Church & Dwight (NYSE:CHD) 2026 Conference February 18, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsLee McChesney - CFORick Dierker - President and CEOConference Call ParticipantsNone - AnalystModeratorMorning, everyone. Welcome to the second day of CAGNY. To start us off today, we have Church & Dwight. Let's first thank Church for sponsoring this morning's tasty breakfast and for their long-standing support of CAGNY. Joining us today from Church & Dwight are Rick Dierker, President and CEO, and Lee McChesney, CFO ...

CAGNY 2026 SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This presentation contains forward-looking statements, including, among others, statements relating to net sales and earnings growth; gross margin changes; trade, marketing, and SG&A spending inflation; sufficiency of cash flows from operations; earnings per share; cost savings programs; consumer demand and spending; the effects of competition; the effect of product mix; volume growth, including the effects of new product launches into new and existing categories; the impact ...

Core Insights - The company reported total sales of $6.2 billion, with a 3.9% growth in Q4 and a full-year growth of 1.6%, despite portfolio changes [3][5] - Organic sales growth was 0.7% for the full year, but adjusted for exited VMS business, organic growth was 2% [3][5] - Gross margin increased by 90 basis points year-over-year in Q4 and is projected to improve by 100 basis points in 2026 [3][5] - The company achieved an EPS of $0.86 in Q4, which is 12% higher than the previous year, with a 2026 outlook targeting 5%-8% growth [3][5] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $1.2 billion, with a conversion rate of 127%, and guidance for 2026 is $1.15 billion [3][5] - A 4.2% increase in dividends was announced for 2026, marking the 125th consecutive year of dividend payments [3][5] Portfolio Reshaping - The company divested low-margin and private-label-heavy businesses, reducing private label exposure from 12% to 5% [5][16] - The acquisition of Touchland contributed positively to sales and is being expanded internationally through premium partnerships [5][8] Brand Performance - Four of the eight core power brands grew market share, with Hero and TheraBreath achieving double-digit growth [7][11] - ARM & HAMMER attained a record 14.5% wash-load share in laundry, while TheraBreath reached nearly 22% market share in mouthwash [8][56] - The skincare brand Hero grew at three times the category rate, achieving a 19% share [8][64] Growth Outlook - The company projects 2026 organic growth of 3%-4%, with U.S. growth at 3% and international growth at 8% [7][38] - Marketing investment is planned at 11% of sales for 2026, consistent with the company's growth framework [7][38] - E-commerce penetration increased from 2% to 24% of total sales, driving above 14% growth for key brands [7][8] Innovation and Expansion - More than half of organic growth is expected to come from new product development, with a 2026 innovation pipeline including launches in oral care and premium laundry products [5][8] - The international business registered 5.5% organic growth in 2025, supported by brand localization and regional innovation initiatives [8][28] - The company aims to grow ARM & HAMMER from $2 billion to $3 billion and TheraBreath from $1 billion to $1.5 billion over time [21][22]

Core Insights - Church & Dwight executives expressed optimism regarding the company's performance in 2025 and outlined strategic priorities for 2026, highlighting portfolio reshaping and growth in key brands despite a challenging market environment [3][6][24] Financial Performance - Q4 2025 sales increased by 3.9%, with organic growth at 0.7% and EPS of $0.86, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase; full-year sales reached $6.2 billion with cash from operations at $1.2 billion [5][8] - For 2026, management anticipates organic sales growth of 3-4%, a gross margin improvement of approximately 100 basis points, and EPS growth of 5-8% [17][11] Strategic Initiatives - The company reduced its weighted-average private-label exposure from about 12% to 5% and maintained a leverage level of approximately 1.5x, supporting future acquisitions [1][6] - Key strategic priorities include scaling core brands like Arm & Hammer, TheraBreath, and Hero, expanding e-commerce from 2% to 24% of sales, and mitigating tariff exposure, which decreased from $190 million to around $25 million [4][9] Brand Performance - Hero and TheraBreath achieved double-digit growth in 2025, with Hero growing three times faster than its category and reaching a record 19% market share [2][16] - Arm & Hammer gained market share in laundry detergent and cat litter, reaching a record 14.5% and gaining 20 basis points in both categories [14][13] - TheraBreath became the second-largest mouthwash brand with a share just under 22%, with plans for distribution expansion and a new toothpaste launch [15][13] International and Digital Growth - International revenue was approximately $1.01 billion, with 5.5% organic growth in 2025; the company aims to expand Hero to over 100 countries by the end of 2026 [23][20] - E-commerce sales have significantly increased, now accounting for 24% of total sales, with ongoing digital growth initiatives including the use of AI tools for content creation [22][20]

