Climate change

The Group has engaged in a detailed review of expected climate change impacts on the business and its assets and liabilities, to establish any adjustments required and what disclosure is necessary in the Consolidated Financial Statements for 2024 under a 1.5–2.0°C pathway.

This process has been completed to ensure material accuracy of the financial reporting, and that disclosure of relevant information complies with the requirements of IAS 1.

The process has involved a detailed review of material revenue segments, all balance sheet line items and each element of the Group target to reach net zero by 2040, to identify if any of these items are expected to be materially impacted in a negative or positive way by weather, legislative, societal, or revenue/cost changes. The conclusions of this process were reviewed and agreed by the Audit Committee and Board on 12 December 2024.

Overall, the conclusion of the review was that, while there will undoubtedly be impacts on the Group, the highly disaggregated nature of the operations significantly reduces the risk profile of the Group to impacts from weather-related changes. The changes necessary to achieve net zero will not have a materially adverse impact on the cash flows of the Group and indeed, warmer climates may present some opportunities. Societal and legislative impacts are not felt to have a material impact on any one segment such that we need to break out reporting in a different way from previous years. Judgements are not felt to be significant, although clearly understanding of climate change is developing with time. The area with the most judgement is goodwill impairment testing and a description is given in Note B2 of the incremental processes undertaken to give extra comfort on the valuations. Management review has concluded that this is the only area that has judgement and potential for material impact, although we conclude that none are necessary and that no further disclosures are needed beyond this note.

Consolidation

Consolidation

(a)Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it: (i) has power over the entity; (ii) is exposed or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity; and (iii) has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Group reassesses whether or not it controls a subsidiary if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of these three elements of control.

The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Inter-company transactions, balances, and gains and losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation. When less than 100% of the issued share capital of a subsidiary is acquired, and the acquisition includes an option to purchase the remaining share capital of the subsidiary, the anticipated acquisition method is applied where judged appropriate to do so. The judgement is based on the risks and rewards associated with the option to purchase, meaning that no non-controlling interest is recognised. A liability is carried on the balance sheet equal to the fair value of the option to purchase. This is revised to the fair value at each reporting date, with differences being recorded in equity.

Where the Group ceases to have control of a subsidiary, the assets and liabilities are derecognised along with any related non-controlling interest and other components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss is recognised in the income statement. Any interest retained in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value when control ceases. Changes in the Group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.

The results and cash flows of significant assets or businesses sold during the year are presented as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement. Assets and businesses are classified as held for sale when their carrying amounts are expected to be recovered through sale rather than through continuing use. They only meet the held for sale condition when the assets are ready for immediate sale in their present condition, management is committed to the sale, and it is highly probable that the sale will complete within one year. Depreciation ceases on assets and businesses when they are classified as held for sale and the assets and businesses are impaired if the proceeds less sale costs fall short of the carrying value.

Losses applicable to the non-controlling interests in a subsidiary are allocated to the non-controlling interests, which may cause the non-controlling interests to have a deficit balance. Consideration in excess of net identifiable assets acquired in respect of non-controlling interests in existing subsidiary undertakings is taken directly to equity.

(b)Associates

Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence over the financial and operating policies, but not control. Significant influence is usually presumed to exist when the Group holds between 20% and 50% of the voting power of another entity.

Associates are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognised at cost. The Group’s investment includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment losses. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the Group’s share of the total comprehensive income and equity movements of equity accounted investees, from the date that significant influence commences until the date that significant influence ceases. When the Group’s share of losses exceeds its interest in an equity accounted investee, the carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued, except to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of an investee.

Gains and losses on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the relevant instrument, and derecognised when it ceases to be a party to such provisions.

Financial liabilities

All financial liabilities are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method except for derivatives, which are classified as held for trading (except where they qualify for hedge accounting) and are held at fair value.

Financial liabilities held at amortised cost include trade payables, deferred consideration, and borrowings.

Contract costs

Contract costs are mainly incremental costs of obtaining contracts (primarily sales commissions directly related to contracts obtained), and to a lesser extent costs to fulfil contracts which are not within the scope of other standards (mainly incremental costs of putting resources in place to fulfil contracts).

