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Haleon plc(HLN) - 2025 H1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-31 09:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a gross margin improvement of 160 basis points, contributing to strong cash flow and organic profit growth [7][19] - A&P (Advertising and Promotion) spending increased by 6.8% to 20.8% in the first half of the year, reflecting a strategic focus on growth drivers [19][21] - The company expects high single-digit operating profit growth for the year, driven by gross margin opportunities [55][78] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced a nearly 2% organic sales growth decline, attributed to a challenging consumer environment and inventory pressures [4][8] - Strong growth and market share gains were noted in oral health and digestive health brands, while pain relief and VMS (Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements) showed mixed performance [11][12] - Centrum faced challenges in the U.S. market, with declines despite strong growth outside the U.S. [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - EMEA, Latin America, and APAC markets performed well, with organic sales growth within the medium-term guidance of 4% to 6% [4][8] - Volume growth in EMEALATAM accelerated from 0.5% in Q1 to 1.6% in Q2, while Asia Pacific saw an increase from 3.3% to 3.9% [47][50] - The U.S. market showed a decline in volume, down 1.8% in Q2, impacting overall performance [48][49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to its medium-term guidance of 4% to 6% growth, despite current challenges in the U.S. market [45][50] - Strategic investments are focused on supply chain productivity, innovation, and expanding access to lower-income consumers [18][39] - The company plans to continue its innovation-led premiumization strategy while addressing core business challenges [40][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging consumer environment in North America, with expectations of continued inventory pressures [8][16] - The company is optimistic about returning to growth in 2026, supported by new leadership and strategic initiatives [49][50] - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the European market, particularly in oral health [52][53] Other Important Information - The nicotine replacement therapy business is a significant but challenging category, with a complex ownership structure impacting innovation [73][75] - The company is actively managing inventory levels with retailers to navigate the current economic environment [15][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: North America's performance and future growth expectations - Management noted that North America faced a nearly 2% decline in organic sales growth due to a challenging consumer environment and inventory pressures, with expectations for gradual recovery [4][8][16] Question: A&P spending and areas of reinvestment - A&P spending increased significantly, with a focus on driving growth through innovation and reaching lower-income consumers [19][21] Question: Share performance and competitive pressures - The decline in the percentage of business gaining or maintaining share was attributed to challenges with key brands like Advil and Centrum, with plans in place to stabilize performance [30][32] Question: Retailer environment and channel dynamics - Management discussed the impact of retailer destocking and channel shifts, particularly in the U.S. market, and emphasized the need to adapt to these changes [28][86] Question: Outlook for specific product categories - Management provided insights on the performance of Advil, Smoker's Health, and Centrum, highlighting ongoing challenges and upcoming innovations [60][66][68]
Haleon plc(HLN) - 2025 H1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-31 09:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a decline in organic sales growth in North America of nearly 2% in Q2, contrasting with growth in EMEA, LatAm, and APAC, which were within the medium-term guidance of 4% to 6% [3][5][14] - Gross margin improved by 160 basis points, contributing to strong cash flow and organic profit growth [5][15] - A&P (Advertising and Promotion) spending increased by 6.8% to 20.8% in the first half of the year, reflecting a focus on growth drivers [16][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, consumption grew slightly ahead of the market, with a 0.5% increase compared to a market decline of 0.5% [9][10] - Oral health and digestive health brands showed strong growth, with market share gains in brands like Tons and Benefiber [9][10] - Centrum experienced mid-single-digit growth outside the US but saw declines in the US, while Emergency brand continued to perform well [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market is facing challenges with low consumer confidence and inventory pressures, impacting overall performance [6][8][14] - EMEA and APAC regions showed positive trends, with volume growth accelerating in Q2 [47][51] - Central Europe reported high single-digit growth, while Western Europe experienced mid-single-digit growth, driven by strong performance in oral health [53][54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to its medium-term guidance of 4% to 6% organic sales growth despite current challenges in the US market [49][56] - Focus on innovation and premiumization, particularly in key markets like India and Brazil, is part of the strategic plan [39][40] - The company aims to close the incidence treatment gap and expand reach to lower-income consumers while maintaining investment in A&P and R&D [16][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging consumer environment in the US, with expectations of continued inventory pressure and no significant improvement anticipated in the near term [14][22] - Confidence in the medium-term outlook remains strong, with expectations for improved performance in 2026 [49][56] - The company is actively managing its portfolio and focusing on driving market growth despite external challenges [36][41] Other Important Information - The nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) business is a significant part of the portfolio, with a complex ownership structure affecting innovation and growth [73][75] - The company expects a high single-digit growth in operating profit, supported by gross margin improvements and effective cost control [77][78] Q&A Session Summary Question: North America's performance and future growth expectations - Management noted that North America faced challenges due to a difficult consumer environment and inventory pressures, with expectations for a gradual return to growth [3][22][25] Question: A&P spending and areas of reinvestment - A&P spending increased significantly, with a focus on driving growth in key markets and improving ROI [16][19] Question: Share performance and competitive pressures - The decline in the percentage of business gaining or maintaining share was attributed to challenges with brands like Advil and Centrum, with plans in place to stabilize performance [28][30] Question: Impact of nicotine replacement therapy on growth - The NRT business had a significant impact on overall growth, with expectations for less decline in the second half of the year [76][80] Question: Channel shifts and inventory management - Management discussed the impact of channel shifts, particularly towards e-commerce, and the need for effective inventory management across channels [86][90]
Haleon plc(HLN) - 2025 H1 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-07-31 08:30
2025 Half year results July 2025 Disclaimer This presentation contains certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements" (including for purposes of the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Forward-looking statements give Haleon's current expectations and projections about future events, including strategic initiatives and future financial condition ...
HALEON APPOINTS CARL HANEY AS CHIEF R&D OFFICER
Prnewswire· 2025-06-24 12:00
Group 1 - Haleon has appointed Carl Haney as Chief Research & Development Officer, effective August 1, 2025, following Franck Riot's departure after six years [1][2] - Carl Haney brings 13 years of experience from Estée Lauder and over 20 years from Procter & Gamble, focusing on innovation and R&D in consumer businesses [1][2] - The CEO of Haleon, Brian McNamara, expressed confidence in Haney's ability to drive transformative innovation and contribute to the company's new "Win as One" strategy [2][3] Group 2 - Franck Riot's contributions to Haleon were acknowledged, particularly in advancing the innovation agenda during the company's transition [3] - Carl Haney expressed enthusiasm about joining Haleon at a pivotal time, emphasizing the importance of R&D in achieving the company's goals of enhancing everyday health [3] - Haleon is positioned as a global leader in consumer health, with a diverse product portfolio across six major categories, including Oral Health and Pain Relief [4]