2022 Preliminary Results

Strong Organic Revenue growth and margin expansion

Excellent early progress on Terminix integration and cost synergy guidance raised

Well positioned to deliver at least 5.0% medium term Organic Revenue growth and >19.0% Group Adjusted Operating Margins in FY 25, up from c.15% pre Terminix

2022 Highlights (Unless otherwise stated, all financials include Terminix from the date of transaction completion and are presented at constant exchanges rates. Organic Revenue growth figures exclude COVID disinfection.)

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Andy Ransom, Chief Executive of Rentokil Initial plc, said:

"Our strong financial results, with Organic Revenue growth of 6.6%, demonstrate the resilience of our business model. We continue to successfully manage cost inflation, while driving investment in our services and people to sustain high levels of customer and colleague retention.

All of this has been achieved alongside the landmark acquisition of Terminix, reinforcing Rentokil Initial as the largest pest control company in the world. Early progress on integration has been excellent. I am especially pleased with today's announcement of an increase in expectations for total cost synergies to at least $200m that evidences our strong conviction in the enlarged Group's financial and strategic opportunities going forward."

2023 Outlook

We start the new calendar year with confidence in our plans, both operational and strategic. This is underpinned by the Company's inherently resilient business model as we continue to offset inflation with pricing and the early headway made in delivery of Terminix acquisition benefits. For the full year, notwithstanding the prevailing macroeconomic challenges, we expect continued good underlying trading momentum.

The Group's expectations for annual pre-tax net cost synergies achievable from the Terminix acquisition are increased from at least $150m to at least $200m by the end of FY 25, with $60m of incremental pre-tax net cost synergies expected to be delivered in FY 23. In-line with the increase in annualised go-forward cost synergies, total one-time cost to achieve synergies are expected to be c.$200m. In addition, we expect to benefit from $32m of further non-cash benefits in FY 23 arising from the application of IFRS accounting of termite provisions and LTIPs.

With margin protection from continued proactive cost inflation management and margin accretion from strategy execution, synergy delivery and IFRS accounting adjustments, Group Adjusted Operating Margin in FY 23 is expected to increase to c.16.5% and North America Adjusted Operating Margin to c.19.5%.

Our anticipated spend on M&A in FY 23 is c.£250m and Free Cash Flow conversion is expected to be 80-90%, primarily reflecting the impact of accounting adjustments.

The Group remains on track to achieve mid-teens EPS accretion in FY 23.

Medium term Guidance

As a result of our ongoing operational and strategic plans, combined with the benefits from the acquisition and integration of Terminix, we are increasing our medium term guidance for Organic Revenue growth from 4.0%-5.0% to at least 5.0%. In FY 25, we expect to deliver a Group Adjusted Operating Margin of greater than 19.0%.

As the impact of accounting adjustments phases out, Free Cash Flow conversion should increase back to at least 90% by FY 25.

As previously guided, we expect leverage to be consistent with BBB rating by the end of FY 24. Net debt to EBITDA is expected to be less than 3x by the end of FY 24 and we remain on plan to deliver net debt to EBITDA of 2.0x to 2.5x in the medium term. The Group is on track for ROIC to exceed WACC by FY 25.

Our progressive dividend policy remains unchanged.

Enquiries:

A presentation for investors and analysts will be held today, 16 March at 9.15am in the Bartholomew Suite Conference Room, The Leonardo Royal Hotel, 45 Prescot Street, London E1 8GP. This will be available via a live audio webcast at www.rentokil-initial.com.

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Notes

1 Organic Revenue growth represents the growth in Revenue excluding the effect of businesses acquired during the year. Acquired businesses are included in organic measures in the year following acquisition, and the comparative period is adjusted to include an estimated full year performance for growth calculations (pro forma revenue). The Terminix acquisition is treated differently to other acquisitions for Organic Revenue growth purposes. The full pre-acquisition results of the Terminix business are included for the comparative period and Organic Revenue growth is calculated as the growth in Revenue compared to the comparative period.

