report to u.s. participants in the reckitt benckiser …na.reckittbenckiser.com/sop/information for...
TRANSCRIPT
REPORT TO U.S. PARTICIPANTS IN
THE RECKITT BENCKISER GROUP
2015 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
THE RECKITT BENCKISER GROUP PLC
2007 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
THE RECKITT BENCKISER PLC
LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN 2006
This Report provides a summary of the material terms of the plans listed above (which are
sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Plan” and collectively as the “Plans”) with respect
to the issuance of ordinary shares (“Shares”) in the capital of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (the
“Company”) and options (“Options”) to purchase Shares. This Report is provided to executive
directors and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries participating in the Plans (referred to
herein individually as a “Participant” and collectively as the “Participants”) who are citizens or
residents of the United States of America (“U.S.”). This Report also provides financial information
concerning the Company, a description of certain tax considerations that may be relevant to
Participants and a description of certain material risks associated with the exercise of Options and
the ownership of Shares.
Participants should retain this Report for future reference.
Other information about the Plans, awards to Participants and the Company are available by
writing or contacting:
Rupert Bondy
103-105 Bath Road
Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3UH
United Kingdom
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any U.S. state securities commission
has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy
of this Report. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this Report is 30 April 2018.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Information for Participants .............................................................................................................3
Overview of Plans and Common Provisions ...................................................................................3
General .......................................................................................................................................3
Provisions Common to All Four Plans ......................................................................................4
Plan Limits; No Further Awards ................................................................................................5
Material Terms of the Plans .............................................................................................................6
Applicable Plans ....................................................................................................................6
Relevant Terminology ...........................................................................................................6
Participants .............................................................................................................................6
Awards ...................................................................................................................................7
Vesting of Awards .................................................................................................................8
Exercise Period ......................................................................................................................9
Exercise ..................................................................................................................................9
Termination of Employment ................................................................................................10
Option Lapse ........................................................................................................................11
Recapitalization and Reorganization ...................................................................................12
Business Combinations ........................................................................................................13
Exchange ..............................................................................................................................14
Plan Changes ........................................................................................................................15
Relationships and Principal Risks ..................................................................................................15
Tax Implications for United States Citizens and Residents ...........................................................18
Grant and Exercise of Options .................................................................................................19
Grant of Shares ........................................................................................................................20
Section 409A ............................................................................................................................21
Ownership and Sale of Shares .................................................................................................22
Financial Statements ......................................................................................................................24
Exhibit A – Copies of the Plans
Exhibit B – Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017
Exhibit C – Q1 2018 Results (unaudited)
3
INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
The Company has adopted the Plans under the terms of which ordinary shares in the capital of the
Company (“Shares”) and/or options to purchase Shares (“Options”) may be awarded to Participants
(as defined with respect to each of the Plans listed below). Under the terms of the Plans, options may
be granted (typically as part of a total compensation package available but not always) to full-time
employees and executive directors of the Company, its subsidiaries and certain affiliated companies
(all of whom are referred to herein as “employees”). Because the award of Shares and Options and
the exercise of Options can involve significant economic and tax consequences to the recipient, it is
important that each Participant reads this Report and the text of the Plans themselves.
This Report is distributed pursuant to the Company’s disclosure obligations under Rule 701
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the “Securities Act”). The Shares awarded to a Participant or issued to a Participant upon
exercise of an Option are not, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act and the Company
has no plans to register the Shares in the future. As such, the Shares are subject to restrictions on
transferability and resale and may not be transferred or resold except as permitted under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and the applicable state securities laws, pursuant to registration or an
exemption from registration.
OVERVIEW OF PLANS AND COMMON PROVISIONS
General.
The Plans relate to awards (“Awards”) of Options for Shares1 in the Company, made either by the
Company or a designated committee (the “Committee”). A copy of each Plan is attached for reference
in Exhibit A to this Report. Exhibit A provides the rules for each of the Plans that comprise all of the
current and active Plans for the Company and its predecessor entities. Each Plan provides for the
terms and conditions under which the Company offered and may offer awards in the form of Shares
or Options. The matters described in the Plans attached in Exhibit A include but are not limited to:
the terms of the awards; the conditions placed on the awards; the vesting of the awards; the
consequences of termination of employment; the effects of variations in the Company’s share capital,
takeovers and certain other events affecting the Company; the exchange of awards; the committees
that oversee the Plans; the limits of the Plans; the possibility of changes or termination of the Plans;
and other general provisions.
If there is any discrepancy between the description of the Plans contained in this Report and
the Provisions of the Plans themselves, the provisions of the Plans shall govern and control.
Provisions Common to All Three Plans
Many basic provisions of the plans are substantially identical and are combined for discussion here.
More detailed provisions or ones where there are important difference between the Plans are discussed
below, in “MATERIAL TERMS OF THE PLANS.”
1 In some instances, cash settlement is permitted under the Plans, see “Vesting of Awards—Cash Settlement,” below.
4
When the Company makes an Award, the Committee must approve the terms of that Award in
advance. No Participant in any Plan is obligated to pay anything in exchange for an Award and (as
defined below, in “MATERIAL TERMS OF THE PLANS—Applicable Plans”), every Participant
has the right to elect to disclaim (or “waive”) all or part of any Award in writing within thirty (30)
days of the Award Date. So long as the Company receives the waiver during that period, the Option
will be deemed for all purposes not to have been granted to the extent given up. As soon as
practicable after the date that the Committee sets for the grant of an Award, Participants receive a
statement setting out the terms of the Award. In the event you are a Participant and have not
previously received such a statement, or you have lost it or it has become worn out, defaced or
destroyed, you are urged to contact the individual whose name is set forth on the cover page of this
Report.
No Rights as Shareholder or as Employee. A Participant will not be entitled to vote, to receive
dividends or to have any other rights of a shareholder in respect of Shares subject to an Option
until the Participant receives Shares following exercise of an Option or the satisfaction of all
conditions applicable to a Conditional Award (see below, “MATERIAL TERMS OF THE
PLANS—Awards—Conditional Awards”).
