How Good Has PG Stock Actually Been?

Core Insights - Procter & Gamble's stock has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 and consumer staples ETFs over the past five years, with a return of $1 for every $5 returned by the S&P 500 [6][11] - The company has a strong portfolio of well-known brands but has not seen significant stock price appreciation, leading to perceptions of its shares as underperforming [2][4] - The consumer staples sector, including Procter & Gamble, has struggled to attract investor interest in recent years, particularly as market focus has shifted towards growth stocks and artificial intelligence [4][9] Financial Performance - Procter & Gamble's current market capitalization stands at $335 billion, with a current stock price of $143.45 [5][6] - The company has a gross margin of 51.23% and a dividend yield of 2.91%, reflecting its ability to generate steady income for investors [6] - In fiscal 2025, Procter & Gamble reported earnings per share of $6.51, significantly exceeding its dividend obligation of $4.48 per share, indicating strong cash flow sustainability [12][13] Dividend History - Procter & Gamble has a long-standing history of dividend payments, with 135 consecutive years of dividends and 69 consecutive years of payout increases, qualifying it as a Dividend King [12] - The company projects annual dividend payout growth of 4% to 6%, which is expected to outpace inflation in most years [12] Investment Suitability - Procter & Gamble is viewed as a reliable dividend payer, making it suitable for conservative investors, such as retirees, who prioritize income stability over capital appreciation [14] - The stock may not appeal to younger investors seeking aggressive growth opportunities, as its performance has not aligned with high-growth sectors [14]