It is anticipated that these costs are recoverable over the life of the contract to which they relate. Accordingly, the Group capitalises them as contract costs and amortises them over the expected life of the contracts. Management takes a portfolio approach to recognising contract costs, and the expected length of contracts across the Group and associated amortisation periods are between three and seven years.

The contract costs recognised in the balance sheet at the period end amounted to £238m (2023: £224m; 2022: £215m). The amount of amortisation recognised in the period was £92m (2023: £121m; 2022: £39m) and impairment losses were £nil (2023: £nil; 2022: £nil).

Applying the practical expedient in paragraph 94 of IFRS 15, the Group recognises the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortisation period of the assets that the Group otherwise would have recognised is one year or less.

Contract liabilities

Contract liabilities relate to advance consideration received from customers where the performance obligations have yet to be satisfied. All opening balances have subsequently been satisfied in the year. In most business categories where revenue is recognised over time, customers are invoiced in advance or simultaneously with performance obligations being satisfied.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year, excluding those held in the Rentokil Initial Employee Share Trust (see note at the bottom of the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity) which are treated as cancelled, and including share options for which all conditions have been met.

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to include all potential dilutive ordinary shares. The Group’s potentially dilutive ordinary shares relate to the contingent issuable shares under the Group’s long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) to the extent that the performance conditions have been met at the end of the period. These share options are issued for nil consideration to employees if performance conditions are met.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average cost method. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises design costs, raw materials, direct labour, other direct costs, and related production overheads (based on normal operating capacity). It excludes borrowing costs. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less applicable variable selling expenses.

Employee benefit expense

Profit-sharing and bonus plans

The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses and profit-sharing, based on calculations of achievements of financial performance targets and the best estimate of the obligation to employees related to personal performance criteria being achieved. A liability is recognised where a contractual obligation exists or where past practice indicates that there is a constructive obligation to make such payments in the future.

Holiday pay

Paid holidays are regarded as an employee benefit and as such are charged to the income statement as the benefits are earned. An accrual is made at the balance sheet date to reflect the fair value of holidays earned but not yet taken.

Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when an employment is terminated before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognises termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either: terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal; or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the balance sheet date are discounted to present value where the effect of discounting is material.

Defined contribution pension plans

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity.

The Group pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension plans on a mandatory, contractual, or voluntary basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit expense when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available.

Defined benefit pension plans

A defined benefit pension plan is a plan that defines the amount of future pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as years of service, compensation, and age.

The asset or liability recognised in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the fair value of plan assets, less the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date. The Group determines the net interest on the net defined benefit asset for the period by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the annual period to the net defined benefit asset. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that have a credit rating of at least AA, are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension liability. The Group will recognise a pension surplus as an asset where there is an unconditional right to a refund or where the Group has a right to reduce future pension contributions, taking into account the adverse effect of any minimum funding requirements.

Current and past service costs, to the extent they have vested, and curtailments are recognised as charges or credits against operating profit in the income statement. Interest income on the net defined benefit asset is recognised in finance income. Remeasurement gains and losses arising from experience adjustments, return on plan assets, and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Income tax

The income tax expense for the period comprises both current and deferred tax. Current tax expense represents the amount payable on this year’s taxable profits and any adjustment relating to prior years. Taxable profits differ from accounting profits as some items of income or expenditure are not taxable or deductible, or may be taxable or deductible in a different accounting period. The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in the countries where the Group’s subsidiaries and associates operate and generate taxable income.

Deferred tax is an accounting adjustment to provide for tax that is expected to arise in the future due to differences between accounting and tax bases. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that are expected to apply when the timing difference reverses based on tax rates which are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or equity as appropriate.

Tax liabilities are classified as current liabilities unless there is a right to defer the payment of the liability for at least one year after the balance sheet date. As at 31 December 2024, all the Group’s tax liabilities have been classified as current as there is no legally enforceable right to defer payment for more than 12 months.

