Haleon plc(HLN) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported organic sales growth of 3% for 2025, which was below expectations due to a slowdown in the U.S. market and a weaker cold and flu season [6][10] - Gross margin improved by 220 basis points, contributing to high single-digit operating growth at constant currency [9][43] - The company anticipates organic sales growth guidance of 3%-5% for 2026, indicating a potential sequential acceleration [5][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market experienced a decline of approximately 0.5%, while APAC and EMEA LatAm grew in mid-single digits [6][10] - Oral health business showed strong performance, helping to offset declines in the cold and flu category [7][18] - The productivity program continues to deliver efficiencies, allowing for investment in growth despite challenges in other categories [9][43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Emerging markets, particularly India and China, are expected to drive growth, with India showing double-digit growth and strong performance in oral health [26][27] - The company noted a slowdown in LATAM and EMEA due to challenging macro conditions, particularly in the fourth quarter [28][29] - E-commerce in China is growing rapidly, with significant contributions from platforms like Douyin [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on unlocking growth through a new organizational structure, including the creation of a Chief Growth Officer role and six operating units [14][16] - Investment in advertising and promotion (A&P) is prioritized, with half of the increase directed towards oral health and emerging markets [73] - The strategy emphasizes innovation and category growth, particularly in oral health and addressing low-income consumer needs [11][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to growth in the U.S. market in 2026, despite current challenges [11][66] - The company acknowledges the uncertain market environment but remains optimistic about the potential for recovery and growth in emerging markets [11][66] - Management highlighted the importance of cold and flu products in the overall portfolio and their role in driving consumer health [56] Other Important Information - The company is implementing a productivity program aimed at reducing complexity in the supply chain, which has already shown positive results [43][45] - The company is addressing challenges in specific brands, such as Nexium in the digestive health category, while also focusing on opportunities related to GLP-1 medications [60][62] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: What will be the main drivers behind the organic sales growth guidance of 3%-5% for 2026? - Management indicated that the guidance reflects expected improvements in market conditions and competitive performance, with a focus on driving category growth and innovation [5][10] Question: Can you discuss the new reorganization and its impact on growth in the U.S.? - The reorganization aims to streamline operations and enhance agility, with new leadership roles expected to drive volume growth and innovation [14][16] Question: How is the company addressing the slowdown in emerging markets? - Management expressed excitement about emerging markets, particularly in Asia PAC, where growth is driven by volume mix and expanding reach among lower-income consumers [26][29] Question: What is the company's strategy for improving volume growth? - The company is focused on a balanced price-volume mix and has implemented key actions to drive volume growth, particularly in North America [36][37] Question: How important is the cold and flu business for securing shelf space? - Management emphasized the significance of the cold and flu category for consumer health and its role in category management, despite recent declines [56]