The rights and obligations arising from the employment relationship between a Participant and the
Company are separate from, and are not affected by, any Plan. Participation in the Plan does not
create any right to, or expectation of, continued employment.
No Right to Transfer. A Participant may not transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of an Option or
Award or any related rights except to his or her personal representatives on death. Any violation
of this prohibition, whether voluntary or involuntary, will cause an Award under the Plans to lapse.
Limitations on Participation. No employee has a right to participate in any Plan. Participation in
any Plan or the grant of Awards on a particular basis in any year does not create any right to or
expectation of participation in that Plan or Award on the same basis, or at all, in any future year.
All Awards are subject to compliance with the rules of the relevant Plan under which the award
was made. If the Company tries to grant an Award that is inconsistent with Plan limits, the Award
will be limited and will only take effect to the extent the Plan permits.
By participating in a Plan, a Participant waives all rights under that Plan, other than the right to
acquire Shares subject to and in accordance with the express terms of the Plan and, as applicable,
Performance Conditions (see below, “MATERIAL TERMS OF THE PLANS—Awards—
Conditional Awards”), in consideration for, and as a condition of, the grant of an Award under the
Plan.
By participating in a Plan a Participant consents to the holding and processing of personal data
provided by the Participant to any Member of the Group, or to a trustee or third-party service
provider, for all purposes relating to the operation of that Plan.
5
Miscellaneous. If and so long as the Shares are listed on the Official List (of securities that are
approved for trading in the United Kingdom) and traded on the London Stock Exchange, the
Company will apply for listing of any Shares issued under the Plans as soon as practicable. The
process involved in acquiring Share certificates and arranging to sell them on the London Stock
Exchange can be time-consuming. In those cases where an employee acquires a share certificate
and later wishes to enter into a transaction involving those Shares, Reckitt Benckiser LLC has
arranged with USB to assist U.S. Participants in disposing of Shares they acquire under the Plans.
For further information, Participants should contact their local human resources department.
English law governs the Plans and all Awards and their construction. The English Courts
have non-exclusive jurisdiction in respect of disputes arising under or in connection with the
Plans or any Awards.
All Awards are subject to applicable U.S. tax withholding requirements, which may result
in the reduction of any cash payment that a Participant otherwise would receive in
connection with an Award or may require that the Participant make a cash payment to the
Company or the Participant’s U.S. employer with respect to the amount of tax withholding
due in connection with the exercise of an Option or vesting of a Conditional Award. See,
“TAX IMPLICATIONS FOR UNITED STATES CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS,” below.
THE COMPANY CAN CHOOSE TO END ANY PLAN AT ANY TIME, WHICH WILL
MEAN NO FURTHER OPTIONS WILL BE AWARDED (ALTHOUGH THOSE THAT
ARE OUTSTANDING WILL BE EXERCISABLE IN THE EVENT ALL CONDITIONS
ARE MET). ALL PLANS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME (see “MATERIAL
TERMS OF THE PLANS—Plan Changes”, below).
Plan Limits; No Further Awards
There will be no further grants under any plan except for the 2015 Plan (as defined below, in
“MATERIAL TERMS OF THE PLANS—Applicable Plans”). With respect to the 2006 Plan,
the Company could not grant an Award if the number of Shares issued and committed to be
issued under that Award exceeded 1.6 per cent of the ordinary share capital of the Company in
issue immediately before that day, when added to the number of Shares which have been issued
and committed to be issued to satisfy Awards, or options or awards under any other discretionary
employee share plan adopted by the Company or any affiliate of the Company, granted in the
previous twelve (12) months.
The Company may not grant an Award if the number of Shares issued and committed to be issued
under that Award exceeds 10 per cent of the ordinary share capital of the Company in issue
immediately before that day, when added to the number of Shares which have been issued and
committed to be issued to satisfy Awards, or options or awards under any other employee share
plan adopted by the Company or Reckitt Benckiser plc, granted in the previous ten years. Shares
are ignored when calculating these limits where the right to acquire Shares is released or lapses.
For the 2015 Plan, without prior approval by shareholders of the Company in general meeting, no
Award which is to be satisfied with newly issued Shares or treasury Shares may be granted after
May 7, 2025).
6
MATERIAL TERMS OF THE PLANS
Applicable Plans
Reckitt Benckiser Group 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”)
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”)
Reckitt Benckiser plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2006 (the “2006 Plan”)
The discussion below sets forth the more substantive aspects of the Plans (how Awards are made,
vesting and exercise of Awards and valuation of Awards upon exercise, for example), many of
which are substantially identical. Accordingly, the following descriptions below apply equally to
all Plans except where specifically indicated.
Relevant Terminology
The Plans (and this Report) relate to Awards of Options, which are grants to Participants of the
right to buy Shares. Those Options, providing such rights may be either for a set price at a pre-
established date (“Market Value Options”) or after completion of conditions precedent
(“Conditional Awards”). When an Option has “vested,” the Participant’s ability to exercise the
Option is ripe, either because the pre-established time period (generally, for Market Value Options)
has elapsed or because conditions precedent (“Performance Conditions” or “Performance
Targets”) have been met. Only after vesting may a Participant “exercise” the Option: that is, act
to use the Award by providing due notice and paying the purchase price, if required. Generally,
the ability to exercise an Option is not open-ended. If it is not exercised within the required time
period (the “Exercise Period”), the Option will lapse. Upon lapse, the Option is no longer
available, even though the conditions allowing for its exercise may still exist. Participants’
benefits from Awards can only be realized to the extent they choose to exercise their Options
after they have vested and before they lapse.