Church & Dwight (NYSE:CHD) 2026 Earnings Call Summary Company Overview - Church & Dwight is a $6.2 billion company with 77% of sales from domestic markets, 18% from international, and 5% from specialty products division (SPD) [5][6] - The company has a balanced portfolio, with 75% of sales and profits coming from seven key brands [5][6] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, total sales grew by 3.9%, exceeding expectations, with organic growth at 0.7% [17][20] - Excluding the vitamins and minerals supplement (VMS) business, organic sales growth was 1.8% [18][20] - Gross margin improved by 90 basis points year-over-year, leading to an EPS of $0.86, a 12% increase from the previous year [18][20] - For the full year 2025, total sales were $1.6 billion, with organic growth adjusted to 2% after excluding VMS [20][21] - Cash flow for the year was strong at $1.2 billion, allowing for shareholder returns of $900 million [21][23] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on three growth pillars: growing core brands, expanding into new categories, and enhancing international presence [8][9][16] - The Evergreen Model is central to the company's strategy, aiming for 3%-4% organic growth in 2026, with reported sales expected to decline slightly due to business exits [24][27] - Gross margin is projected to improve by 100 basis points in 2026, with continued investment in marketing at 11% of sales [24][30] Brand Performance and Growth Strategies - **Arm & Hammer**: Targeting growth from $2 billion to $3 billion, leveraging its strong market position in laundry and cat litter [8][39] - Achieved a record share of 14.5% in laundry detergent, with a focus on value offerings [40][41] - Plans to expand in lightweight cat litter, where it currently holds an 8.5% share [41] - **TheraBreath**: Aiming to become the number one mouthwash brand, currently holding a 22% market share [47] - Plans to launch a new toothpaste product, tapping into a $4 billion category [48] - **Hero**: The acne brand grew at three times the category rate, with a focus on expanding its product line [54][56] - **Batiste**: Despite a decline in 2025, the brand remains a leader and will focus on innovation and revitalization efforts [57][59] Acquisitions and Portfolio Management - The acquisition of Touchland has been a significant driver of growth, with plans to expand its product offerings [23][63] - The company has divested from lower-performing brands, such as Spinbrush and vitamins, to focus on higher-margin products [3][22] Market Challenges and Consumer Sentiment - The overall market has seen deceleration, with consumer confidence at five-year lows, impacting category growth [7][8] - The company is adapting to these challenges by focusing on internal growth strategies and maintaining a strong balance sheet [3][22] Conclusion - Church & Dwight is optimistic about its future, with a strong focus on innovation, brand strength, and strategic acquisitions to drive growth in 2026 and beyond [39][37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a total revenue of approximately $6.1 billion, with 77% of sales coming from the U.S. and 18% from international markets [3][4] - The company aims for a steady stream of 4% organic volume growth, with specific targets of 3% for U.S. domestic, 8% for international, and 5% for the SPD business [52][54] - The company has achieved an average of over 4% growth over the past decade, with a focus on margin expansion of 25 to 50 basis points annually [54][56] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Fabric Care business saw a growth rate of 1.4% in Q2, with ARM and HAMMER outpacing the category [12] - The Cat Litter category started at 2% growth and accelerated to 4%, with a year-to-date share growth [15] - The Hero Agne category maintained double-digit growth, increasing its market share from 1% in 2020 to 22% [20] - TheraBreath achieved a market share increase from 4% to 21% over five years, becoming the number two mouthwash brand [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales account for 18% of total sales, with a growth rate of 5.8% in the first half of the year [43] - The company has expanded its global footprint, with TheraBreath being the number one mouthwash in key retailers across several countries [36] - The e-commerce segment has grown significantly, now accounting for 23% of total sales, with five of the eight power brands increasing their online share [34][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation as a key growth driver, with half of its 4% growth in 2024 attributed to new product launches [37] - The acquisition of TouchLand is seen as a strategic move to enhance the company's portfolio, targeting the hand sanitizer market [30][32] - The company is committed to maintaining a balanced portfolio, with a focus on both premium and value segments [4][5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future despite a volatile environment, emphasizing a balanced portfolio and share gains across brands [2][4] - The outlook for 2025 includes expectations of 0% to 2% organic sales growth and adjusted EPS growth of 0% to 2% [58] - Management highlighted the importance of managing tariffs and reducing exposure from $190 million to $50 million [61] Other Important Information - The company has a strong cash position with over $5 billion available for investments, including M&A opportunities [63] - The company is actively reviewing its brands and may divest underperforming segments to enhance shareholder value [60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on second quarter consumption expectations - Management confirmed that global organic growth was around 2.5%, with categories performing slightly better than expected [67][68] Question: Inquiry about M&A strategy and investment hurdles - Management stated that they are selective in M&A, focusing on long-term brand viability and typically aiming for around a 10x EBITDA multiple for acquisitions [71][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Church & Dwight reported a company size of approximately $6.1 billion, with 77% of sales in the U.S. and 18% internationally [3][4] - The company aims for 4% organic volume growth, with specific targets of 3% for U.S. domestic, 8% for international, and 5% for the SPD business [57][58] - The EPS growth outlook for 2025 is projected at 0% to 2%, with expectations of 2.5% organic growth in the second half of the year [63][64] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Fabric Care business saw a growth rate of 1.4% in Q2, with ARM and HAMMER outpacing the category [13] - Cat litter performance improved from 2% to 4% growth, with a year-to-date share growth [16] - The Hero Agne category maintained double-digit growth, increasing its market share from 1% in 2020 to 22% [21] - TheraBreath achieved significant growth, becoming the number two mouthwash brand with a share increase from 4% to 21% over five years [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales account for 18% of total sales, with a growth rate of 5.8% in the first half of the year [47] - The e-commerce segment has grown significantly, now representing 23% of total sales, up from 22% in 2016 [33] - The company has expanded its global footprint, with TheraBreath being the number one mouthwash in key retailers across multiple countries [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on a balanced portfolio, with eight power brands contributing to 75% of sales and profits [4] - The Evergreen Model guides the company's strategy, emphasizing consistent growth, margin expansion, and marketing investments [56][60] - Recent acquisitions, including TouchLand, are aimed at enhancing the product portfolio and driving growth [30][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future despite a volatile environment, highlighting share gains across many brands [2][3] - The company remains focused on what it can control, including managing tariffs and investing in innovation [62][67] - The management reiterated confidence in achieving sales growth and maintaining a strong balance sheet with over $5 billion available for investments [69][70] Other Important Information - The company has divested from underperforming brands and is focusing on revitalizing its vitamin business [65][66] - Gross margin pressures from tariffs have been reduced from $190 million to $50 million through action plans [67] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on second quarter consumption expectations - Management clarified that the 2.5% growth is based on global organic growth, with categories performing at expected levels [72][73] Question: Inquiry about M&A interests and return on investment hurdles - Management explained their unique approach to M&A, emphasizing a focus on long-term brand viability and a typical EBITDA multiple target of around 10x [77][79]

