This document analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for Reckitt Benckiser. Key strengths include its global leadership in household and personal care products, strong financial performance in 2011, and portfolio of brands sold worldwide. A weakness is overdependence on the household division. Opportunities include strategic acquisitions to expand product lines and entering emerging markets. Threats involve unfavorable currency fluctuations, changing consumer preferences, rising labor costs, and stringent regulations.

1. 1
STRENGTHS
 Globally leading manufacturer of household, health and personal care; pharmaceutical and food products with operations in over
60 countries.
 Strong financial performance in FY2011, representing an increase of 12.21 in its turnover and 11.72% growth in net income as
compared to 2010.
 Strong portfolio of brands which are sold in 200 countries worldwide.
 Sustained focus on R&D helps the company to serve changing market needs, as well as to enhance its top line performance.

2. 2
WEAKNESS
Overdependence on the Household and health & personal care division for its revenues could cause a concern to the company with
respect to the changing consumer preferences.
Lawsuits filed during FY2011 by Health secretary Andrew Lansley and by NHS in relation to the company’s heartburn medicine
Gaviscon will impact its brand image.

3. 3
OPPORTUNITIES
Strategic acquisition of acquired Paras Pharmaceuticals Limited enables it to offer improved personal care and healthcare products
to its customers. Such strategic acquisition is likely to strengthen the company's position in the Indian FMCG market, in turn
increasing its revenues.
Continuous focus on new product launches and innovation. During FY2011 launched three new products comprising Clearasil Ultra
Acne + Marks, Harpic Max and Air Wick.
Rising population in emerging markets, which gives an opportunity to the company to increase its top line performance.
Expanding and diversifying to emerging markets worldwide with special focus on BRIC nations as well as on Africa and the Middle
East markets.

4. 4
THREATS
Unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates are likely to increase the expenses for the company. Reckitt Benckiser has
operations in over 60 countries worldwide. The non-GBP currencies’ appreciation over GBP or vice versa may incur additional costs
to the company, as well as increase capital expenditures in GBP terms. This may impact the company's competitive position against
its close competitors and in turn may affect the profitability of the company..
Changing consumer preferences.
Rising labor costs in the US may impact the company’s operations in the US, from where it generates almost one fourth of its total
turnover.
Stringent regulations by the European Union and individual country governments.