Kenvue Wraps Up 2023 With Volume Softness; Challenges Expected in First Half of 2024

Kenvue is the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue, generating $15 billion in annual sales. Formerly known as Johnson & Johnson’s consumer segment, Kenvue spun off and went public in May 2023. We expect Kenvue, with the freedom to allocate capital and invest as a standalone entity, to mainly focus on growing its 15 priority brands (including Tylenol, Nicorette, Listerine, and Zyrtec) to drive future growth. We forecast the company to spend roughly 3% of sales in research and development, on par with some of its wide-moat competitors, to launch innovative products, specifically in digital consumer health. Recent examples include the Nicorette QuickMist SmartTrack spray and Zyrtec AllergyCast app.