2 Rentokil North America refers to the Rentokil Initial business in North America not inclusive of Terminix.

3 Includes net synergy benefit but excludes costs to achieve which are one-off by nature..

AER - actual exchange rates; CER - constant 2021 exchange rates

Non-GAAP measures - This statement presents certain non-GAAP measures, which should not be viewed in isolation as alternatives to the equivalent IFRS measure, rather they should be read in conjunction with the equivalent IFRS measure. These include revenue and profit measures presented at constant exchange rates ("CER"), Organic Revenue Growth (including and excluding disinfection), Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Operating Profit at CER, Adjusted Operating Margin at CER, Adjusted Profit Before Tax and Adjusted Profit Before Tax at CER, Adjusted Profit After Tax, EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow Conversion, Adjusted Cash Flow (previously named Operating Cash Flow), Adjusted Earnings Per Share and Diluted Adjusted Earnings Per Share. These measures may not be calculated in the same way as similarly named measures reported by other companies. Management believes that these measures provide valuable additional information for users of Rentokil Initial's Financial Statements in order to better understand the underlying trading performance in the year from activities and businesses that will contribute to future performance. The Group's internal strategic planning process is also based on these measures and they are used for incentive purposes. They should be viewed as complements to, and not replacements for, the comparable IFRS measures.

Adjusted Operating Profit represent the performance of the continuing operations of the Group (including acquisitions), and enable the users of the accounts to focus on the performance of the businesses retained by the Group, and that will therefore contribute to the future performance. Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Profit Before Tax exclude certain items that could distort the underlying trading performance. Revenue and Adjusted Operating Profit are presented at CER unless otherwise stated. An explanation of the measures used along with reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measures is provided in Note 2 on page 22.

Summary of financial performance (at CER)

Regional Performance

Category Performance

Note: Hygiene & Wellbeing year on year performance reflects the anticipated decrease in COVID disinfection revenues from £117m in FY 21 to £20m in FY 22.

In order to help understand the underlying trading performance, unless otherwise stated, figures below are presented at constant exchanges rates and Organic Revenue growth figures exclude the COVID disinfection business.

Revenue

The Group delivered a strong topline performance, with Revenue rising 19.1% to £3,522m and Organic Revenue up 6.6%. Statutory Revenue was up 25.6% to £3,714m at AER. Revenue growth in North America was up 29.7%, benefiting from the Terminix acquisition. Europe, the Group's second largest region, was up strongly by 13.2%, while Asia & MENAT was up 13.4%. Organic Revenue growth including COVID disinfection was 4.2%. Full year revenues from COVID disinfection services amounted to £20m (FY 21: £117m), £6m of which was generated in the second half of the year. Future revenues from disinfection services are anticipated to be non-material.

Our Pest Control category grew Revenue by 29.0% (5.6% Organic) to £2,516m, underpinned by strong price progression and good customer retention. Hygiene & Wellbeing Revenue decreased by 3.2% (9.3% Organic) to £807m. This was supported by resilient demand for washroom services, offset by the anticipated year on year reduction in COVID disinfection business. Improved year on year market conditions were reflected in the stronger contribution from our France Workwear business with Revenue up by 16.6% to £193m (16.6% Organic).

Profit

Adjusted Operating Profit rose by 22.7% during the year to £542m, reflecting core business growth across all major regions and categories, in addition to effective capture of early synergies from the Terminix transaction. This led to a 45bps increase year on year in Adjusted Operating Margins to 15.4%, despite the reduction in COVID disinfection revenues. This represented the Group's highest margin for 20 years. Underlying trading contributed 26bps to Group margin. Terminix overall contributed a net benefit of 19bps, made up of a 64bps increase from synergies and accounting adjustments with a 45bps offset from the underlying Terminix business. We have continued to deliver on our strategy of driving density improvements and M&A integration. Price increases have also been successfully implemented over the course of the year, with further price increases initiated for 2023. The extent to which the Group has been able to offset inflationary pressures demonstrates the resilience of the business model and the essential nature of our core products and services.

Within business categories, Adjusted Operating Margin for Pest Control was flat year on year at 18.6%. Hygiene & Wellbeing Adjusted Operating Margin decreased slightly by 30bps year on year to 19.8% (FY 21: 20.1%). Full-year restructuring costs of £11m at CER (£12m at AER) were up £1m on the prior year, consisting mainly of costs in respect of initiatives focused on our North America transformation programme. Adjusted profit before tax (at AER) of £532m, which excludes one-off and adjusting items and amortisation costs, increased by 27.7%. Adjusted interest of £48m at actual exchange rates was higher year on year, partly reflecting £44m of interest charges relating to financing of the Terminix transaction and a £19m offsetting reduction from the impacts of hyperinflation. One-off and adjusting items (operating) at AER of £136m includes £78m of deal costs and £52m of integration costs related to the Terminix acquisition ("Costs to Achieve") and £6m of other costs. Statutory profit before tax at AER was £296m, a decrease of 9.1% on the prior year (FY 21: £325m), due to one-off and adjusting items and increased interest costs relating to the Terminix transaction.

Cash (at AER)

Adjusted Cash Flow was previously titled Operating Cash Flow and has been amended for the sake of clarity, no changes have been made to the definition of this Alternative Performance Measure.

