Haleon hails Sensodyne-boosted revenue rise as profit beats consensus

Haleon PLC on Thursday announced a higher interim dividend despite a slip in statutory pretax profit amid higher costs, as revenue grew amid a Sensodyne boost.

The Surrey, England-based consumer healthcare company said pretax profit edged down 1.8% to £1.06 billion in the first half of 2026 from £1.08 billion a year ago.

Adjusted pretax profit rose 12% to £1.25 billion from £1.11 billion, and beating the Vuma market consensus of £1.21 billion.

Revenue climbed 2.2% to £5.60 billion, in line with consensus of £5.59 billion, from £5.48 billion, with organic growth of 2.6%.

Selling, general and administrative costs increased 9.2% to £2.37 billion from £2.17 billion.

The company noted "accelerated" growth especially in China, India and Latin America, with its Oral Health unit the standout performer.

The company said Oral Health saw 6.8% reported growth and 6.2% organic growth in the second quarter, with "continued momentum led by Sensodyne and parodontax". In the entire first half, Oral Health revenue was up 6.4% on a reported basis, or 7.3% organically excluding a negative currency movement.

Haleon announced an interim dividend of 2.4 pence per share, up 9.1% from 2.2p a year ago. Further, it noted that it has completed £457 million out of £500 million allocated to share buybacks for 2026.

The company left its 2026 outlook unchanged, anticipating organic revenue growth between 3% and 5%, and high-single digit adjusted operating profit growth at constant currency.

Chief Executive Officer Brian McNamara said: "We continue to make strong progress on productivity. This supported gross margin expansion, strong operating profit growth and enables investment behind our brands, innovation and capabilities. Looking ahead, while the external environment remains uncertain, we remain confident in our guidance for the year and our medium-term guidance, underpinned by strategic initiatives and the implementation of the new operating model, which will drive greater agility and further growth."

Haleon shares were down 3.1% to 368.10 pence each on Thursday morning in London.

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