HLN
Haleon plc
Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic
Market Cap$41.10B
5Y Perf.+14.8%
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Stock Comparison
HLN vs KVUE
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
KVUE
Kenvue Inc.
Household & Personal Products
Market Cap$33.87B
5Y Perf.-29.5%
HLN vs KVUE — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | HLN | KVUE |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic | Household & Personal Products |
| Market Cap | $41.10B | $33.87B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $22.01B | $15.01B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $3.18B | $1.43B |
| Gross Margin | 63.9% | 58.1% |
| Operating Margin | 21.4% | 15.7% |
| Forward P/E | 22.0x | 15.5x |
| Total Debt | $8.59B | $8.72B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $1.32B | $1.07B |
HLN vs KVUE — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
HLN
KVUE
| Stock | May 23 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haleon plc (HLN) | 100 | 114.8 | +14.8% |
| Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) | 100 | 70.5 | -29.5% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: HLN vs KVUE
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: HLN leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. Kenvue Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. This set spans 2 sectors — these stocks serve different portfolio roles, not just different price points.
HLN
Haleon plc
The Income Pick
HLN carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 2 yrs, beta 0.06, yield 2.0%
- 30.6% 10Y total return vs KVUE's -25.9%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.06, Low D/E 52.2%, current ratio 0.92x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
KVUE
Kenvue Inc.
The Growth Play
KVUE is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and defensive.
- Rev growth 0.1%, EPS growth -37.9%, 3Y rev CAGR 0.9%
- Beta 0.24, yield 4.6%, current ratio 0.96x
- 0.1% revenue growth vs HLN's -4.0%
Best for: growth exposure and defensive
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | KVUE | 0.1% revenue growth vs HLN's -4.0% |
| Value | KVUE | Lower P/E (15.5x vs 22.0x) |
| Quality / Margins | HLN | 14.5% margin vs KVUE's 9.5% |
| Stability / Safety | HLN | Beta 0.06 vs KVUE's 0.24, lower leverage |
| Dividends | KVUE | 4.6% yield, vs HLN's 2.0% |
| Momentum (1Y) | HLN | -11.7% vs KVUE's -21.5% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | HLN | 10.0% ROA vs KVUE's 5.3%, ROIC 7.6% vs 7.8% |
HLN vs KVUE — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2022
FY 2024
HLN vs KVUE — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLHLNLAGGINGKVUE
KVUEKenvue Inc.
0leads
HLNHaleon plc
5leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs KVUEMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
HLN6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
HLN4/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
HLN7/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
HLN5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
HLN2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
HLN leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
HLN and KVUE operate at a comparable scale, with $22.0B and $15.0B in trailing revenue. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 14.5% (HLN) to 9.5% (KVUE). On growth, HLN holds the edge at -0.4% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | HLNHaleon plc | KVUEKenvue Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $22.0B | $15.0B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $5.3B | $2.9B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $3.2B | $1.4B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $3.1B | $1.6B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +63.9% | +58.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +21.4% | +15.7% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +14.5% | +9.5% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +14.2% | +10.9% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -0.4% | -3.5% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +18.8% | +5.0% |
HLN leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
HLN leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 18.9x trailing earnings, HLN trades at a 42% valuation discount to KVUE's 32.7x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, HLN's 13.5x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than KVUE's 16.9x.