Adjusted Cash Flow of £490m was £31m higher than in FY 21. Higher trading profits resulted from organic and acquisitive growth. Adjusted EBITDA was £859m, up 27.1% versus 2021. One-off and adjusting items (non-cash) of £77m outflow (FY 21: £6m inflow) were largely due to deal and integration related costs of the Terminix acquisition. The Group had a £9m working capital inflow in FY 22 due to tight management of payables and receivables, partially offset by higher levels of inventory in the year to protect against potential supply chain challenges.

Capital expenditure of £190m was incurred in the period (FY 21: £160m), reflecting a more normal pattern of spend post pandemic and the inclusion of Terminix capital expenditure in the final quarter of the year. Lease payments were up 18.2%.

Cash interest payments of £39m were only £2m higher than in the prior year, reflecting the timing of interest charge payments relating to financing of the Terminix transaction. At the year end, £42m of interest was accrued on the balance sheet for payment in 2023. Cash tax payments for the period were £77m, an increase of £8m compared with the corresponding period last year. Free Cash Flow was £374m (FY 21: £353m), with Adjusted Free Cash Flow Conversion of 91.8%.

Acquisition and Integration of Terminix

Value creation opportunity confirmed; synergy guidance raised

The Terminix transaction closed on 12 October 2022. The completion of this landmark deal reinforces Rentokil Initial as the largest pest control company in the world. In total, Rentokil Initial's operations now span 91 countries, made up of nearly 59,000 colleagues, with 21,000 of those in North America. The Group's industry-leading scale and resource gives power to more investment in services, training, technology and innovation.

Extensive due diligence previously furnished us with a deep understanding of the Terminix operations and those early assumptions about the health of the business, both operational and financial, have remained intact. Terminix is a high-quality business with engaged employees, who have helped build a leadership position in North America residential and termite pest control. Our integration planning has confirmed the strong potential of the combination, which is both synergistic and complementary. The combined group will enjoy the benefits of scale as well as higher density in our operations that will enable margin acceleration. There is also a strong cultural fit between Terminix and Rentokil Initial - the businesses have a very similar playbook that is appropriately focused on people, customer service, sustainability and shareholder value - enabling effective collaboration and knowledge sharing.

In addition to the significant benefits for our customers and colleagues, our confidence is reinforced that the transaction will create significant value for shareholders. This is notwithstanding the shift to a higher interest rate environment since announcement of the deal in December 2021 that has prevented the capture of the previously anticipated $11m in financing synergies. However, there was strong early delivery on cost synergies with $13m of pre-tax P&L net cost synergies achieved from transaction completion to 31 December 2022. There was an additional non-cash P&L benefit of $18m from the application of IFRS accounting for termite provisions and LTIPs. Clear validation of our operational assumptions has given us heightened confidence in the overall opportunity. We have therefore increased our estimate of annual pre-tax net cost synergies achievable from the acquisition, from at least $150m by the third full year post completion to at least $200m by the end of 2025, based principally on greater opportunities to drive operational efficiencies and improve service productivity. This figure is net of $75m of total investment. We expect c.$150m of gross synergies to be delivered from Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses and c.$125m of gross synergies to be delivered from field operations. In addition, we expect to benefit from $32m of further non-cash P&L benefits in FY 23 from the application of IFRS accounting of termite provisions and LTIPs.

Synergies and Approximate Phasing

We now expect to achieve at least $200 of annual pre-tax net cost synergies by the end of FY 25, c.95% of which are from North America.

SG&A expenses include sales productivity, procurement, fleet depreciation and support functions, and are expected to be 85% in cash over the period.

Field Operations are primarily related to branch consolidation, density benefits and productivity, and are expected to be 100% in cash.

Investments relate to salary and benefits harmonisation, SHE and Innovation centre, IT and branding, as well as additional SOX, audit and listing. They are expected to be 100% in cash.

The non-cash Accounting Adjustments are in relation to termite litigation and LTIPs.

Total one-time cost to achieve synergies are expected to be c.$200m, increased by $50m, in line with the increase in annual net cost synergies. Phasing of $77m in FY 22 (including $30m of non-cash), c.$85m in FY 23 and c.$38m in FY 24-FY 25.

Excellent early integration

Excellent early progress has been made on delivering the integration plan to ensure use of the most effective systems, processes and technology from each organisation. Likewise, we have made strong progress in building a joint team that is based on the best of talent and with a shared mission, vision and values. Both employee and customer reaction to the combination has been positive. Seven key workstreams are at the heart of the integration plan: field operations; back office field support; procurement and fleet; marketing and innovation; sales; human resources; and finances. Each of these are underpinned by investments in IT capabilities. These workstreams are critical to optimising the opportunities of the combination, reducing risks of integration, following a best-of-breed approach and delivering the cost synergies and financial benefits of the transaction.

