July 30 (Reuters) – British consumer health company Haleon on Thursday reported stronger-than-expected sales growth in North America, its largest market, and robust demand in emerging markets, helping it reaffirm its financial targets.
The maker of Sensodyne toothpaste and Advil painkillers has been boosting U.S. sales by expanding distribution and improving shelf positioning in stores, even as the sector faces rising competition and cautious consumer spending.
North America delivered organic revenue growth of 3.1% in the quarter ended June 30, up from 1% in the first quarter. Analysts had expected growth of 2.5%.
Strong demand in emerging markets is also helping global consumer companies such as Reckitt and Unilever offset pressure from high energy costs and disruption linked to conflict in the Middle East.
Haleon reported a similar trend, with organic growth in emerging markets accelerating to 6.3% in the quarter, driven by China, India and Latin America.
The company left its 2026 outlook unchanged, forecasting organic revenue growth of 3% to 5% and high single-digit adjusted operating profit growth at constant currency.
For the first half, adjusted operating profit was £1.36 billion ($1.81 billion), above analysts’ consensus forecast of £1.32 billion, according to a company poll.
Second-quarter organic revenue growth was 3.1%, in line with estimates.
($1 = £0.7500)
(Reporting by Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru. Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Mark Potter)
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