04.01.14
Reckitt Benckiser posted annual sales for 2013 along with the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2013. Annual sales totaled $13.7 billion, driven by a 27% increase in health care sales ($3.6 billion). Hygiene sales rose 4% to $5.2 billion and home sales were flat at $2.6 billion. Portfolio brand sales fell 28% to $681.5 million.
For the fourth quarter, net sales inched up 1% to $3.4 billion.
Commenting on the fiscal 2013 results, chief executive officer Rakesh Kapoor said, “Our strategy for growth and outperformance through driving health and hygiene power brands together with our focus on 16 power markets is delivering results. We are pleased with the continued strength of our Europe and North America performance. And while emerging markets continue to slow, we delivered very strong results in India and China.”
Kapoor said the company continues to invest to drive sustainable value creation, noting that in 2013, Reckitt Benckiser invested an incremental £100 million behind building its brands. The company also made substantial investments in building capabilities to compete and win in consumer health and emerging markets, according to the CEO.
Kapoor also noted that market conditions are more challenging now than at the beginning of last year, particularly in some emerging markets.
“However, we have confidence that our pipeline of innovations,” he told investors. “Power brand rollouts and brand investments will deliver another year of high quality growth. Accordingly, we are targeting net revenue growth of 4-5% and flat to moderate operating margin expansion.”
For the fourth quarter, net sales inched up 1% to $3.4 billion.
Commenting on the fiscal 2013 results, chief executive officer Rakesh Kapoor said, “Our strategy for growth and outperformance through driving health and hygiene power brands together with our focus on 16 power markets is delivering results. We are pleased with the continued strength of our Europe and North America performance. And while emerging markets continue to slow, we delivered very strong results in India and China.”
Kapoor said the company continues to invest to drive sustainable value creation, noting that in 2013, Reckitt Benckiser invested an incremental £100 million behind building its brands. The company also made substantial investments in building capabilities to compete and win in consumer health and emerging markets, according to the CEO.
Kapoor also noted that market conditions are more challenging now than at the beginning of last year, particularly in some emerging markets.
“However, we have confidence that our pipeline of innovations,” he told investors. “Power brand rollouts and brand investments will deliver another year of high quality growth. Accordingly, we are targeting net revenue growth of 4-5% and flat to moderate operating margin expansion.”