Investing.com -- Haleon (LON:HLN) shares traded lower on Wednesday despite reporting 3.5% organic revenue growth for the first quarter of 2025, as softer volume trends, adverse currency movements, and a lack of upside surprise tempered investor sentiment.
Reported revenue declined 2.3% year-over-year to £2.85 billion, largely due to foreign exchange headwinds and the divestitures of ChapStick and the nicotine replacement business outside the U.S.
The Q1 performance was driven by a 2.4% increase in pricing and a 1.1% lift in volume and mix, with all major regions contributing positively on an organic basis.
EMEA and Latin America led with 5% growth, supported by pricing strength in markets such as Brazil and the Middle East.
APAC followed at 4.2%, buoyed by strong execution in China and India. North America posted a more modest 1% growth, as promotional activity weighed on pricing.
Category-wise, Oral Health continued to be Haleon’s standout performer, rising 6.6% organically, driven by innovation across Sensodyne, parodontax, and Denture Care.
Pain Relief rose 2.6%, while Respiratory Health grew 1.7%, with strong late-quarter cold and flu demand in North America offsetting seasonal softness elsewhere.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS) edged up just 0.9%, weighed down by a double-digit decline in the U.S., where tough comparisons and a weak market held back growth.
Digestive and Skin Health delivered solid growth internationally but saw a sharp decline in reported figures due to asset disposals.
RBC Capital Markets described the quarter as “no drama,” noting that results were broadly in line with expectations and that the guidance reaffirmation was likely anticipated by the market.
They flagged the U.S. VMS weakness and mid-single digit declines in Respiratory Health outside North America as key soft spots, balanced by high-single digit Oral Health growth in Europe and strong Respiratory performance in the U.S.
Haleon maintained its full-year guidance of 4% to 6% organic revenue growth, with organic operating profit growth expected to exceed sales growth.
Despite macroeconomic challenges, the company flagged progress on capital allocation, including £500 million in planned share buybacks and the full acquisition of its China OTC joint venture.