With over 600 branches combined across Rentokil and Terminix, branch integration and the opportunity for accelerating route density are intrinsic to the overall plan, with a three-year programme to create an optimal network, comprising in total of c.400 branches. That consolidation involves not only the physical locations, but also the IT systems and other office infrastructure, the brands, the service offering and technicians and sales teams. We aim to create a back office field support function of the future through process integration and efficiency improvements, drawing on existing best practice capabilities. We're very fortunate to have two power brands. Terminix is the leading residential and termite brand in North America with strong consumer recognition. Rentokil is a global brand leader in commercial pest control. Between the two companies in North America, there is also a large number of regional and local brands. The three-year period will see convergence of the vast majority of the smaller brands. Residential, termite and SME commercial business will take the Terminix brand, while larger commercial and national account customers will enjoy the Rentokil name. Outside of North America, we'll retain Rentokil as the main brand for pest control.

The integration process will be disciplined and well paced in order to reduce risk. Rentokil Initial has a well-earned reputation for service quality. We will remain sharply focused on continuing to meet the high expectations of our customers, both within North America and across our global operations.

North America Reporting Structure

There has been a strong start to delivery of the integration plan, including with regard to SG&A functions and field operations. Consolidation makes it increasingly difficult to extricate the respective performances of the Rentokil North America and Terminix businesses. All financial and operational performance will therefore necessarily be reported on a fully combined basis.

Rentokil Initial has a geographic organisational structure. North America is one of the five geographic regions to which the Group provides a wide range of services to customers. In each of these regions, different service lines share branch networks and back office administration, as well as functional support such as procurement and HR. In North America, we will continue to refer to our two business categories: Pest Control and Hygiene & Wellbeing. Pest Control comprises residential, termite and commercial pest management, pest control product distribution, and mosquito control and invasive aquatic control services. Since the vast majority of our Pest Control business is run on an integrated basis (often from the same branch location), the constituent parts are not separately reported. Hygiene & Wellbeing comprises the Ambius range of products and services including air purification, hand sanitisation, plants, green walls and scenting.

Regional performance review

Due to the international nature of the Group, foreign exchange movements can have a significant impact on regional performance. Unless otherwise stated, percentage movements in Revenue and Adjusted Operating Profit are presented at constant exchange rates.

North America

In North America, Organic Revenue grew 5.7%, with Terminix's annualised run rate from date of acquisition completion similar to Rentokil North America's full-year growth rate. Revenue was up 29.7%, benefiting from the Terminix acquisition. Organic Revenue in the Pest Control category grew by 5.3% for the year and by 5.6% in Q4. The full-year organic performance reflected an increasing contribution from price rises to offset increased input costs. This was supported by the distribution business, which delivered good growth overall. There was a modest headwind in the year from intermittent, extreme weather events. As previously stated at our interim results, we lapped strong COVID disinfection revenues of £63m from 2021. These considerably reduced in the year to just £2m, as COVID-related market conditions faded.

Adjusted Operating Profit growth of 32.7% reflects the combined impact from higher revenues and the Terminix acquisition. Strong price realisation across all channels has successfully offset expected inflationary pressures. We continue to monitor fuel, labour and direct cost inflation to adjust our pricing strategy on a regular basis. Adjusted Operating Margins in North America were up 40bps year on year to 17.1%, despite the strong anticipated reduction of COVID disinfection business. We estimate that Rentokil North America delivered a full year Adjusted Operating Margin above 17.0%. This includes a Q4 margin above 18.0%, meeting the target to deliver an 18% margin by the end of the year. Despite labour market pressures, Rentokil North America colleague retention increased to 80.9% (FY 21: 80.7%). The Group continued to make investments in being an Employer of Choice. We are seeing ongoing success with our virtual recruiting events, with time-to-fill rates decreasing by 8% over the year and applicants per vacancy also slightly improved. Despite price increases, customer retention at Rentokil North America reduced only slightly to 82.7% (FY 21: 84.1%).

Notwithstanding the considerable focus required to complete the Terminix transaction, our North American bolt-on M&A programme continued apace, with the purchase of 13 businesses with combined annualised revenues of around £38m in the year prior to purchase. As we integrate Terminix, we will continue to selectively pursue high quality M&A assets in the North America region.