Participants
Under all the Plans, Participants are limited to individuals who are employees of the Company, a
subsidiary of the Company or of certain designated other companies associated with the Company
(collectively, “Members of the Group”). All Plans also extend Awards to directors. An Award
may not be granted to an employee who has given or received notice of termination of employment
on or before the date on which the Award is granted (the “Award Date”). While these definitions
have international application, for purposes of this Report, as set forth above, Participants are
limited to U.S. Participants.
Awards
Kinds of Awards. Awards under the 2015 Plan may be in the form of:
• A Market Value Option - a right to buy Shares after the Option vests at a price (the
“Exercise Price”) that is not lower than the Market Value of the Shares on the date on
which the Option is awarded. “Market Value” means on any day not less than the average
of the closing middle market quotations of a Share on the London Stock Exchange over
the immediately preceding five days on which the London Stock Exchange (or, under
7
certain circumstances, any other stock exchange on which the Shares are traded) is open
for the transaction of business; and/or
• A Conditional Award - a right to receive Shares after the Award vests, based on the
satisfaction of various conditions (“Performance Target” or “Performance Condition”).2
Only Market Value Options remain available under the 2006 Plan.
Making Awards. Awards may generally be granted under all of the Plans only during certain 42-
day window periods following each announcement of the Company’s financial results, although
Plans do provide for other window periods in certain exceptional circumstances, as described in
the relevant Plans.
Conditional Awards. The Company may make “vesting” of an Award (i.e., the receipt of Shares
or the exercisability of Options) conditional on the satisfaction of one or more conditions, one of
which must be linked to the performance of the Company during a specified period (a
“Performance Period”). Performance Conditions must be objective and specified on the date the
Award is made (the “Award Date”). Under the 2015 Plan, this Performance Period will not
normally be less than three financial years of the Company. All awards under the 2006 Plan have
vested upon satisfaction of the relevant Performance Condition. Awards may lapse if the
Performance Conditions are not satisfied during the specified Performance Period.
Performance Conditions may be waived or relaxed in accordance with the terms of an Award or if
the Company (with the consent of the Committee) reasonably considers it appropriate. Vesting of
an Award will not become effective until all applicable conditions have been satisfied or waived.
Dividend Equivalents. Under the 2015 Plan, the Committee may determine that a Conditional
Award or Market Value Option will, unless the Committee decides otherwise, include the right to
receive an amount equal in value to the dividends that were payable on the number of Shares
subject to the Award or Option during the Performance Period (“dividend equivalents”). Dividend
equivalents will be paid in cash or in Shares as soon as practicable after vesting or, in the case of
an Option, after exercise.
Vesting of Awards
Generally, an Award will vest on the latest to occur of the following:
• the date on which a determination is made that all performance or other conditions have
been satisfied or waived;
2 Although the 2015, 2007 and 2006 Plans also permit Awards of Nil-cost Options (rights to buy Shares for nothing or a nominal amount after the Option vests), as a matter of policy the Company does not Award Nil-cost Options. Accordingly, the description of Awards above covers only Conditional Awards and grants of Market Value Options.
8
• the date on which any regulatory or other restrictions that prevent vesting on the dates
specified above are no longer applicable; and
• in the case of the 2015 or 2007 Plan, for Conditional Awards and Market Value Options,
the vesting date established by the Company and approved by the Committee, which
normally occurs with the receiving of Accounts at the Annual Shareholders’ meeting
following the third anniversary of the Award Date.
All determinations regarding the satisfaction of performance and other conditions will be made as
soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the applicable Performance Period. If an Award
lapses under the Plan, it cannot vest and a Participant loses all rights in the Award.
Malus. For the 2015 Plan, the Committee may determine, prior to the vesting of an Award, to
reduce or cancel an Award entirely or to impose further conditions in the following circumstances
for any year in whole or in part between the Award Date and the vesting date:
• A material misstatement of the Company’s financial results;
• A material failure of risk management in the Company or any Subsidiary;
• A material breach of health and safety in the Company or any Subsidiary; and/or
• serious misconduct on the part of a relevant Participant.
Clawback. For the 2015 Plan, the Committee retains a discretion to require a Participant to repay
the company or transfer back shares that formed part of an Award or Options, or reduce or cancel
existing vested or unvested Awards or Options, in the event of;
• at any time during the Participant’s employment, gross misconduct by any Participant; or
• a material mis-statement of the Company’s published accounts in respect of any Financial
Year which was in whole or part between the Date of Grant for the Award and the date it
vests or becomes exercisable.
Performance Targets or other conditions may be changed under the 2015 or 2007 Plan, provided
that any changed Performance Target or other conditions are not more difficult to satisfy.
All awards under the 2006 Plan have vested as at the date of this report.
Share Settlement. As soon as reasonably practicable after the vesting of a Conditional Award
under any of the Plans, the Company will arrange (subject to exercise, withholding and consent
requirements (see below)) for the Participant to receive the number of Shares in respect of which
the Award has vested.
9
Cash Settlement. The Company may, at its election and at any time (with the Committee’s
approval), settle a Conditional Award or Option in cash instead of in Shares. For Market Value
Options, the cash amount must be equal to the amount by which the Market Value of the Shares
in respect of which the Option is exercised exceeds the Exercise Price of the Option (which may
be zero) on the Option Exercise Date. Alternatively, such Option may be satisfied by the
Participant’s receipt of Shares having an equivalent cash value, in which event the Exercise Price
(if any) need not be paid. The Plans’ Market Value is as set forth above, in “Awards—Kinds of
Awards”.
Exercise Period
Once an Option has vested, it becomes exercisable for a limited time by notice in the prescribed
form accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price (if any) for the number of Shares being
acquired. The Plans’ Market Value Options may be exercised during the period starting on the
date the Option vests and ending on the tenth anniversary of the Award Date (unless the Committee
has selected a different period). If an Option has not been exercised by the end of the period during
which it is exercisable, the Option will lapse.
Different Exercise Periods. If more than one lapse date or period during which an Option may be
exercised applies to an Option, then the provision that results in the shortest exercise period and
the earliest lapse of the Option will apply unless the Committee permits a Participant to exercise
Options within any applicable longer periods permitted by the Plan.
