Reckitt Benckiser Group (RKT) — Dividend Yield: 3.87%

Sector: Personal Care, Drug and Grocery Stores | Market Cap: £34,747.77 | EPIC: RKT

Reckitt Benckiser Group (LON: RKT) is a leading global consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition company listed on the FTSE 100, with a market capitalisation of approximately £34.7 billion. The company's portfolio includes powerhouse brands such as Dettol, Lysol, Nurofen, Strepsils, Durex, and Enfamil. Reckitt's products are present in households across nearly 200 countries, making it one of the world's largest consumer goods companies by brand recognition and market reach.

Reckitt's dividend yield of approximately 3.87% reflects the company's commitment to returning cash to shareholders, supported by the strong cash-generative nature of its branded consumer products portfolio. The company has maintained its dividend through various strategic changes and market challenges, providing investors with a reliable income stream. Reckitt's focus on health and hygiene products gives it defensive characteristics that are particularly valuable during periods of economic uncertainty.

For investors evaluating consumer staples stocks in the FTSE 100, Reckitt offers exposure to structurally growing health and hygiene markets. The heightened awareness of hygiene and health following the pandemic has created lasting behavioural changes that benefit Reckitt's core product categories. The company's OTC health brands and hygiene products are trusted by consumers worldwide, creating strong brand loyalty and pricing power.

Reckitt has been undergoing a significant strategic transformation, including the planned separation of its nutrition business to sharpen its focus on health and hygiene. The company has faced headwinds from litigation related to its specialised infant nutrition products, which has weighed on investor sentiment. However, the core hygiene and health business remains robust, with strong market positions and innovation-driven growth. Reckitt's investment in e-commerce channels, digital marketing, and product innovation is supporting market share gains. For income investors seeking defensive consumer goods exposure in the FTSE 100, Reckitt offers an attractive yield and transformation potential.