Reckitt Benckiser meets financial goals with strong 2014 performance

Reckitt Benckiser has announced its financial results for the 2014 business year, during which it achieved a full-year net revenue total of 8.84 billion pounds.

This represented an increase of four percent at constant exchange rates, which was in line with internal targets. Its health and hygiene business led the improved performance, while gains were achieved as a result of recent efficiency improvement efforts.

A particularly strong performance was achieved in Europe and North America, as well as the emerging Russia, Middle East and Africa regions. The company was also able to sharpen its focus with the acquisition of K-Y, the demerger of Indivior and the disposal of its footwear business.

Rakesh Kapoor, chief executive officer of Reckitt Benckiser, said: "We have achieved a lot in the past three years – but there is more to do. In the true RB spirit of outperformance, we need to sharpen our organisational agility and efficiency."

As such, the company also took the opportunity to announce a new business transformation project called Supercharge, which aims to further improve agility, drive efficiency and reduce costs.

These steps will help the firm to thrive despite predictions of tough trading conditions in 2015.