| Metric | HLNHaleon plc | KVUEKenvue Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $41.1B | $33.9B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $51.0B | $41.5B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 18.87x | 32.74x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 22.03x | 15.54x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 2.23x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 13.53x | 16.86x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.80x | 2.19x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.86x | 3.52x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 15.35x | 25.37x |
HLN leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
HLN leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
HLN delivers a 19.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $20 in annual profit, vs $13 for KVUE. HLN carries lower financial leverage with a 0.52x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to KVUE's 0.90x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), HLN scores 8/9 vs KVUE's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | HLNHaleon plc | KVUEKenvue Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +19.9% | +13.5% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +10.0% | +5.3% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +7.6% | +7.8% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +8.6% | +8.7% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 8 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.52x | 0.90x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $7.3B | $7.6B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $1.3B | $1.1B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $8.6B | $8.7B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 7.80x | 5.22x |
HLN leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
HLN leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in HLN five years ago would be worth $13,065 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $7,406 for KVUE. Over the past 12 months, HLN leads with a -11.7% total return vs KVUE's -21.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors HLN at 3.1% vs KVUE's -9.1% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | HLNHaleon plc | KVUEKenvue Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -6.4% | +3.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -11.7% | -21.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +9.6% | -24.8% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +30.6% | -25.9% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +30.6% | -25.9% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +3.1% | -9.1% |
HLN leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
HLN leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
HLN is the less volatile stock with a 0.06 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than KVUE's 0.24 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. HLN currently trades 80.8% from its 52-week high vs KVUE's 70.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | HLNHaleon plc | KVUEKenvue Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.06x | 0.24x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $11.42 | $25.17 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $8.71 | $14.02 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +80.8% | +70.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 33.1 | 48.3 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 7.9M | 20.0M |
HLN leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — HLN and KVUE each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates HLN as "Buy" and KVUE as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 10.5% upside for HLN (target: $10) vs 3.2% for KVUE (target: $18). For income investors, KVUE offers the higher dividend yield at 4.56% vs HLN's 1.96%.
| Metric | HLNHaleon plc | KVUEKenvue Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $10.20 | $18.25 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 4 | 14 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +2.0% | +4.6% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 2 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.13 | $0.81 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +2.1% | +0.7% |
Evenly matched — HLN and KVUE each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
HLN leads in 5 of 6 categories — strongest in Income & Cash Flow and Valuation Metrics. 1 category is tied.
Best OverallHaleon plc (HLN)Leads 5 of 6 categories
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HLN vs KVUE: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is HLN or KVUE a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Kenvue Inc.
(KVUE) is the stronger pick with 0. 1% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -4. 0% for Haleon plc (HLN). Haleon plc (HLN) offers the better valuation at 18. 9x trailing P/E (22. 0x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Haleon plc (HLN) a "Buy" — based on 4 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — HLN or KVUE?
On trailing P/E, Haleon plc (HLN) is the cheapest at 18.
9x versus Kenvue Inc. at 32. 7x. On forward P/E, Kenvue Inc. is actually cheaper at 15. 5x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — HLN or KVUE?
Over the past 5 years, Haleon plc (HLN) delivered a total return of +30.
6%, compared to -25. 9% for Kenvue Inc. (KVUE). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: HLN returned +30. 6% versus KVUE's -25. 9%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — HLN or KVUE?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Haleon plc (HLN) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
06β versus Kenvue Inc. 's 0. 24β — meaning KVUE is approximately 297% more volatile than HLN relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Haleon plc (HLN) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 52% versus 90% for Kenvue Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — HLN or KVUE?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Kenvue Inc.
(KVUE) is pulling ahead at 0. 1% versus -4. 0% for Haleon plc (HLN). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Haleon plc grew EPS 12. 5% year-over-year, compared to -37. 9% for Kenvue Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, KVUE leads at 0. 9% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — HLN or KVUE?
Haleon plc (HLN) is the more profitable company, earning 15.
1% net margin versus 6. 7% for Kenvue Inc. — meaning it keeps 15. 1% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: HLN leads at 22. 4% versus 11. 9% for KVUE. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — HLN leads at 64. 8%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is HLN or KVUE more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Kenvue Inc.
(KVUE) trades at 15. 5x forward P/E versus 22. 0x for Haleon plc — 6. 5x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for HLN: 10. 5% to $10. 20.
08Which pays a better dividend — HLN or KVUE?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) offers the highest yield at 4. 6%, versus 2. 0% for Haleon plc (HLN).
09Is HLN or KVUE better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Haleon plc (HLN) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
06), 2. 0% yield). Both have compounded well over 10 years (HLN: +30. 6%, KVUE: -25. 9%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between HLN and KVUE?
These companies operate in different sectors (HLN (Healthcare) and KVUE (Consumer Defensive)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: HLN is a mid-cap quality compounder stock; KVUE is a mid-cap income-oriented stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(HLN: -0.4% · KVUE: -3.5%)Net Margin>
%
(HLN: 14.5% · KVUE: 9.5%)P/E Ratio<
x
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