Reckitt Benckiser posted a modest rise in first-quarter like-for-like revenue, lifted by strong emerging markets even as European performance lagged. The consumer goods giant behind Lysol, Durex and Mucinex said like-for-like net revenue grew 0.6%, reflecting divergent trends across its geographic footprint with emerging markets offsetting weakness elsewhere.

Europe proved a significant drag on the quarter. Like-for-like net revenue in the region declined 4.2%, and the company's over-the-counter business—including Mucinex cold medicine—suffered a double-digit sales decline. A weak cold-and-flu season across Europe dampened demand for these products, hurting the OTC portfolio.

The mixed quarterly results highlight how seasonal health trends continue to shape consumer goods companies with significant OTC exposure. Reckitt must navigate uneven demand patterns across its diverse markets while managing pressure on its cold-and-flu related products, which remain sensitive to yearly variations in illness patterns.