Reckitt Benckiser increases 2015 targets following strong first half

Reckitt Benckiser has announced its financial results for the first six months of 2015, during which it exceeded internal performance expectations.

Like-for-like net revenue growth was five percent, resulting in a half-year total of 4.36 billion pounds. This growth was broad-based by geography, with the consumer health and hygiene businesses leading the improvement, while a favourable flu season also contributed.

Continued strong investment in brand equity and operating margin expansion efforts yielded positive results, with net income and cash flow generation both benefiting.

As such, the firm has increased its full-year net revenue and adjusted operating margin targets. It now expects to achieve revenue growth of between four and five percent during 2015.

Rakesh Kapoor, chief executive officer at Reckitt Benckiser, said: "I am pleased with our first-half results. They once again confirm that our strategic focus on consumer health and hygiene is delivering sustainable growth and outperformance."

The company is benefiting from the demerger of its speciality pharmaceuticals business Indivior at the end of last year, a move that has allowed it to focus more intently on its core competencies.