Earnings
Germany-based firm grew three-times faster than the OTC pharmacy market in 2024 and is hoping to continue this momentum in 2025.
Gains for its Intimate Wellness portfolio - including a strong showing from Durex - helped offset lower sales of Reckitt's OTC cold & flu remedies in Q1. CEO Kris Licht shared his thoughts on the impact of US tariffs on the business and planned future divestments.
Concern is unavoidable for most marketers of OTC drugs and dietary supplements in the US. As Canaccord Genuity analysts said in a 15 April research note, “uncertainty remains about how the tariff situation will play out.”
Major Europe-based consumer health players Haleon, Reckitt and Bayer feature in this sales and earnings preview, which highlights what to look out for as these three firms report their Q1 2025 results over the coming weeks.
The US launch of Eroxon ED treatment by Haleon helped Futura Medical record its first ever profit in 2024. The UK firm will now look to capitalize this by seeking US and EU approval for a more potent Eroxon line extension.
While uncertainty might reign in the UK consumer health market - which grew by by 8% to £4.1bn ($5.3bn) in 2024 - “opportunity is everywhere” according to NielsenIQ health and beauty insights manager Alex Heffernan.
The homeopathy specialist reported a big decline in profits in 2024 as a move to restructure its ailing French operation hit the bottom line.
Swiss firm reports highest revenues in its history as restructure pays off for its pharma and cosmetics businesses in 2024.
Jump in cough & cold sales at the end of the year helps Recordati post higher OTC revenues for 2024.
Galenica outpaced the growth of the OTC market at home, while recording a double-digit gain abroad, to drive up its consumer health product sales in 2024.
Like many European firms, Stada Arzneimittel's 2024 earnings were held back by a soft cough, cold and flu season. However, key launches in its home market Germany and in the Middle East offset this impact and led to 3% organic growth for Stada's Consumer Healthcare business.
Key growth driver in consumer health and across Bayer’s sectors, says CEO Bill Anderson, is “dynamic shared ownership program” introduced in January 2024 to "reduce hierarchies, eliminate bureaucracy, streamline structures and accelerate decision-making processes."
UK-based consumer health giant reports organic sales growth of 5.0% in 2024 as gains for its power brands offset a softer cold & flu season, particularly in the US.
Consumer uptake of Eroxon - the first FDA-approved OTC ED treatment available in the US - has been slower than expected, according to Haleon, which says its working with retailers to build awareness.
CEO says firm’s “three clear imperatives” to drive cash and “total shareholder return” comprise its “three S” plan. Perrigo’s net sales for the quarter down 1.6% to $1.14bn and for the year down 6.1% to $4.37bn.
Full-year revenues up 14% to $732m and Q4 up 5% to $186m. Communications VP Dan Dischner says results came from “resilience of our portfolio, driven by contributions from key products such as Primatene Mist and the integration of Baqsimi into our expanding diabetes franchise.”
Analysts hold back on predicting new heights for B+L until full split from parent firm. It reported Q4 revenue up 9% to $1.28bn and full-year revenue up 16% to $4.79bn.
The Swedish firm is plotting the path towards launching its ColdZyme virus-blocking spray in China and Japan, while efforts are also underway to find a partner for the North American market.
Energy, immunity and women's health supplements were in particular demand in 2024, according to French self-care industry association NèreS.
As Norway's Orkla Health searches for a new CEO, the business looks well-placed for future growth after a 15% uplift in sales in 2024.