British household goods firm Reckitt Benckiser reported on Wednesday that profits dipped last year amid slowing demand in emerging markets.
Earnings after taxation dipped by 4.5 percent to £1.74 billion ($2.87 billion, 2.09 billion euros) in 2013.
That compared with £1.82 billion in 2012, Reckitt said in a results statement.
Pre-tax profits eased 2.6 percent to £2.31 billion last year, although total revenues climbed almost five percent to £10.04 billion.
Chief executive Rakesh Kapoor said in an earnings statement that the group was helped by its so-called powerbrand products.
"We are pleased with the continued strength of our ... Europe and North America performance," he said.
"And while emerging markets continue to slow, we delivered very strong results in India and China."
Reckitt's top-selling brands include household cleaner Cillit Bang, Durex condoms and Nurofen/Nureflex pain relief tablets.
"Market conditions are more challenging now than at the beginning of last year, particularly in some emerging markets," added Kapoor.
"However, we have confidence that our pipeline of innovations, powerbrand (product) roll-outs and brand investments will deliver another year of high quality growth."
The group had announced in October that it would undertake a strategic review of its drugs division, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals (RBP). It said on Wednesday that it will provide an update on the review this year.
British household goods firm Reckitt Benckiser reported on Wednesday that profits dipped last year amid slowing demand in emerging markets.
Earnings after taxation dipped by 4.5 percent to £1.74 billion ($2.87 billion, 2.09 billion euros) in 2013.
That compared with £1.82 billion in 2012, Reckitt said in a results statement.
Pre-tax profits eased 2.6 percent to £2.31 billion last year, although total revenues climbed almost five percent to £10.04 billion.
Chief executive Rakesh Kapoor said in an earnings statement that the group was helped by its so-called powerbrand products.
“We are pleased with the continued strength of our … Europe and North America performance,” he said.
“And while emerging markets continue to slow, we delivered very strong results in India and China.”
Reckitt’s top-selling brands include household cleaner Cillit Bang, Durex condoms and Nurofen/Nureflex pain relief tablets.
“Market conditions are more challenging now than at the beginning of last year, particularly in some emerging markets,” added Kapoor.
“However, we have confidence that our pipeline of innovations, powerbrand (product) roll-outs and brand investments will deliver another year of high quality growth.”
The group had announced in October that it would undertake a strategic review of its drugs division, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals (RBP). It said on Wednesday that it will provide an update on the review this year.