Extension of Exercise Period. Under all the Plans, if an Option Exercise Notice is delivered at a
time when the exercise of Options is prohibited by law, regulation or policy, the Option Exercise
Date will be the date when the Participant is permitted to exercise an Option under such law,
regulation or policy. Under all of the Plans, the Company will generally arrange for Participants
to receive Shares within 30 days of the Option Exercise Date.
Exercise
Following the Company’s achievement of a Performance Target or whenever vesting has occurred
for an Option that is not conditional, exercise of an Option requires the Participant to give notice
of the intent to exercise and payment of the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price may not be less
than an amount equal to the fair market value of a Share on the date the award was made.
Termination of Employment
All Plans differ in the ability to exercise Options, either vested or unvested, when the termination
of a Participant’s employment is involved. Generally, an Award that has vested will not lapse on
the date a Participant’s employment terminates, but an Award that has not vested will lapse on that
date.
If a Participant ceases to be an employee due to any of the following “Exceptional Circumstances,”
Awards that have not vested may partially vest, depending on whether they are subject to a
Performance Condition and whether the Performance Condition is met at the end of the financial
year in which employment terminated:
• ill-health, injury or permanent disability (established to the satisfaction of the Company);
10
• retirement (with the agreement of the Company);
• as a result of the employer ceasing to be controlled by the Company;
• redundancy; or
• any other reason deemed to be appropriate at the discretion of the Committee.
A Conditional Award will be reduced pro rata to reflect the period from the date the Award was
made to the date employment ended, as a proportion of the Performance Period. In particular cases
decided by the Committee, however, a Conditional Award may be permitted to vest at the end of
the Performance Period that occurs after the end of the financial year in which employment
terminated. In that instance, the Award will be reduced pro rata to reflect the period from the date
employment ended until the end of the Performance Period as a proportion of the Performance
Period. In either case, the Award then lapses as to the balance.
If a Participant ceases to be an employee as a result of joining a competitor (as determined by the
Committee) within 12 months of termination of employment, all unvested Awards will lapse. If
such a Participant has received Shares or cash in respect of an Award, the Participant will be
required to pay the Company an amount equal to the Market Value of the applicable Shares as at
the date of vesting less any tax paid and, in the case of an Option, less the Exercise Price. The
payment must be made within two months of receipt of a demand from a Member of the Group.
If a Participant dies, his Awards will vest on the date of death and any Performance Conditions
will not apply but the Award will be reduced pro rata to reflect the period from the date the Award
was made to the date of death as a proportion of the Performance Period The Award will then
lapse as to the balance.
2015 and 2007 Plans: For Participants (those who are not employees), Performance Targets for
unvested Options will not apply until (and for such Options, vesting will be measured at) the end
of the financial year in which employment terminated, although the Committee may decide to
apply such Targets on the date of Termination. Based upon achievement of the Performance
Target, an Award that has vested will lapse if not exercised within the 12 months after the date a
Participant’s employment terminates.
Option Lapse
Once an Option has vested, it will lapse (i.e., no longer be exercisable) if not exercised within
different time periods under each of the Plans. All Options that remain unexercised ten (10) years
after their Grant Date will lapse, with no extensions permitted beyond that date.
An Option will lapse on the earliest to occur of:
• the end of the period during which it is exercisable;
• in the case of a vested Option, the date the Participant’s employment terminates by reason
of dismissal for misconduct (unless the Committee decides otherwise);
• in the case of a vested Market Value Option, twelve (12) months (or such longer period
(not exceeding 42 months) as the Committee may decide) after the date on which the
Participant’s employment terminates;
11
• in the case of an Option which vests under Exceptional Circumstances or death, twelve
(12) months after the date on which the Committee determines that the Performance
Conditions are satisfied or waived or in the case of a Market Value Option such longer
period (not exceeding 42 months) as the Committee may decide;
• six (6) months after an event that causes vesting described in “Takeovers and
Restructuring” below;
• six (6) weeks after the date on which a notice to acquire Shares under the United Kingdom
(“U.K.”) Companies Act (compulsory purchase of shares) is first served following the
acquisition of at least 90% of the Company’s Shares by an acquirer;
• the date on which a Participant joins a competitor organization; and
• twelve (12) months from the date of a Participant’s death.
Recapitalization and Reorganization
If there are changes to the capital structure of the Company, each of the Plans allows for an
adjustment in the number or class of Shares or securities underlying an Option or Conditional
Award or an adjustment of its Exercise Price, subject to certain limitations set out in the relevant
Plan. For the Plans, this adjustment can occur if Shares or rights are issued or the outstanding
Shares of the Company are subdivided, consolidated, increased, decreased or otherwise varied, or
if there is a demerger in whatever form (i.e., a spin-off of part of the Company following which
the holders of Shares will own shares in two companies or a dividend for the value of one part of
the Company and shares in the remaining Company), an exempt distribution by virtue of Section
213 of the U.K. Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (i.e., a demerger classified as non-taxable
because the value of the spun-off part of the Company is provided to shareholders as new shares
rather than as cash), or a special dividend or distribution.
Business Combinations
Takeovers and Restructuring under the Plans. In the event of a takeover of the Company as a
result of making an offer to acquire Shares, an Award vests on the date control of the Company
changes hands; or if a court sanctions a compromise or arrangement in connection with the
acquisition of Shares (i.e., there is a takeover based on a pledged share threshold of 75% and court
approval of the reduced 75% threshold) an Award vests, or if the Committee becomes aware that
the Company is or is expected to be affected by any demerger, distribution (other than an ordinary
dividend) or other transaction not previously described in this sentence which, in the opinion of
the Committee, would affect the current or future value of any Award, the Committee may allow
an Award to vest. However, in any of the foregoing events an Award will vest only to the extent
that any Performance Condition has been satisfied at the relevant date as determined by the
Committee unless the Committee determines that the Performance Conditions and other conditions
should not apply. In addition, unless the Committee decides otherwise, the extent to which the
Award vests shall be reduced pro rata to reflect the period from the date of the event until the end
of the Performance Period as a proportion of the Performance Period. The Award lapses as to the
balance.
