corporate Communications 01753 446 548 Bobby Leach Shandwick 020 7329 0096 The Group at a Glance (unaudited) Quarter Ended Dec 31 Year Ended Dec 31 2000 1999 2000 1999 £m £m £m £m From total ordinary activities 860 794 Net revenues 3,202 3,054 8% - Net revenues growth 5% (1%) 49.7% 47.7% Gross margin 48.8% 47.7% 168 119 EBITDA normalized* 529 431 19.5% 15.0% EBITDA margin normalized* 16.5% 14.1% 148 103 EBIT normalized* 451 357 17.2% 13.0% EBIT margin normalized* 14.1% 11.7% 136 87 Profit before tax normalized* 391 289 15.8% 11.0% PBT margin normalized* 12.2% 9.5% 97 60 Net Income normalized* 275 200 11.3% 7.6% Net Income margin normalized* 8.6% 6.5% 13.9p 8.6p EPS normalized* 39.5p 29.3p 13.5p 8.5p EPS normalized, diluted* 38.8p 29.0p From continuing operations 859 774 Net revenues 3,160 2,967 11% - Net revenues growth 7% - 168 114 EBITDA normalized* 519 415 19.6% 14.7% EBITDA margin normalized* 16.4% 14.0% 148 98 EBIT normalized* 440 339 17.2% 12.7% EBIT margin normalized* 13.9% 11.4% * Normalized to exclude non-operating items and reorganisation and merger integration costs. Group profit and loss account (unaudited) Quarter Ended Dec 31 Year Ended Dec 31 2000 1999 % 2000 1999 % change change £m £m £m £m 859 774 11% Net revenues - continuing operations 3,160 2,967 7% 1 20 (95%) Discontinued operations 42 87 (52%) 860 794 8% Total net revenues 3,202 3,054 5% (433) (416) 4% Cost of sales (1,640)(1,598) 3% 427 378 13% Gross profit 1,562 1,456 7% (279) (456) (39%) Net operating expenses (1,111)(1,319)(16%) Operating profit - continuing operations before reorganisation and merger 148 98 51% integration costs 440 339 30% Reorganisation and merger integration - (181) - costs - (220) - 0 5 - Discontinued operations 11 18 (39%) 148 (78) - Total operating profit 451 137 229% Non-operating items: - (38) - Merger transaction expenses - (38) - 16 24 - Profit on disposal of businesses 56 21 - 0 1 - Profit on disposal of tangible fixed 0 1 - assets Profit/(Loss) on ordinary activities 164 (91) - before interest 507 121 319% (12) (18) (33%) Net interest expense (60) (69)(13%) Profit/(Loss) on ordinary activities 152 (109) - before taxation 447 52 760% Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary (43) (26) 65% activities (132) (89) 48% Profit/(Loss) on ordinary activities 109 (135) - after taxation 315 (37) - 0 0 - Attributable to equity minority interests (1) 0 - 109 (135) - Profit/(Loss) for the period 314 (37) - (90) (88) 2% Ordinary Dividends (178) (153) 16% 19 (223) - Retained profit/(loss) for the period 136 (190) - Earnings per ordinary share: 15.6p (19.4)p On profit/(loss) for the period 45.2p (5.4)p 13.9p 8.6p On normalized profit for the period 39.5p 29.3p 15.0p (19.4)p On profit/(loss) for the period, diluted 44.1p (5.4)p 13.5p 8.5p On normalized profit, diluted 38.8p 29.0p Average common shares outstanding: 698.1 692.7 Basic 695.7 679.3 745.1 738.1 Diluted 741.4 679.3 Group balance sheet As at December 31, (unaudited) 2000 1999 £m £m Fixed assets: Intangible assets 1,638 1,537 Tangible assets 535 514 2,173 2,051 Current assets: 245 243 Stocks 622 598 Debtors due within one year 148 139 Debtors due after more than one year 39 105 Investments 94 88 Cash at bank and in hand 1,148 1,173 Current liabilities: Creditors due within one year: (245) (309) Borrowings (1,053) (873) Other (1,298)(1,182) Net current liabilities (150) (9) Total assets less current liabilities 2,023 2,042 Non-current liabilities: Creditors due after more than one year: (289) (426) Borrowings (129) (97) Other (194) (194) Convertible capital bonds (612) (717) Provisions for liabilities and charges (279) (362) Equity minority interests (16) (18) Net Assets 1,116 945 Capital and reserves: 71 70 