Oral health drives first-half growth at Haleon

(Sharecast News) - Haleon reported first-half revenue of £5.60bn on Thursday, up 2.2% on a reported basis and 2.6% organically, with second-quarter organic growth improving to 3.1% as North America strengthened. Adjusted operating profit rose 8.2% at constant currencies to £1.36bn and the adjusted operating margin increased to 24.3%, while adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 12% to 10.3p.

Oral Health was the strongest category, with second-quarter growth of 6.2%, while emerging markets grew 6.3%.

The consumer healthcare group reiterated its full-year guidance for organic revenue growth of 3% to 5% and high-single-digit adjusted operating profit growth at constant currencies.

"We delivered a good first half performance in what remains a challenging consumer environment, with sequential improvement in Q2 and a more balanced price and volume/mix," said chief executive Brian McNamara.

Haleon also raised its interim dividend 9% to 2.4p and said it had completed £457m of its planned £500m share buyback for 2026.

At 0947 BST, shares in Haleon were down 2.03% at 372p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

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