If a court sanctions a compromise or arrangement in connection with the Company’s compromise
with creditors and shareholders, each Participant may exercise its Option in the period starting
12
with the date upon which the compromise or arrangement is approved by the court and ending
with the date upon which it becomes effective. The Option may be exercised even if the
Performance Target has not been met.
If a resolution is passed for the Company to be wound up voluntarily, Options may be exercised
in the period of 60 days after the resolution is passed. At the end of that period, the Option will
lapse. The Option may be exercised even if the Performance Target has not been met. Where an
Option has been exercised as a result of this event, the Participant will be entitled to share in the
Company’s assets in the same way as if the Shares had been registered in Participant’s name before
the resolution was passed.
In contrast to the immediately preceding paragraph, if the resolution to liquidate is:
• part of an arrangement which will mean that the Company will be under the control of
another company; and
• the persons who owned Shares in the Company immediately before the change of control
will immediately afterwards own at least 50% of the shares in that other company; and
the Committee may decide that those Participants who hold Options that are not yet exercisable
otherwise may not exercise those Options.
Exchange
Exchanges are permitted following a Business Combination event to the extent that an offer to
exchange the Award is made and accepted by the Participant or the Committee decides that the
Award will be automatically exchanged. Where a Participant is granted a new Award in exchange
for an existing Award, the new Award must:
• confer a right to acquire shares in the company that acquired control of the Company or
another company determined by the acquiring company;
• be equivalent to the existing Award;
• be treated as having been acquired at the same time as the existing Award, must vest in the
same manner and at the same time as the existing Award, and may, at the discretion of the
Committee, be subject to a performance condition that is, as far as possible, equivalent to
any Performance Condition applicable to the existing Award;
• be governed by the Plan as if references to Shares were references to the shares underlying
the new Award and references to the Company were references to the acquiring company
or the company determined under the first bullet point above.
Plan Changes
Each Plan allows for changes, without Participant or any other approval, that benefit the
administration and operation of the Plan, subject to the terms of the Plan itself. Such changes
might be to take advantage or otherwise respond to regulatory changes, or to retain favorable tax
treatment. Participants must be advised of any changes that affects the Participant’s rights under
the Plan. Under the Plans, if any proposed change to the Plan to the advantage of present or future
13
Participants relates to any of the following, the change must be approved in advance by ordinary
resolution of the Shareholders of the Company in general meeting:
• the persons to or for whom Shares may be provided under the Plan;
• the limitations on the number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan;
• the rights of a Participant in the event Shares or rights are issued or the outstanding Shares
of the Company are varied;
• any modification of any of the preceding three provisions.
RELATIONSHIPS AND PRINCIPAL RISKS
The Plan and the option to purchase Shares under the plan involve certain risks. The relationships
of the Company and the risks of the business are summarized here, but are not exclusive. More
details about the risk associated with the business and the value of the Shares are provided in the
periodic reports of the Company, made available electronically at the Company’s website
www.rb.com or by contacting the Company at the address listed above.
The Shares, as with shares in any company, are not a guarantee of payments, nor is there any
promise or future payment or value. The entire value of any investment in shares could be lost.
Past performance of any shares is not an indication of future returns.
The Company’s critical external relationships are with its major customers, typically the large
grocery chains, mass market and multiple retailers, and its suppliers of raw and packaging
materials and finished goods. The Company’s customer base is diffuse with no single customer
accounting for more than 10% of net revenues, and the top 10 customers only accounting for less
than a quarter of total net revenues. These customers are becoming more concentrated and more
multinational, increasing demands on the Company’s service levels. In addition, many retailers
compete with the Company’s products with their own private label offerings. The Company
maintains its relationship with its principal retail customers through the efforts of its dedicated
sales force, including key account directors, and its global sales organization specifically set up to
manage its interface with the growth of international retailers.
The Company has many suppliers. The suppliers are predominantly international chemical and
packaging companies. The Company sources most of its supplies through its global purchasing
function, which acts as its primary interface with its suppliers.
The principal risk factors that may be considered in relation to the Company are, in the opinion of
the Directors:
Market Risks
Competition, economic conditions and customer consolidation translates into increasing pressure
on pricing and promotion levels and market growth rates, especially in Europe. The Company
seeks to mitigate this risk through active category, brand and customer relationship management
programmes supported by ongoing investment into new product development.
14
Operational Risks
• Business continuity plans prove insufficient to protect the business in the face of a
significant and unforeseen supply disruption.
Suppliers of key raw and packaging materials, co-packers of finished product and the
Company’s manufacturing facilities and key technologies are risk assessed for their
potential impact on supply disruption for branded products.
Business continuity plans are in place throughout the Company and major sites are
routinely and independently assessed towards achievement of a highly protected site
status.
• The successful integration into the Company of businesses acquired with non-controlling
interests through recent acquisitions.
The Company will seek to exercise management control and/or purchase the outstanding
shares in a business with non-controlling interests at the appropriate time, thereby
ensuring continuity of key management and the achievement of the strategic goals for
that business. A dedicated project team is assembled to integrate the businesses and,
where appropriate, to quickly divest non-core businesses.
• Key senior management leave the Company, or management turnover increases
significantly.
The Company structures its reward programme to attract and retain the best people. The
formal succession planning process continues to evolve with plans being reviewed and
updated regularly for key positions and individuals.
• Non-delivery of expected benefits from the Company ERP programme.
A strong and independent governance structure has been put in place. This should ensure
that achievement of agreed milestones and key objectives are tracked and followed up
appropriately. Senior business employees are appointed to lead the team to achieve the
stated business benefits.