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset only when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the asset and liability, and there is an intention to either settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Where required by accounting standards, management establishes provisions for uncertain tax positions on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. The Group’s current tax liabilities reflect management’s best estimate of the future amounts of corporation tax that will be settled.

The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. There are various uncertainties relating to the determination of its tax liabilities where the ultimate tax liability cannot be known until a resolution has been reached with the relevant tax authority, or the issue becomes time-barred. Issues can take many years to resolve and therefore assumptions on the likely outcome have to be made by management.

Each country and tax risk is considered separately when deciding whether it is appropriate to set up an uncertain tax provision. If risks are considered to be linked, the Group will consider the tax treatment in aggregate where appropriate.

This assessment of uncertain tax positions is based on management’s interpretation of relevant tax rules and decided cases, external advice obtained, the statute of limitations and the status of the negotiations, and past experience with tax authorities. In evaluating whether a provision is needed, it is assumed that tax authorities have full knowledge of the facts and circumstances applicable to each issue.

Tax provisions can be built up over a number of years, but in the year of resolution there could be adjustments to these provisions which could have a material positive or negative impact on the tax charge for a particular year. The settlement of a significant issue could also have a material impact on the amount of cash tax payable in any one year. Judgement is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes, particularly in relation to the pricing of intra-group goods and services as well as debt financing.

The majority of the tax provisions relate to transfer pricing exposures where the Group faces a number of risks in jurisdictions around the world, and is subject to audits by tax authorities in the territories in which it operates. These tax audits have an uncertain outcome and can take several years to resolve, which in some cases may be dependent on litigation. The actual outcome could vary from management’s estimates, but these are updated at each reporting period in the light of the latest available information.

Business combinations

All business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method (acquisition accounting) in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations. The cost of a business combination is the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group. The cost of a business combination is allocated at the acquisition date by recognising the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities that satisfy the recognition criteria at their fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities is recognised as goodwill. The acquisition date is the date on which the acquirer effectively obtains control of the acquiree.

An intangible asset is recognised if it meets the definition under IAS 38 Intangible Assets. The intangible assets arising on acquisition are goodwill, customer lists, and brands. Goodwill represents the synergies, workforce, and other benefits expected as a result of combining the respective businesses. Customer lists and brands are recognised at their fair value at the date of acquisition using an income-based approach, which involves the use of assumptions including customer termination rates, profit margins, contributory asset charges, and discount rates.

At the date of acquisition, deferred and contingent consideration represents its fair value, with subsequent changes after the measurement period being recognised in the income statement. Costs directly attributable to business combinations are charged to the income statement as incurred and presented as one-off and adjusting items.

Disclosures required by IFRS 3 Business Combinations are provided separately for those individual acquisitions that are considered to be material, and in aggregate for individually immaterial acquisitions. An acquisition would generally be considered individually material if the impact on the Group’s revenue and Adjusted Operating Profit measures (on an annualised basis) is greater than 5%, or the impact on goodwill is greater than 10% of the closing balance for the period. There were no individually material acquisitions in the year.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historic cost less depreciation with the exception of freehold land and assets under construction which are not depreciated. Historic cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Depreciation of assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the difference between their cost and their residual values over their estimated useful lives, as follows:


Freehold buildings:		50 to 100 years
Leasehold improvements:		Shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life
Vehicles:		4 to 10 years
Plant and equipment (including service contract equipment):		3 to 10 years
Office equipment, furniture, and fittings:		3 to 10 years

Residual values and useful lives of assets are reviewed annually and amended as necessary. Fixed assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the fixed asset may exceed its recoverable amount. There were no impairments in the year (2023: £nil).

When assets are sold, the gain or loss between sale proceeds and net book value is recognised in the income statement.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, short-term bank deposits and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less (and subject to insignificant changes in value). In the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the balance sheet.

Analysis of bank and bond debt

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has a continuing right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

Share capital

The Company’s share capital is made up of the shares that have been issued to its members, whether on, or subsequent to, its incorporation. At the year end, the Company’s issued share capital consisted of ordinary shares of 1p each, with one voting right per share, as detailed below.

The Company does not have a limited amount of authorised capital and does not hold any shares in treasury.