Haleon (HLN): Pfizer Sells Stake in Consumer Healthcare Firm

By Patricia Miller

Mar 19, 2025

2 min read

Pfizer has finalized its exit from Haleon by selling its remaining stake for £2.5 billion, marking a significant milestone for the firm.

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#What You Need to Know

Pfizer has sold its remaining stake in Haleon, the maker of Sensodyne and Panadol, for approximately £2.5 billion. This sale completes Pfizer's exit from the UK consumer healthcare firm, which arose from the merger of GSK and Pfizer's consumer healthcare businesses in 2019. The buyback of 44 million shares by Haleon will contribute towards planned share buybacks totaling £500 million for the year. This milestone emphasizes Haleon's position and future growth potential following its demerger from GSK in July 2022.

Haleon’s substantial reliance on retail consumer healthcare products like Sensodyne positions it for ongoing growth. The company has now shifted its capital allocation focus and is prepared to capitalize on opportunities in a rapidly evolving market. Following this transaction, BlackRock becomes Haleon's largest shareholder, with a stake exceeding 5%.

#Why This Is Important for Retail Investors

  • Market Positioning: Haleon’s solid position in consumer healthcare can provide stability in turbulent market conditions.

  • Future Growth: With plans for significant share buybacks, Haleon is showing confidence in its growth trajectory.

  • Investment Opportunity: The completion of Pfizer’s stake exit could attract new institutional investors and retail investors looking for market leaders.

  • Strong Product Portfolio: As a manufacturer of widely used brands, Haleon offers potential returns from core consumer products.

  • Shareholder Returns: With its focus on delivering returns through disciplined capital allocation, investors might benefit from potential share price appreciation.

#Relevant ETFs

  • iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (IYH)

  • Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV)

  • Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF (RYH)

  • Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT)

  • SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH)

  • First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology ETF (FBT)

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Important Notice And Disclaimer

This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. Investments may fall in value and an investor may lose some or all of their investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Patricia Miller does not hold any position in the stock(s) and/or financial instrument(s) mentioned in the above article.

Patricia Miller has not been paid to produce this piece by the company or companies mentioned above.

Digitonic Ltd, the owner of ValueTheMarkets.com, does not hold a position or positions in the stock(s) and/or financial instrument(s) mentioned in the above article.

Digitonic Ltd, the owner of ValueTheMarkets.com, has not been paid for the production of this piece by the company or companies mentioned above.