Reckitt Benckiser reveal significant gains throughout pandemic

Reckitt Benckiser, best known for their disinfectant brands, Dettol and Lysol, have revealed their continued success throughout the pandemic owing to an increased culture on cleanliness and sterilisation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Net revenue growth for the third quarter of 2020 clocked in at 13.3% - significantly above the 9.5% analysts predicted.

Reckitt admitted they expected "low double-digit" growth for the quarter.

Growth during the quarter was boosted by an increase in their hygiene division of around 19.5%, cementing their position as one of the consumer goods who benefitted the most from the pandemic.

According to Statistica, another sector that did well was that of toilet paper, which received an 80% boost throughout the pandemic owing to panic buying early in the lockdown period.

Even as late as September, toilet paper sales were up 23% in the face of new lockdown restrictions.

Sales on vitamin supplements also increased as customers shifted towards healthier lifestyles to attempt to stave off the virus, helping the sector see £3.5 billion in sales, up from a predicted £3.4 billion.

"Stay at home dynamics and social distancing have has significant effects on some of our brands," the company said in a statement.

The company added: “There is also evidence that birth rates will be further lowered in coming quarters as a result of behaviour changes related to the pandemic."

Reckitt has revealed they expect the lower birthrates to eat into their baby formula business but admitted the sales of condoms recovered with double-digit revenue growth after being hit by social distancing measures.

The British corporation said sales had been boosted were coronavirus infection rates had improved.

Reckitt's shares were also up by 16.5% this year, coming ahead of the 10% for Unilever and 15% for Procter & Gamble, thanks to it being able to corner multiple areas of the market.

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