Sensodyne maker Haleon cuts revenue growth forecast on weak flu season, China disruption

Oct 29(Reuters) - British consumer health company Haleon HLN.L cut its annual organic revenue growth forecast on Thursday after weak demand for cold medicines and a regulatory setback in China weighed on sales.

• The maker of Advil painkillers and Sensodyne toothpaste now expects full-year organic revenue growth of around 2.5%, down sharply from its prior forecast of 3% to 5%

• Analysts had forecast organic revenue growth of 3.2% for 2026, according to a company-compiled poll

• Organic revenue for the three months ended September 30 rose 2.6%, also missing market estimates of 3.2% as weaker cough, cold and flu consumption hit orders in North America, its largest market

• Sales in China were hurt by a change in raw material classifications that affected imports of over-the-counter Centrum multivitamins, forcing Haleon to suspend shipments of the products

• Haleon flagged a £15 million to £20 million hit to its fourth-quarter net revenue from plans to accelerate a new go-to-market model in Brazil to coincide with the country's new tax framework

• Oral Health remained a bright spot, with sales rising 8.8% on strong demand for Sensodyne and parodontax, while emerging markets grew 5.1%, led by India