Reckitt posts muted Q1 growth; emerging markets India & China show growth

The company said performance was weighed down by a weak seasonal cycle and ongoing geopolitical disruptions

by e4m Staff
Published: Apr 24, 2026 12:03 PM | 2 min read

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC reported a 0.6% increase in like-for-like net revenue for Q1 2026, with growth offset by declines in Europe and North America.
Core Reckitt, excluding seasonal categories, grew 1.3%, while emerging markets saw a notable 7.6% growth, driven by strong performance in India and China.
Revenue in Europe declined by 4.2%, and North America slipped by 0.9%, although non-seasonal products like Lysol showed double-digit growth.
The company's adjusted operating profit margin fell by 200 basis points year-over-year, with CEO Kris Licht highlighting external pressures and competitive challenges impacting performance.

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC reported a mixed start to 2026, with group like-for-like net revenue growth inching up 0.6% in the first quarter, as weakness in Europe and North America offset strong momentum in emerging markets.

Core Reckitt, which excludes certain seasonal categories, grew 1.3% on a like-for-like basis. The company said performance was weighed down by a weak seasonal cycle, heightened competition in Europe, particularly in the auto dish segment, and ongoing geopolitical disruptions. Excluding seasonal business, Core Reckitt growth stood at 3.1%.

Emerging markets remained a bright spot, delivering 7.6% growth, with both India and China posting double-digit gains. The company highlighted continued strong traction for Dettol in these markets, supported by innovation-led demand.

In contrast, Europe revenue declined 4.2%, while North America slipped 0.9%. Despite the regional softness, Reckitt pointed to resilient demand in its non-seasonal North American portfolio, where Lysol recorded double-digit growth ahead of the spring cleaning season. Products such as Lysol Air Sanitizer and Lysol Laundry Sanitizer continued to see strong uptake.

Profitability came under pressure during the quarter, with adjusted operating profit margin down 200 basis points compared to the same period last year.

Kris Licht, Chief Executive Officer, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, said the quarter reflected a combination of external pressures and category-specific challenges. He added that excluding seasonal impacts, the business showed healthier underlying growth, particularly in emerging markets.

The company reiterated that its focus on premiumisation and innovation platforms is driving growth in key markets, even as macroeconomic and competitive pressures persist in developed regions.