Europe (incl. LATAM)

The region has enjoyed stronger performance in 2022, with momentum in the first half of the year carried into the second half of the year. This has resulted in higher revenue and profitability, driven by both effective price increases and resilience in overall demand. Revenue grew by 13.2% in the year to £942m (9.1% Organic). Revenue growth in Pest Control was 21.5%, with a strong contribution from larger markets like Benelux and France. Hygiene & Wellbeing grew Revenue by 2.4% in the period. There has been stabilisation of relationships across customer sectors post-COVID, with the business back to providing full contractual service terms in the majority of its markets. Ambius, particularly in northern Europe, benefited from good sales of green products. This was partly offset by some disruption to the hospitality market affecting Specialist Hygiene and in our dental recycling business where the lag from reduced dental visits during COVID impacted collection volumes. France Workwear Revenue was up 16.6%. Improving market conditions were reflected in its stronger contribution business, which overall is back to pre-COVID levels and supported by robust pricing.

Adjusted Operating Profit in the region grew by 14.8% to £187m. Adjusted Operating Margins increased by 30bps to 19.9%. While there have been rising inflationary pressures throughout the period, we have been successful at protecting margins with pass-through pricing. Customer retention has nevertheless remained strong at 88.5% (FY 21: 87.5%.) While labour markets throughout the region remain tight, colleague retention rates remained very high across the region at 90.2% (FY 21: 93.4%), with both service and sales colleagues trending well. The business has had continued good results on senior hiring and a renewed emphasis on regional recruitment.

M&A continued strongly in Europe and Latin America. 18 business acquisitions were completed in total with annualised revenues of £62m in the year prior to purchase.

UK & Sub-Saharan Africa

The region delivered a resilient trading performance against strong comparators in the prior year, which had provided strong growth opportunities in both the medical waste and disinfection business streams. As anticipated, revenue in these lines of business was significantly lower with the universal lifting of restrictions. Revenue for the region increased by 2.9% (4.7% Organic). Good revenue growth was delivered in both the Pest Control business and core Hygiene & Wellbeing operations. Pest Control grew by 6.2%, while Hygiene & Wellbeing decreased by 0.2% owing to the anticipated reduction in COVID disinfection services. This was accompanied by an improved performance year on year in our Ambius business, which benefited from a comparatively supportive operating environment in the hospitality, office and travel sectors. There was a modest headwind on the UK Property Care business from domestic property services, where growth slowed in line with the housing market.

Regional Adjusted Operating Profit increased by 1.7% to £96m. The rate of improvement was dampened by £4m lower bad debt and credit note provision releases than in the previous year (FY 21: £14m). Adjusted Operating Margins reduced by 40bps to 26.0%. Regional cash performance has been good in the year, with debtor days ahead of pre-COVID levels. Inflationary pressures have been significant but the region's long-established pricing and margin management systems, process and controls have delivered a price performance that mitigates these cost increases. These price increases have been delivered alongside an improved customer retention rate, up over 1 percentage point to 86.6% (FY 21: 85.4%). The UK labour market has faced marked labour shortages, yet owing to the sustained investment in our people, colleague retention continued to markedly strengthen in the second half of last year to 81.9% for the full year (FY 21: 80.7%). The region acquired 1 business in the year with annualised revenues in the year prior to purchase of £2m.

Asia & MENAT

Asia delivered a strong 2022 performance. Revenue rose by 13.4%, of which 11.0% was Organic. Pricing was complemented with volume growth, which benefited from post-COVID market reopening. Recovery was led by two of the region's largest markets, Indonesia and Malaysia, while China and Hong Kong continued to experience COVID disruption. As expected, disinfection sales unwound markedly.

Adjusted Operating Profit in Asia increased 17.5% to £43m and Adjusted Operating Margin was up 50bps to 13.9%. Customer retention was 81.3% (FY 21: 80.8%). Regional operations have benefited from a stable, high colleague retention rate of 86.1% (FY 21: 89.0%), while the average time to fill vacancies has remained stable year on year. Asia acquired 12 businesses in the year with annualised revenues in the year prior to purchase of £13m.

Pacific

The Pacific region was also a strong performer, seeing increased demand for services as it benefited from reopened markets, international travel and a return to offices. Revenue grew by 12.8% to £221m (7.9% Organic growth), underpinned by contractual activity. The customer retention rate remained in the high 80s at 88.8% (FY 21: 89.0%). Pest Control delivered 12.9% Revenue growth, with notable strength in commercial services. Robust sales and customer retention also buoyed Hygiene & Wellbeing, where Revenue growth was 12.7%. The region saw good demand for Ambius services and new air hygiene solutions.