• The combination of the Company’s strategic reorganisation, and the systems and
operational changes, could result in sub-optimal implementations and reduced focus due
to conflicting demands for management attention.
A senior programme leader reporting directly to the CEO will ensure proper clarity and
documentation of the new operating model as well as alignment and co-ordination
between the programme workstreams.
15
• Information technology systems may be disrupted or may fail, interfering with the
Company’s ability to conduct its business.
The Company has disaster recovery plans in place which are tested periodically. It also
invests in security measures and anti-virus software to safeguard against this threat.
• Product quality failures could potentially result in the undermining of consumer
confidence in the Company’s products and brands.
• Regulatory decisions and changes in the legal and regulatory environment could limit
business activities.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Risks.
Another group of risks concerns the reputation of the Company and its brands, but is reduced by
the fact that the Company and its brands are not necessarily connected in the mind of consumers.
Risks from the perspective of ESG matters are discussed in the Report of the Directors, in the
Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Company 2017, attached to this Report as Exhibit
B. These should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual Sustainability Reports
(available on the Company’s website, www.rb.com) which address a number of potentially
reputation-affecting ESG matters such as employee health and safety at work and how the
Company is addressing such matters, and which are independently assured.
The Company has a full set of policies, programs and control arrangement building on its central
Code of Business Conduct, that address a full range of ESG matters and reputational risks. The
Code itself is currently the subject of a comprehensive internal training and awareness program
and is covered by an annual review and certification process carried out by Internal Audit and the
Legal Department. The Board holds a formal review of ESG matters at least annually.
Financial Risks.
The Company’s policies and procedures on the management of financial risk are explained in
detail in the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Company 2017 attached to this Report
as Exhibit B (and available on-line at www.rb.com) or by contacting the Company at the address
listed on the first page of this Report. The Company has a number of risk exposures in relation to
tax, treasury, financial controls and reporting that are actively managed through the Company’s
financial manual of policies and procedures, through regular reviews and controls, and through
regular auditing, both internal and external.
Foreign Exchange Risk.
The Company publishes its financial statements in Sterling but conducts business in many
foreign currencies. As a result, it is subject to foreign currency exchange risk due to the effects
that exchange rate movements have on the translation of the results and the underlying net assets
of its foreign subsidiaries.
The Company’s policy is to align interest costs and operating profit of its major currencies in
order to provide some protection against the translation exposure on foreign currency profits
16
after tax. The Company may undertake borrowings and other hedging methods in the currencies
of the countries where most of its assets are located.
For transactions, it is the Company’s policy to monitor and, only where appropriate, hedge its
foreign currency transaction exposures. These transaction exposures arise mainly from foreign
currency receipts and payments for goods and services, and from the remittance of foreign
currency dividends and loans. The local business units enter into forward foreign exchange
contracts with Group Treasury to manage these exposures, where practical and allowed by local
regulations. Group Treasury manages the Company exposures, and hedges the net position where
possible, using spot and forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
Trading Risks.
There is not a public market for the Company's common stock in the U.S., and the Company does
not anticipate registering its common stock with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or
listing its common stock on a U.S. stock exchange. Any shares of the Company's common stock
issued upon exercise of a Company stock option are deemed to be "restricted securities" under
Rule 701 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are not immediately freely tradable in the
U.S.. The process involved in acquiring Share certificates and arranging to sell them on the
London Stock Exchange can be time-consuming, which may expose Participants to the risk that
the Shares may decline in value while a sale transaction is pending. The arrangements that Reckitt
Benckiser Inc. has made with Merrill Lynch to assist U.S. Participants in disposing of Shares they
acquire under the Plans may lessen this risk but cannot eliminate it. In addition, because the Shares
are traded in Pounds Sterling, U.S. holders of Shares will be subject to the risk of adverse
fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British Pound.
Tax Risks.
Options granted under certain of the Plans may not satisfy the requirements to avoid being
treated as deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. If Options
are treated as deferred compensation under Section 409A, they will fail to satisfy the
requirements for payments of deferred compensation under Section 409A, which could result in
immediate taxation to Participants upon vesting of the Options. See, TAX IMPLICATIONS
FOR UNITED STATES CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS, below.
Other Risks.
Other risks identified by the Directors, including but not limited to compliance and routine risks, are
more fully described in the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Company 2017 attached
to this Report as Exhibit B (and available on-line at www.rb.com)
TAX IMPLICATIONS FOR UNITED STATES CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS
Internal Revenue Service Circular 230 Notice. To ensure compliance with Internal Revenue
Service Circular 230, prospective investors are hereby notified that: (a) any discussion of
federal tax issues contained or referred to in this Report is not intended or written to be used,
and cannot be used, by prospective investors for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may
be imposed on them under the Internal Revenue Code; (b) such discussion is written in
connection with the promotion or marketing of the transactions or matters addressed herein;
17
and (c) prospective investors should seek advice based on their particular circumstances
from an independent tax advisor.
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
acquisition, ownership and disposition of Options and Shares by a Participant who is a citizen or
resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a “U.S. Owner”) who will hold
the Options and Shares as capital assets. This discussion does not cover all aspects of U.S. federal
income taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual tax effect that any of the matters described
will have on, any particular U.S. Owner, and does not address state, local, foreign or other tax
laws. The summary is based on the tax laws of the United States, including the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations
thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, as well as on the income tax treaty between the
United States and United Kingdom (the "Treaty"), all as in effect in April 2011 and all subject to
change at any time, perhaps with retroactive effect.
THE SUMMARY OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET OUT BELOW
IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. ALL U.S. OWNERS SHOULD CONSULT
THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO
THEM OF OWNING OPTIONS AND SHARES, INCLUDING THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE
BENEFITS OF THE TREATY, THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL,
FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAW.
Grant and Exercise of Options
Grant of Options. Subject to the discussion below of Section 409A of the Code, there generally
are no tax consequences to a U.S. Owner upon the receipt of a grant of Options or the subsequent
holding or vesting of Options.
