British consumer goods maker Reckitt Benckiser has increased its full-year net revenue and profit margin targets, after posting a better-than-expected second quarter performance.
The maker of Durex, Dettol and Nurofen painkillers, said that in the six months to 30 June sales rose 5% on a like-for-like basis, which excludes the impact of currency, acquisitions, disposals and discontinued operations.
The firm said the improvement was broad-based by geography, consumer health and hygiene led, and aided by a favourable flu season.
Reckitt is trying to boost its presence in the consumer health sector, which has been growing fast amid increased demand for health products due to a greater awareness of health, aging populations in developed markets and rising incomes in emerging markets.
Like-for-like sales had also risen 5% in the first quarter, while analysts on average had been expecting first half growth of 4.6%, according to a company compiled consensus.
Reckitt Benckiser's adjusted operating margin rose 160 basis points to 21.9% in the first half, while adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 7% to 99 pence.
"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," said Chief Executive Rakesh Kapoor.
The group is now targeting full-year like-for-like net revenue growth of 4-5 percent and second half moderate to "nice" adjusted operating margin expansion.
It was previously forecasting 4% like-for-like sales growth.
