Haleon PLC (LSE:HLN, NYSE:HLN) reported modest sales growth in the first quarter as strength in oral health was offset by a weak cold and flu season.
The owner of brands including Panadol, Advil, Theraflu and Sensodyne said organic revenue rose 2.2% in the three months to March, with price increases of 2.4% and volumes slightly lower.
Reported revenue was £2.86 billion, broadly flat year-on-year.
North America returned to growth with organic revenue growth of 1%, while the EMEA and Latin America markets grew 2.1%.
Oral health remained the standout category, with sales up 8.3%, while respiratory health declined 3.4% and digestive health slipped 0.4%, reflecting softer demand linked to a weaker period for seasonal illness, as had been reported by rival Reckitt Benckiser earlier in the month.
Haleon said it has allocated £500 million to share buybacks this year, with around 36% completed so far.
Chief executive Brian McNamara felt the group delivered a “competitive performance in a challenging market”.
Guidance for the 2026 financial year was reiterated, expecting organic revenue growth of 3-5% and high single-digit operating profit growth, with performance weighted towards the second half.