Reckitt Benckiser reports strong third quarter

Reckitt Benckiser has revealed positive results for the third quarter of 2011, with net revenue up 16 percent to 2.45 billion pounds.

The pharmaceutical and consumer goods company saw like-for-like sales growth of four percent during the three-month period, with pre-tax profits rising by 12 percent to 634 million pounds.

However, the firm also warned that its fourth-quarter profits will be affected by US healthcare reforms, as rebates payable under the Medicaid health programme will be higher than previously estimated.

Chief executive Rakesh Kapoor said the company remains on course to meet its full-year target of a 12 per cent growth in net revenue, providing there is a "normal flu season" this winter.

The Slough-based firm manufactures winter illness treatments such as Nurofen Cold & Flu and Mucinex.

Mr Kapoor commented: "Delivery of our full-year targets will mean Reckitt Benckiser achieving another year of above industry-average growth in very challenging market conditions."