Haleon: Exits Smoking Cessation Business Outside US to Focus on Power Brands

Wide-moat Haleon announced on June 26 that it entered into an agreement to divest its smoking cessation business outside the US to no-moat Dr. Reddy’s for GBP 500 million (GBP 458 million upfront plus performance-based payments of up to GBP 42 million). The portfolio includes brands like Nicotinell, Nicabate, and Habitrol. The deal is expected to close during the last quarter of 2024 at the earliest. We do not expect material changes to our model from this deal and maintain our fair value estimate of $8.80, or GBX 352, per share for Haleon and $60 per share for Dr. Reddy’s.