LSE:RB 16 March 2026 - 25 April 2026

Reckitt Benckiser Durex Headache Deepens as China Price Scare Follows Weak Quarter
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Reckitt Benckiser Durex Headache Deepens as China Price Scare Follows Weak Quarter

Reckitt warned of lower first-half margins after missing first-quarter sales growth forecasts, citing high oil prices, Russia sanctions, and weak cold-and-flu demand. A viral scare over condom price hikes in China, a key growth market, followed news that supplier Karex may raise prices up to 30% if Iran-war disruptions persist. Reckitt’s shares fell as much as 7% after Wednesday’s update.
April 25, 2026
Reckitt Benckiser Share Price Jumps After Morgan Stanley Upgrade as Investors Revisit Selloff
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Reckitt Benckiser Share Price Jumps After Morgan Stanley Upgrade as Investors Revisit Selloff

Reckitt Benckiser shares rose 2.4% to 5,484 pence Monday after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock and set a 6,300-pence target. The gain follows a sharp drop earlier this month after the company withheld margin guidance and warned of earnings headwinds. Reckitt is running a £1 billion buyback and completed the $4.8 billion sale of Essential Home, retaining a 30% stake. FTSE 100 closed up 0.6%.
March 16, 2026

Stock Market Today

  • Hiscox Stock Targets Rise as Analysts Upgrade Fair Value and Capital Returns
    May 26, 2026, 7:41 PM EDT. Analysts have raised the fair value estimate for insurance firm Hiscox (LSE:HSX) from £16.06 to £16.90, with price targets now ranging between £16.11 and £18.00. Morgan Stanley increased its target to £18.00 maintaining an Overweight rating, while RBC Capital raised its target to £17.10 with an Outperform stance. Citi raised its target to £16.11 but kept a Neutral rating, reflecting cautious optimism. The upgrades highlight improved revenue growth assumptions, a higher net profit margin, and a slightly increased price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio forecast. However, the narrower target range suggests limited upside if execution falters. Investors should watch for risks and evolving narratives to gauge Hiscox's potential amid shifting analyst views and capital return strategies.