Exercising the Options. The tax consequences of exercising Options will depend on whether the
Options are considered incentive stock options ("ISOs") or nonqualified options ("NQOs"). In
order to be an ISO, an Option must:
• Be granted under a plan which includes the aggregate number of shares which may be
issued under Options and the employees (or classes of employees) eligible to receive
Options, and which is approved by shareholders of the Company within twelve months
before or after the date the plan is adopted.
• Be granted within ten years from the earlier of the date the plan is adopted or is approved
by the shareholders.
• By its terms not be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant.
• Have an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value of a Share at the time the
Option is granted.
• Not be transferable by the U.S. Owner other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution and be exercisable, during the life of the U.S. Owner, only by the U.S.
Owner.
18
If the Plan under which an Option is granted and the terms of the Option itself meet the foregoing
requirements, the Option will qualify as an ISO for federal income tax purposes unless the Option
agreement specifies that the Option is not an ISO. In this regard, U.S. Owners should note that the
exercise price for Options issued under the Plans is determined based on the average of the closing
middle market quotations of a Share on the London Stock Exchange over the five-day period
immediately preceding the date of grant of the Option. This method does not satisfy the safe-
harbor method of valuing publicly-traded stock set forth in Internal Revenue Service guidance.
Moreover, although section 422(c) of the Code provides that the exercise price of an option will
be deemed to satisfy the fair market value requirement if there was a good faith attempt to meet
such requirement, there is no definitive guidance that relying on an average selling price formula
such as that used in the Plans constitutes a reasonable good faith attempt to determine the fair
market value of the stock on the date of grant. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Options
granted under the Plans qualify as ISOs.
ISOs can be granted only to employees of the Company, and will cease to qualify for ISO treatment
if the employee does not exercise the Option within three months after employment is terminated.
If the aggregate fair market value of Shares with respect to which ISOs are exercisable for the first
time by any U.S. Owner during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, the excess amount of such
Options will not qualify as ISOs.
There generally are no tax consequences to the U.S. Owner of an ISO upon exercise of the ISO.
The difference between the Exercise Price and the fair market value of the Shares on the date of
exercise will be an adjustment for alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) purposes. This may cause
certain taxpayers to be subject to the AMT in the year of exercise of the Options.
Subject to the discussion below regarding Section 409A of the Code, upon exercise of an Option
that is an NQO, the U.S. Owner generally will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to
the difference between the Exercise Price of the Option and the fair market value of the Shares on
the date of exercise. If the Shares are not transferable and are subject to a substantial risk of
forfeiture, however, the U.S. Owner will not recognize ordinary income until the Shares become
transferable or the risk of forfeiture lapses, whichever occurs first. At that time, the amount of
ordinary income recognized will be equal to the difference between the Exercise Price of the
Option and the fair market value of the Shares on the date they become transferable or cease to be
subject to the risk of forfeiture.
There are no restrictions imposed under the Plans on the receipt or sale of Shares received upon
exercise of an Option, and the Shares are transferable upon receipt. Accordingly, U.S. Owners
will recognize ordinary income upon exercise of an NQO.
Grant of Shares
Under the Plans, the Company may make Conditional Awards of the right to receive Shares upon
vesting of the Award. Recipients of a Conditional Award have no rights with respect to any Shares
and no Shares will be issued to them until the conditions specified in the Award are satisfied.
19
U.S. Owners will be subject to tax at the time the Conditional Award vests (i.e., the conditions
specified in the Award are satisfied). The U.S. Owner will recognize ordinary income in an
amount equal to the fair market value of the Shares on that date. U.S. Owners may, in the
alternative, make an election under section 83(b) of the Code to include the fair market value of
the Shares as ordinary income on the date the Conditional Award is granted. If the U.S. Owner
makes a section 83(b) election, no loss deduction may be claimed if the U.S. Owner later forfeits
the shares. U.S. Owners should discuss the risks and benefits of a section 83(b) election with their
tax advisors.
Section 409A
Section 409A of the Code provides special rules relating to deferred compensation. Under Section
409A, if a deferred compensation plan does not meet the requirements of Section 409A or is not
operated in accordance with those requirements, any compensation deferred under that plan will
immediately be includable in gross income to the extent not subject to a substantial risk of
forfeiture. If the compensation required to be included under Section 409A was deferred in an
earlier year, the person including the deferred compensation in income will be subject to an interest
charge and an additional tax equal to twenty percent of such compensation.
Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A provide that options to purchase stock may result
in a deferral of compensation subject to the requirements of Section 409A unless, among other
things, the exercise price of the option may never be less than the fair market value of the
underlying stock on the date of grant and the option does not include a feature for the deferral of
compensation other than the deferral of recognition of income until the later of the exercise or
disposition of the option and the time the stock acquired pursuant to the option is not subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture or becomes freely transferable. Options that are ISOs are deemed to
satisfy the requirements of Section 409A and do not result in a deferral of compensation.
Market Value Options are granted under the Plans using a formula which determines the fair
market value of the Shares on the date of grant to be equal to the average of the middle market
quotations of a Share on the London Stock Exchange over the five days immediately preceding
the date of grant. The Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A permit the fair market
value of stock to be determined based on the average selling price of the stock over a specified
period of not more than thirty days before and after the grant date, provided that the average selling
price is either (i) the arithmetic mean of such prices over the specified period on all trading days
during the specified period, or (ii) the average of such prices over the specified period weighted
based on the volume of trading of the stock on each trading day during the specified period. This
method of determining the fair market value of the Shares on the date of grant does not ensure that
the exercise price of Options will not be less than the fair market value of the Shares on the date
of grant for purposes of Section 409A. If Market Value Options are determined to have an exercise
price that is less than the fair market value of the Shares on the date of grant, they will be treated
as deferred compensation under section 409A. Such Options would not satisfy the requirements
for payment of deferred compensation under Section 409A because they do not state a specified
payment date (i.e., date on which the Options must be exercised). Accordingly, there is a risk that
the Options could be taxable to Participants at the time they cease to be subject to a substantial risk
of forfeiture (i.e., vest).