Adjusted Operating Profit in the Pacific grew by 19.7% to £46m and Adjusted Operating Margins rose by 120bps to 20.9% as cost inflation continued to be mitigated. Colleague retention in the region was 72.9% (FY 21: 79.6%), reflecting tight labour markets, though this has started to alleviate. The region acquired 8 businesses, comprised of 7 in Pest Control (5 in Australia, 2 in New Zealand) and 1 in Hygiene & Wellbeing (Australia). These acquisitions had total annualised revenues in the year prior to purchase of £11m.

Category performance review

Pest Control

Our Pest Control business, now including Terminix, is the largest operator in both the US, the world's biggest pest control market, and the world. Rentokil Initial is a leading global player in a resilient and non-cyclical industry characterised by strong long-term structural growth drivers. We operate in 97 of the world's 100 leading cities by GDP. We have strengthened our position through increased organic growth and by establishing stronger market positions, through the introduction of innovative products and services, acquisitions to build scale and density, and our determination to be an Employer of Choice across our global operations.

Our Pest Control business overall delivered good growth in the year, underpinned by the critical nature of its services. Revenue was up by 29.0% (5.6% Organic) to £2,516m. Performance has been supported by both pricing and volumes, led by the Commercial Pest Control business, which has a high proportion of contractual activity and has benefited overall from continued good customer retention rates. Adjusted Operating Profit was up by 28.7% to £467m. For FY 22, Pest Control represented 71% of Group Revenue and 71% of Group Adjusted Operating Profit (excluding central and restructuring costs).

M&A has continued to be strong this year, and we have acquired 46 pest control businesses in the period, excluding Terminix, with annualised revenues in the year prior to acquisition of £121m.

Hygiene & Wellbeing

Rentokil Initial offers a wide range of hygiene and wellbeing services. Inside the washroom we provide hand hygiene (soaps and driers), air care, in-cubicle (feminine hygiene units), no-touch products and digital hygiene services. In addition to core washroom hygiene, we deliver specialist hygiene services such as clinical waste management. We're also improving the customer experience through premium scenting, plants, air quality monitoring and green walls. Customer sectors range from public sector (schools, government buildings) and facilities management through to hotels, bars and restaurants, industrials and retail.

Hygiene & Wellbeing Revenue decreased by 3.2% to £807m, reflecting the anticipated reduction in COVID disinfection business. A year on year ramp-up in activity across service sectors such as offices, shops, schools and hospitality supported performance. Organic Revenue growth was 9.3%. In 2022, COVID disinfection services generated £20m of revenues (FY 21: £117m). As expected, as conditions post-COVID normalised, there has been a large reduction in customers' need for these one-time services. We see the main opportunities for future growth in our Hygiene & Wellbeing category as being core washrooms, premises hygiene, including air care, and enhanced environments. Organic Revenue growth in core washrooms was 10.4%, while Organic Revenue growth in premises and enhanced environments was 8.8%. Category growth was accompanied by an increase in customer satisfaction with Net Promoter Score in Hygiene & Wellbeing up 3.7 points year on year and ahead of pre-COVID levels.

We have acquired 6 hygiene businesses this year with annualised revenues of c.£5m in the year prior to purchase.

France Workwear

Improved market conditions supported the strong contribution from our France Workwear business where Revenue, all of which was organic, rose by 16.6% to £193m. Continued investment in plant and machinery along with the opening of a new depot in the Lyon area supported a strong rebound in volumes. Inflation was fully covered with successful price increases, alongside strong customer retention rates in line with pre-COVID levels.

Innovation and Technology

The Company's investment in innovation and technology continues to drive profitable growth in the business. It strengthens our brand and cements our leadership position, enabling us to provide enhanced service to customers and target key growth sectors, while lowering our operating costs and improving our sustainability credentials.

In the pest control industry, technology-enabled innovations have been especially important in helping to differentiate us from our industry competitors. To the backdrop of an investment pipeline of more than 50 projects across major pest sectors and 17 patent applications during 2022, we've seen development on a number of key initiatives:

In the Hygiene & Wellbeing category, we have continued with product initiatives for both the core washroom and premises hygiene, as well as how we connect with the customer:

Continued strength of M&A

In addition to the historic Terminix deal, we continued to acquire companies at a rate of about one every week, including our first operations in Pakistan, Argentina and Israel. Rentokil Initial is focused on building scale in the Cities of the Future - those urban areas that are expected to grow at materially higher rates - and during the year we added scale in around 40 of these cities, including Delhi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Santiago. The Group now operates in a total of 91 countries.