Summary of Conference Call Company Overview - The company is known for its ARM and HAMMER brand, which has been a core part of its identity since its founding in 1846. The brand spans multiple categories including personal care, household products, cat litter, water detergent, and toothpaste [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - The ARM and HAMMER brand has grown from $1 billion to $2 billion, achieving a mid-single-digit CAGR over many years [2]. - The company has a total portfolio worth $6 billion, with $2 billion from ARM and HAMMER and $4 billion from other brands [3]. - Categories have shown resilience, with growth rates of 4.5% in early 2024 and 2.5% in the latter half of the year [4][5]. Market Dynamics - Consumer confidence has improved, leading to positive growth in April and May 2024 after a negative start to the year [6]. - The company has gained market share in various categories, with two-thirds of its portfolio gaining share over the past decade [7]. - The laundry detergent category has seen a share increase to 14.7%, up from 5% over the years [8]. Innovations and Acquisitions - The company has introduced a "good, better, best" strategy for its laundry products, enhancing its competitive edge [9]. - Recent acquisitions include Touchland, a hand sanitizer brand, purchased for $700 million plus an earn-out of $180 million, expected to close soon [17][18]. - Touchland is positioned to become the company's eighth power brand, with a focus on enhancing consumer experience through premium products [19]. International Expansion - International sales account for 18% of total revenue, with a goal of 8% organic growth year-on-year [27][28]. - The company has expanded its global footprint, recently entering Japan and aiming to grow its presence in over 50 countries [31][32]. - The international division has a strong track record of high single-digit growth, indicating significant potential for future expansion [30]. Specialty Products Division - The Specialty Products division aims for 5% organic growth, focusing on animal nutrition, performance products, and commercial applications [35]. - Nearly 30% of the animal nutrition sales now come from non-U.S. markets, highlighting the division's international focus [36]. Financial Strategy - The company targets 4% organic growth overall, with specific targets of 3% in the U.S., 8% internationally, and 5% for the Specialty Products division [39]. - Gross margin expansion is a key focus, with efforts to improve margins by 25 to 50 basis points annually [41]. - The company has a strong cash flow position, with $1 billion in cash from operations and significant acquisition capacity of over $5.5 billion [50]. Challenges and Outlook - The company has faced challenges from inflation and tariffs, leading to a projected adjusted EPS growth of 0% to 2% for 2025 [46][48]. - Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about its growth trajectory, particularly in innovation and international markets [53]. Key Takeaways - The ARM and HAMMER brand continues to perform well across various categories, with a strong focus on innovation and market share growth. - Recent acquisitions and international expansion are expected to drive future growth. - The company maintains a disciplined approach to M&A, focusing on asset-light acquisitions that enhance its portfolio [99][101].