Reckitt earnings rise
British consumer goods group Reckitt Benckiser cautioned of slower growth ahead due to a number of one-off effects as the company matched forecasts with a nine per cent rise in third-quarter earnings.
The maker of Cillit Bang cleaners and Nurofen painkillers said growth will slow as it laps an acquisition made late last year and a buyback of distribution rights in its pharmaceuticals business and also anticipates a more normal flu season.
The company, which also makes Air Wick air fresheners, Vanish fabric cleaners and Finish dishwash products, reported that third-quarter earnings rose nine per cent to 63.9 pence a share, in line with a company-complied consensus of 63.8 pence.
Reckitt said it was well positioned to achieve its 2011 targets of a 12 per cent rise in net revenue and a 10 per cent rise in net income growth, both at constant exchange rates.