London, Jan 24, 2026, 08:49 GMT — Market closed
- Reckitt shares fell 1.6% to 60.18 pounds on Friday, underperforming the FTSE 100.
- The group revealed a new buyback batch, snapping up 49,250 shares at an average price of 6,089.71 pence.
- Attention shifts to the shareholder meeting on Jan. 27, which will address a 235p special dividend and a share consolidation.
Shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc RKT.L fell 1.6% on Friday, ending at 60.18 pounds. The drop came as the FTSE 100 held mostly steady ahead of the weekend break in London trading.
The timing is crucial as Reckitt prepares to seek shareholder approval for a special dividend and a linked share consolidation—moves that often skew share prices and trading volumes near the vote. The meeting will take place at 8:00 a.m. GMT on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Reckitt announced earlier this month a special dividend of 235 pence per share, a one-off cash payout totaling around £1.6 billion, alongside a 24-for-25 share consolidation. The shares will go ex-special dividend—meaning new buyers won’t receive the payout—with the consolidation kicking in at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2. The cash dividend is scheduled for payment on Friday, Feb. 20.
Reckitt pushed forward with its buyback scheme, disclosing on Friday that it purchased 49,250 shares on Jan. 22 at a volume-weighted average price of 6,089.71 pence. The company plans to keep these shares in treasury, meaning they won’t be included in the free float.
The planned cash return comes after Reckitt wrapped up selling its Essential Home business to Advent International, while keeping a 30% stake. CEO Kris Licht called the deal “a major step forward” that steers Reckitt toward becoming “a simpler” consumer health and hygiene firm, centered on its core brands. reckitt.com
Investors are now focused on Reckitt’s upcoming full-year results, set for March 5. The company plans to present at 08:30 GMT at the London Stock Exchange following its recent portfolio shake-up.
When the market reopens Monday, the focus will be on the mechanics. A dividend this large amounts to about 4% of Friday’s closing price. The consolidation aims to keep the share price roughly steady, but it could still trigger some unusual swings and short-term volatility.
The timetable isn’t set in stone. The special dividend and consolidation require shareholder approval and several other steps. Any hiccup or unexpected vote result would delay the cash payout and could rattle investor confidence.
Tuesday’s 08:00 GMT shareholder meeting in London is the next major event, with investors focused on the vote outcome. Shortly after, attention will turn to the Feb. 2 ex-special dividend and consolidation date.
