Reckitt Benckiser H1 net income up 6%

Multinational FMCG giant Reckitt Benckiser (RB) today posted a 6% increase in its net income to 759 million pounds in the first six months of the year, primarily on the back of strong growth coming from its healthcare products.

The firm, which had 15% jump in its net revenue to 4,621 million pounds during the period, said it is on track to achieve 2011 global target of 12% net revenue growth.

"Reckitt Benckiser delivered strong first half results, with net revenue growth of 15% and adjusted net income growth of 12% [both at constant] ahead of the group's FY11 targets," Reckitt Benckiser Chief Executive Officer Bart Becht said in a statement.

The company said net revenue of its healthcare products increased 45% to 1,536 million pounds, out of which 'Durex' and 'Scholl' together contributed 344 million pounds.

In the personal care segment, 'Dettol' continued to grow well both in developing markets and in Europe, where the continued roll-out of the 'No Touch Hand Soap' system has been very encouraging, it said.

The UK-based company had recently announced appointment of India-born Rakesh Kapoor as its global CEO to replace Becht in September. Last year, the company has also acquired Indian FMCG firm Paras Pharmaceuticals for $726 million.

"Growth in the business was driven in particular by surface care [Harpic, Lisol] Veet and Vanish and innovation examples of Airwick Freshmatic and Vanish Liquid, as well as a significant level of investment in media and promotional spend," Reckitt Benckiser India Chairman and Managing Director Chander Mohan Sethi said.