Reckitt Benckiser reports better-than-expected 2013 results

Reckitt Benckiser has announced its financial results for the 2013 business year, during which it generated a new revenue total of 10.04 billion pounds.

This represented a five percent year-on-year increase, while its total growth rate was seven percent, exceeding internal targets. Acquisitions outperformed initial growth expectations thanks to rapid integration and synergy delivery, while results from emerging markets continued to improve.

Its health and hygiene divisions led the company's strong performance for the year, with its Durex, Mucinex, Strepsils, Dettol, Lysol, Harpic and Finish brands showing particular strength, thus offsetting the planned streamlining of various portfolio brands.

In 2014, the company is targeting net revenue growth of four to five percent and flat to moderate operating margin expansion.

Rakesh Kapoor, chief executive officer of Reckitt Benckiser, said: "We have confidence that our pipeline of innovations, powerbrand rollouts and brand investments will deliver another year of high quality growth."

The company is one of the world's largest health and personal care businesses, with products sold in almost 200 countries around the world.