We acquired 52 new businesses, excluding Terminix, comprising of 46 in Pest Control and 6 in Hygiene & Wellbeing. An aggregate consideration of £259m was paid for these acquired businesses with total annualised revenues of £125m in the year prior to purchase. We have added 13 new businesses in North America during the period with £38m revenues acquired. There was also a good performance in Europe (inc. LATAM) with 18 deals and £62m of revenues acquired. 12 acquisitions were made in Asia and MENAT, 8 acquisitions in the Pacific region and 1 in the UK & SSA region.

M&A remains central to our strategy for growth. We will continue to seek attractive bolt-on deals, both in Pest Control and with an increased focus on Hygiene & Wellbeing, to build density in existing markets, and pursue acquisitions in new markets and the major Cities of the Future. Our pipeline of prospects remains strong and our guidance on spend on M&A for FY 23 is c.£250m.

Employer of Choice (EOC)

Rentokil Initial is committed to being a world-class Employer of Choice, with colleague safety and the attraction, recruitment and retention of the best people from the widest possible pool of talent, being key business objectives globally. As an organisation, we strongly believe that creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the business environment in which we operate will increase colleague engagement and customer satisfaction, as well as drive increased innovation, enhance our reputation and therefore boost our financial performance.

The global labour market remained tight through the course of the year, fuelled by candidate shortages. Nevertheless, we are seeing good results from our ongoing recruitment programme with more people than ever before applying to work for the Company. Colleague retention (excluding Terminix) remained good at 82.6% (FY 21: 84.4%), with a stable performance in the second half of the year. Retention was supported with our largest ever training and development 'Festival' for colleagues in September 2022. Terminix colleague retention for 2022 was 63.9% on a like-for-like basis, up from 62.9% in 2021, reflecting the opportunity to improve this KPI as part of our Employer of Choice programme in 2023.

Financial review

Central and regional overheads

Central and regional overheads of £105m at CER (£108m at AER) were up £8m on the prior year (FY 21: £97m at CER and AER).

Restructuring costs

With the exception of integration costs for significant acquisitions, the Company reports restructuring costs within Adjusted Operating Profit. Costs associated with significant acquisitions are reported as one-off and adjusting items, and are excluded from Adjusted Operating Profit.

Full-year restructuring costs of £11m at CER (£12m at AER) were up £1m on the prior year (FY 21: £10m at CER and AER), consisting mainly of costs in respect of initiatives focused on our North America transformation programme, together with integration costs of smaller acquisitions.

Interest (at AER)

Adjusted interest was £48m. This is an increase of £15m versus 2021 reflecting higher interest charges of £44m relating to the Terminix transaction with a partial £19m offset from the 2022 impacts of hyper-inflation accounting in Lebanon, Argentina and Turkey (FY 22: £22m, FY 21: £3m) and lower other interest of £10m. Cash interest was £39m (FY 21: £37m).

In Appendix 1 we have shown a summary P&L interest table demonstrating how the components of our financing drive interest costs and income for 2022 and the expected range for 2023 at constant exchange rates. Changes in variable interest rates, exchange rates and CPI rates in hyper-inflationary economies during 2023 will impact the reporting of interest costs for 2023.

Tax

The income tax charge for the period at actual exchange rates was £64m on the reported profit before tax of £296m, giving an effective tax rate of 21.6% (FY 21: 19.0%). The Group's ETR before amortisation of intangible assets (excluding computer software), one-off and adjusting items and the net interest adjustments for 2022 was 19.7% (FY 21: 19.4%). This compares with a blended rate of tax for the countries in which the Group operates of 24% (FY 21: 24%). The Group's low tax rate is primarily attributable to net prior-year tax credits of £9m (FY 21: £16m).

The Group's tax charge and ETR will be influenced by the global mix and level of profits, changes in future tax rates and other tax legislation, foreign exchange rates, the utilisation of brought-forward tax losses on which no deferred tax asset has been recognised, the resolution of open issues with various tax authorities, acquisitions and disposals.

In December 2021, the OECD published a framework for the introduction of a global minimum effective tax rate of 15%, applicable to large multinational groups. HM Treasury has published draft legislation to implement these 'Pillar Two' rules for accounting periods starting on or after 31 December 2023. The Group is reviewing these draft rules, which have not been substantively enacted, to understand any potential impacts.

