FOOTCARE products and condom maker SSL posted lower than expected annual profits despite higher demand for some of its key brands.
The group, which recently sold its medical businesses to concentrate on consumer products, reported healthy sales for its Scholl and Durex brands.
Pre-tax profits, including the results of discontinued businesses and losses on disposal but before exceptional items, fell to £53.3m in the year to March 31, compared with £59.5m last year. Analysts had expected the figure to be about £60m.
SSL, which has a plant in Peterlee, County Durham, began the final phase of the break-up of its medical division last week with the sale of its surgical gloves and antiseptics business.
At the bottom line, the group made pre-tax losses of £7.5m, compared with profits of £39.1m last year. This was due to the disposal of the gloves business as well as increased investment in advertising and marketing.
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