Reckitt sales blow hot

A focus on higher margin health and hygiene products as customers seek more over-the-counter treatments is paying off for the FTSE 100 group behind Dettol, Durex and Air Wick, as it posted 5 per cent higher like-for-like half-year revenue to £4.35billion, with operating profit up 10 per cent to £939million.

Chief executive Rakesh Kapoor highlighted the successful launch of its Amope pedicure product in America and a “favourable” flu season. It expects to exceed revenue and profit targets for the year. Shares rose 85p to 5993p.