Net debt and cash flow

Adjusted Cash Flow of £490m was £31m higher than in FY 21. Higher trading profits were a result of organic and acquisitive growth. Adjusted EBITDA was £859m, up 27.1% versus 2021. One-off and adjusting items (non-cash) of £77m outflow (FY 21: £6m inflow) were largely due to deal costs and costs to achieve related to the Terminix acquisition. The Group had a £9m working capital inflow in FY 22 due to tight management of payables and receivables, partially offset by higher levels of inventory in the year to protect against potential supply chain challenges.

Capital expenditure of £190m was incurred in the period (FY 21: £160m), reflecting a more normal pattern of spend post pandemic and the inclusion of Terminix capital expenditure in the final quarter of the year. Lease payments were up 18.2%.

Cash interest payments of £39m were only £2m higher than in the prior year, reflecting the timing of interest payments relating to financing of the Terminix transaction. At the year end, £42m of interest was accrued on the balance sheet for payment in 2023. Cash tax payments for the period were £77m, an increase of £8m compared with the corresponding period last year. Free Cash Flow was £374m (FY 21: £353m), with Adjusted Free Cash Flow Conversion of 91.8%.

Cash spend on current and prior year acquisitions of £1,018m, dividend payments of £122m, proceeds from new debt of £2,383m, cash outflow on settlement of debt of £844m, the cash impact of one-off and adjusting items of £59m (largely due to deal costs and costs to achieve related to the Terminix acquisition) and the cost of issuing new shares of £16m have contributed to an underlying change in net debt of £1,880m. Foreign exchange translation and other items of £131m is primarily due to the strengthening of the Dollar against Sterling. Overall, this led to an increase in net debt of £2,011m and closing net debt of £3,296m, in line with guidance provided at the Q3 Trading Update.

Going Concern

The Board continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts on the basis that the Group's strong liquidity position and its demonstrated ability to manage the level of capital expenditure, dividends or expenditure on bolt-on acquisitions are sufficient to meet the Group's forecast funding needs, including those modelled in a severe but plausible downside case.

Funding

In June 2022, Rentokil Initial successfully issued three bonds: €850m 5-year at 3.875%; €600m 8-year at 4.375%; and £400m 10-year at 5.0%. These bonds fully covered the $1.34bn cash element of the Terminix transaction consideration. The balance of the bonds alongside the Company's $700m three-year term loan covered the refinancing of Terminix debt and transaction costs. As at 30 June 2022, Terminix held two bonds: 7.45% $186m notes maturing in 2027 and 7.25% $48m notes maturing in 2038; and a Senior Secured Term Loan facility maturing in 2026 with an interest rate of 3.365%. The term loan facility was settled on 12 October 2022 and the two bonds were redeemed on 7 November 2022. Following closing of the Terminix transaction, S&P affirmed Rentokil Initial's BBB investment grade credit rating with a stable outlook.

As at 31 December 2022, the Group had liquidity headroom in the region of £1,700m, including £827m of undrawn RCF, with a maturity date of 12 October 2027, plus two one-year extension options. The pro forma net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio was less than 3.2x at 31 December 2022, in line with expectations. The net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio was 3.8x at 31 December 2022, reflecting 81 days of Terminix trading. We remain committed to maintaining a BBB investment grade credit rating and are confident of doing so.

Dividend

The Board is recommending a final dividend in respect of 2022 of 5.15p per share, payable to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 11 April 2023, to be paid on 17 May 2023. This equates to a full-year dividend of 7.55p per share, an increase of 18.2% compared to 2021. The last day for DRIP elections is 25 April 2023.

Technical guidance for 2023

P&L

Restructuring costs ex Terminix: c.£7m

Deal related costs and costs to achieve*: c.£75-£90m 

Incremental c.$32m of accounting benefit for termite and LTIPs in FY 23

Central and regional overheads: c.£150m including Terminix related investments

P&L adjusted interest costs c.£125-£135m, incl. £20-£25m of hyperinflation

Estimated Adjusted Effective Tax Rate: 25-26%

Share of Profits from Associates: £8m

Impact of FX within range of +£15m to £25m**

Intangibles amortisation: £155-£165m

Cash Flow

Overall exceptional items: c.£135-£150m***

Working Capital: c.$40m outflow including termite provision payments but excluding exceptional items  

Capex excluding ROU asset lease payments: £235-£245m

Cash interest: c.£150-£160m, reflecting c.75% of interest costs at fixed rates

Cash tax payments: £115-£125m

Anticipated spend on M&A in 2023 of c.£250m

* Reported as one-off and adjusting items and excluded from Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted PBT

** Based on maintenance of current FX rates. All technical items are also subject to FX

*** c.£40-45m of 2022 exceptional items remained in creditors at December 2022

Appendix 1

2022 average FX rate for £/€: 1.1717 and £/$: 1.2421