Called up share capital (including non-equity capital of £4.5m) 7 8 Shares to be issued 165 145 Share premium account 148 148 Merger reserve 725 574 Profit and loss account Total shareholders' funds (including non-equity shareholders' 1,116 945 funds of £4.5m) Group cash flow statement For the year ended 31 December, (unaudited) 2000 1999 £m £m Operating activities: 451 137 Operating profit 78 74 Non-cash items: - 220 Depreciation and amortisation (10) 13 Reorganisation and merger integration provisions (4) (15) Other non-cash movements 6 (11) Movements in stocks 98 54 Movements in debtors (117) (26) Movements in creditors - (38) Reorganisation and merger integration costs paid Merger transaction expenses paid Cash flow from operating activities 502 408 Return on investments and servicing of finance (74) (72) Taxation (67) (50) Capital expenditure and financial investment (96) (73) Acquisitions and disposals 81 (3) Equity dividends paid (177) (180) Cash inflow before use of liquid resources and financing 169 30 Management of liquid resources 68 169 Financing (190) (198) Increase in cash for the period 47 1 Included in cash flow from operating activities are cash flows in respect of Year 2000 costs of £1m (1999, £25m). Reconciliation of operating cash flow to net cash flow from ordinary operations Operating cash flow (excluding merger and reorganisation expenses) 619 472 Returns on investments and servicing of finance (74) (72) Taxation (67) (50) Capital expenditure (96) (73) Net cash flow from ordinary operations 382 277 Segmental Analysis (unaudited) Analyses by geographical area and product segment of net revenues and operating profit are set out below. The figures for each geographic area show the net revenues and profit made by companies located in that area. Quarter Ended Dec 31 Year Ended Dec 31 2000 1999 % change 2000 1999 % change £m £m exch. rates £m £m exch. rates actual const. actual const. Net revenues - by geographical area 329 315 5% 10% Western Europe 1,302 1,319 (1%) 5% 280 246 14% 4% North America 962 862 12% 5% 75 55 36% 24% Latin America 239 198 21% 15% 91 76 20% 19% Asia Pacific 341 299 14% 14% 84 82 2% 3% Rest of World 316 289 9% 12% 859 774 11% 9% 3,160 2,967 7% 7% 1 20 (95%) (95%) Discontinued operations 42 87 (52%) (49%) 860 794 8% 6% 3,202 3,054 5% 6% Operating profit - by geographical area 77 56 37% 43% Western Europe 276 246 12% 18% 58 42 41% 30% North America 128 90 42% 34% 5 1 - - Latin America 6 5 14% 10% 7 1 - - Asia Pacific 13 (2) - - 9 2 - - Rest of World 27 18 49% 52% (8) (4) 110% 110% Corporate (10) (18) (43%) (43%) - (181) - - Merger Reorganisation Costs - (220) - - 148 (83) - - 440 119 269% 276% 0 5 - - Discontinued operations 11 18 (39%) (34%) 148 (78) - - 451 137 229% 235% % % Operating margin - by geographical area % % 23.5 18.0 Western Europe 21.2 18.7 20.9 16.9 North America 13.3 10.4 6.3 1.8 Latin America 2.5 2.3 7.4 1.8 Asia Pacific 3.8 (0.7) 10.5 1.9 Rest of World 8.5 6.2 - - Corporate - - - - Merger Reorganisation Costs - - 17.2 (10.7) 13.9 4.0 0.0 25.3 Discontinued operations 26.2 20.7 17.2 (9.8) 14.1 4.5 Segmental Analysis (continued) Quarter Ended Dec 31 Year Ended Dec 31 2000 1999 % change 2000 1999 % change £m £m exch. rates £m £m exch. rates actual const. actual const. Net revenues - by product segment 787 711 11% 9% Household and Health & Personal 2,957 2,788 6% 7% Care 72 63 16% 7% Food 203 179 14% 7% 859 774 11% 9% 3,160 2,967 7% 7% 1 20 (95%) (95%) Discontinued operations 42 87 (52%) (49%) 860 794 8% 6% 3,202 3,054 5% 6% Operating profit - by product segment 129 71 82% 82% Household and Health & Personal 410 318 29% 32% Care 27 31 (11%)(20%)Food 40 39 3% (3%) (8) (4) 110% 110% Corporate (10) (18) (43%) (43%) - (181) - - Merger