20
Under Section 409A, the right to receive an amount equal to all or part of the dividends or other
distributions declared and paid on the number of shares underlying an option between the date of
grant and the date of exercise of the option constitutes an offset to the purchase price of the option
or an increase in the amount payable under Section 409A if it is contingent upon the exercise of
the option. The Plans provide that the Company may issue Conditional Awards (but not Market
Value Options) with the right to receive a payment equal to any dividends that were paid on the
number of Shares subject to the Award from the date of grant to the date of vesting of a Conditional
Award. A dividend right granted in connection with a Conditional Award will be treated as
deferred compensation paid to the U.S. Owner subject to Section 409A.
Ownership and Sale of Shares
Receipt of Dividends. Under the Treaty, the United States may tax dividends paid by the Company.
Dividends will be taxed as ordinary income upon receipt. For taxable years beginning before
January 1, 2011, certain dividends paid by foreign corporations are taxable to U.S. Owners at the
rate normally applicable to long-term capital gains, provided the foreign corporation qualifies for
the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States which meets certain
requirements, such as the Treaty, and the U.S. Owner satisfies certain holding requirements with
respect to the Shares. The Company believes that it qualifies for the benefits of the Treaty. U.S.
Owners should consult with their tax advisors to determine whether they are eligible to be taxed
at this favorable rate.
According to the Treaty, the dividends may also be taxed in the U.K., subject to a maximum tax
rate of 15%. Dividends paid in British Pounds will be included in income in a U.S. dollar amount
calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the day the dividends are received by the
U.S. Owner, regardless of whether the British Pounds are converted into U.S. dollars on that date.
If dividends received in British Pounds are converted into U.S. dollars on the day they are received,
the U.S. Owner generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect
of the dividend income. A U.S. Owner may have foreign currency gain or loss if he does not
convert the amount of such dividend into U.S. dollars on the date of its receipt.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Owners will be treated as having received the amount
of U.K. taxes withheld in the U.K., and as then having paid over the withheld taxes to the U.K.
taxing authorities. As a result, the amount of dividend income included in gross income for U.S.
federal income tax purposes by a U.S. Owner may be greater than the amount of cash actually
received from the Company.
Subject to certain limitations, a U.S. Owner who pays U.K. income tax and is subject to U.S.
federal income tax on U.K. source income may claim a foreign tax credit against his U.S. federal
income tax liability for U.K. taxes withheld on dividend payments with respect to the Shares. U.S.
Owners who are eligible for the benefits of the Treaty will not be entitled to a foreign tax credit
for the amount of any U.K. taxes withheld in excess of the 15% maximum rate under the Treaty,
with respect to which the U.S. Owners can claim a refund from the U.K. taxing authorities. The
limitation on foreign taxes eligible for the credit is calculated separately with respect to specific
21
classes of income. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex, and therefore U.S. Owners
should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits in their particular
circumstances. Instead of claiming a credit, U.S. Owners may deduct the U.K. taxes withheld in
computing their taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. law.
Selling the Shares. The tax consequences of selling the Shares will depend on whether the Option
is an ISO or an NQO. If the option is an ISO, the U.S. Owner will recognize capital gain to the
extent that the fair market value of the Shares on the date of sale exceeds the Exercise Price. The
capital gain will be long-term or short-term depending on the length of time that the U.S. Owner
held the Shares. The holding period of the Shares does not include the period of time that the
Option was held prior to exercise.
If the Option is an ISO and the Shares are sold within one year of the date the Option is exercised
or within two years of the date the Option was granted, the Option will cease to qualify for ISO
treatment. In that case, the U.S. Owner will recognize ordinary income at the time of the sale in an
amount equal to the difference between the Exercise Price of the Option and the fair market value
of the Shares on the date of exercise. If the fair market value of the Shares on the date of sale is
less than their fair market value on the date of exercise, however, the amount of ordinary income
recognized is the difference between the Exercise Price and the fair market value on the date of
sale. The U.S. Owner’s basis in the Shares will be equal to the Exercise Price paid plus the amount
of ordinary income recognized. The U.S. Owner will recognize capital gain to the extent that the
fair market value of the Shares on the date of sale exceeds the U.S. Owner’s basis. The capital
gain will be long-term or short-term depending on the length of time that the U.S. Owner held the
Shares. The holding period of the Shares does not include the period of time that the Option was
held prior to exercise.
If the option was an NQO, the U.S. Owner will recognize capital gain to the extent that the fair
market value of the Shares on the date of sale exceeds the U.S. Owner’s basis. The capital gain
will be long-term or short-term depending on the length of time that the U.S. Owner held the
Shares. The holding period of the Shares does not include the period of time that the Option was
held prior to exercise.
22
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Attached to this Report as part of Exhibit B are the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017 of
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc which are also available on-line at www.rb.com or by contacting the
Company at the address listed on the first page of this Report. Also attached to this Report as
Exhibit C are the Q1 2018 Financial Results (unaudited) of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.
THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF RECKITT BENCKISER GROUP PLC
INCLUDED IN THE ATTACHED ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
HAVE BEEN PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION
OF THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS ("IFRS") AS
ENDORSED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THUS MAY NOT BE COMPARABLE TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF UNITED STATES COMPANIES PREPARED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLES. IFRS, AS ENDORSED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION, DIFFERS IN CERTAIN
RESPECTS FROM THE IFRS ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING
STANDARDS BOARD. HOWEVER, THE COMPANY'S DIRECTORS BELIEVE THAT THE
GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IFRS AS
ENDORSED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION WOULD BE NO DIFFERENT IF THE COMPANY
HAD APPLIED INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS ISSUED BY
THE INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD.