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 ...

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]

Core Viewpoint - Church & Dwight Company, Inc. (CHD) is set to announce its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings on January 30, with investors keen to see if the company can exceed market expectations [1] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $1.64 billion, indicating a 3.5% growth from the previous year [2] - The consensus estimate for earnings has decreased by one cent over the past month to 84 cents per share, suggesting a 9.1% increase year-over-year [2] - CHD has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise average of 6% [2] Key Factors Influencing Q4 Performance - CHD's fourth-quarter performance is expected to be bolstered by strong momentum in its core brands, driven by effective innovation [3] - The company's diverse portfolio of value and premium products aligns well with current consumer preferences for affordability and high-quality personal care solutions [3] - Brands like Arm & Hammer have achieved record household penetration, particularly in the laundry segment, benefiting from a shift towards value offerings [3] Innovation and Marketing Strategies - The integration of Touchland has surpassed initial expectations, becoming a significant player in the hand sanitizer market [4] - CHD is utilizing its strong innovation pipeline, with new product launches in the Therabreath and Trojan lines anticipated to drive further growth [4] - Increased marketing investments are aimed at sustaining brand consumption and reinforcing competitive positioning [5] Operational Efficiency and Challenges - Productivity initiatives and supply chain strategies have helped mitigate inflation and tariff impacts, supporting profitability while allowing for continued investment in core brands [5] - However, the company is experiencing a decline in sales due to the winding down of discontinued businesses and negative trends in the vitamin and mineral supplement (VMS) sector [6] - The overall operating environment remains challenging due to high promotional activity in certain categories and constrained household finances affecting discretionary spending [6] Earnings Prediction Insights - The current model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for CHD, with an Earnings ESP of -0.81% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) is facing mixed analyst sentiments, with price targets being adjusted downwards due to uncertainties in consumer staples, while some analysts remain optimistic about its growth potential through innovation and portfolio changes [2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Bank of America analyst Anna Lizzul has lowered the price target for Clorox from $125 to $110, maintaining a Neutral rating, citing concerns over consumption growth in the consumer staples sector leading into 2026 [2]. - Jefferies has a more positive outlook, setting a price target of $102 based on a 26x multiple of its fiscal 2027 EPS estimate, highlighting the potential for growth through innovation and improved product mix [3]. Group 2: Company Performance and Metrics - Clorox shares have declined nearly 40% since the start of 2025, but the company's underlying performance has shown improvement since 2024, with revenue and profit trends stabilizing [4]. - A notable recovery in return on invested capital (ROIC) has been observed, now around 25%, indicating regained business discipline and efficiency [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - The Clorox Company is a US-based multinational that manufactures and markets consumer and professional products across cleaning, household, and lifestyle categories [5].

Core Insights - The company reported a strong third quarter with adjusted EPS of $0.81, a 2% increase from the previous year, driven by higher volume and gross margin results [4] - Cash flow from operations increased by 19.6% year-over-year to $435.5 million, and the company repurchased $300 million in shares, totaling $600 million year-to-date [1][9] - The outlook for reported sales growth for the year has been revised to approximately 1.5%, up from a previous estimate of 1.0% [6] Financial Performance - The adjusted tax rate decreased to 21.6% from 23.3% year-over-year, with an expected adjusted effective tax rate of 22.5% for the year [1] - Reported revenue increased by 5%, with organic sales up 3.4%, indicating broad-based growth across global markets [4] - Adjusted SG&A expenses increased by 20 basis points year-over-year, while marketing expenses as a percentage of sales rose to 12.8% [3] Strategic Initiatives - The company has made strategic choices to exit certain brands and has successfully acquired Touchland, which is performing better than expected [9] - Marketing investments are set to increase due to a stronger sales and gross margin outlook, with a target to exceed 11% of net sales for the year [6][7] - The company expects to maintain a focus on M&A opportunities while balancing share repurchases [17] Outlook and Guidance - For the fourth quarter, the company anticipates reported sales growth of approximately 0.5% and organic sales growth of about 1.5%, with a noted decline in sales from discontinued product lines [7][8] - The adjusted EPS for Q4 is expected to be $0.83, reflecting a 0.8% increase compared to the previous year [8] - The full-year gross margin is now expected to contract by only 40 basis points versus 2024, an improvement from earlier forecasts [6]

Core Insights - Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) is enhancing its market position through a strong brand portfolio, strategic pricing, and continuous innovation, benefiting from trusted consumer brands like Arm & Hammer and OxiClean [1][10] Brand and Product Development - The Batiste brand remains a leader in dry shampoo, with the introduction of Batiste Light expanding its product line. The Hero brand is also innovating with skincare patches, contributing to CHD's growth [2] - CHD is revitalizing its gummy vitamin offerings with new formulations and flavors, including Power Plus and sugar-free options, indicating a focus on innovation and brand enhancement [3] Acquisitions and Market Expansion - The acquisition of Touchland, a leading hand sanitizer brand, strengthens CHD's position in key product categories and adds to its portfolio of power brands [4] - CHD is expanding its international presence, with organic sales in the International segment increasing by 4.8% in Q2 2025, driven by higher volumes and strong brand demand [5][10] Financial Performance and Estimates - CHD's shares have decreased by 11.8% year-to-date, compared to a 4.4% decline in the industry [8] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 25.43X, higher than the industry average of 19.86X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CHD's earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year growth of 0.9% for 2025 and 7.6% for 2026, with stable EPS estimates over the past 30 days [11]

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].