Reorganisation Costs - (220) - - 148 (83) - - 440 119 269% 276% 0 5 - - Discontinued operations 11 18 (39%) (34%) 148 (78) - - 451 137 229% 235% % % Operating margin - by product segment % % 16.4 10.0 Household and Health & Personal Care 13.9 11.4 37.7 49.1 Food 19.7 21.5 - - Corporate - - - - Merger Reorganisation Costs - - 17.2 (10.7) 13.9 4.0 0.0 25.3 Discontinued operations 26.2 20.7 17.2 (9.8) 14.1 4.5 Net revenues - Household and Health & Personal Care 206 203 2% 4% Fabric Care 814 809 1% 4% 200 183 9% 4% Surface Care 764 698 10% 7% 114 108 5% 6% Dishwashing 413 422 (2%) 1% 113 80 42% 37% Home Care 371 303 22% 21% 98 86 14% 14% Health & Personal Care 388 353 10% 12% 731 660 11% 10% Core Business 2,750 2,585 6% 8% 56 51 9% 3% Other Household 207 203 2% 3% 787 711 11% 9% Net Revenues - continuing operations 2,957 2,788 6% 7% The analysis for 1999 has been slightly restated for disposals completed in 2000 and prudent accounting of attributable net revenues in certain alliances in Health & Personal care. Earnings per ordinary share For the year ended 31 December (unaudited) The reconciliation between profit for the period and the weighted average number of shares used in the calculations of the diluted earnings per share are set out below: 2000 1999 Profit Average Earnings Loss Average Earnings for for number per number per the of share the of share period period shares pence shares pence £m £m Profit /(loss) attributable to 314 695,737,827 45.2 (37) 679,254,788 (5.4) shareholders Dilution for Executive options 6,296,053 - outstanding Dilution for Employee Sharesave 159,633 - Scheme options outstanding Dilution for convertible 39,172,723 - capital bonds outstanding 13 On a diluted basis 327 741,366,236 44.1 (37) 679,254,788 (5.4) The impact of the convertible capital bonds has not been included in the 1999 diluted earnings per share calculation above, as in accordance with FRS 14 the impact was not dilutive. The reconciliation of profit for the period and earnings per share on the shares in issue between unadjusted and adjusted EPS calculation bases are as follows: 2000 1999 Profit Average Earnings Profit Average Earnings for for number per number per the of share the of share period period shares pence shares pence £m £m Basic EPS 314 695,737,827 45.2 (37) 679,254,788 (5.4) Reorganisation, merger (56) (5.7) 236 34.7 integration costs and non operating items Taxation (including deferred 17 - (0) taxation) 275 695,737,827 39.5 199 679,254,788 29.3 Impact of dilution 13 45,628,409 - - 7,566,735 - On an adjusted, diluted basis 288 741,366,236 38.8 199 686,821,523 29.0 The Directors believe that a diluted earnings per ordinary share, adjusted for the distorting effects of non-operating items and exceptional costs (i.e. reorganisation and merger integration costs) after the appropriate tax amount, provides the most meaningful measure of earnings per ordinary share in comparing the performance of the business over time. Five time the number of Reckitt Benckiser Holdings B.V. 'A' shares have been included in the calculations of the weighted average number of shares, in order to present the effect of the shareholders' agreement, under the terms of which the position of the holder of Reckitt Benckiser Holdings B.V. 'A' shares is in substance the same as if it held five new Reckitt Benckiser shares for every Reckitt Benckiser Holdings B.V. 'A' share held. Similarly, five times the number of outstanding Benckiser N.V. 'B' shares have been included in the calculations of the weighted average number of shares, as it is expected that these shares will be converted into Reckitt Benckiser shares in due course.
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