Core Viewpoint - Procter & Gamble Company (PG) is set to announce its fiscal second-quarter earnings for 2026, with analysts projecting a slight decline in earnings per share (EPS) compared to the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance - Analysts expect PG to report a profit of $1.87 per share on a diluted basis for the upcoming quarter, down from $1.88 per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - For the full fiscal year 2026, EPS is anticipated to be $6.99, reflecting a 2.3% increase from $6.83 in fiscal 2025, with further growth expected to $7.37 in fiscal 2027, a 5.4% year-over-year rise [3]. Stock Performance - PG stock has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, which gained 14.8% over the past 52 weeks, with PG shares down 14.9% during the same period [4]. - The stock also lagged behind the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund, which experienced a 1.8% loss [4]. Market Challenges - The underperformance of PG is attributed to sector-wide challenges, including higher tariffs, soft consumer spending, and competition from lower-priced brands, despite resilient fundamentals [5]. - The company faces muted sales growth and margin pressures due to investments and tariffs impacting stock performance [5]. Recent Earnings Report - On October 24, PG reported its Q1 results, with an adjusted EPS of $1.99, surpassing Wall Street expectations of $1.90, and revenue of $22.4 billion, exceeding forecasts of $22.2 billion [6]. Analyst Sentiment - The consensus opinion on PG stock is moderately bullish, with a "Moderate Buy" rating from analysts. Out of 24 analysts, 11 recommend a "Strong Buy," 3 suggest a "Moderate Buy," and 10 give a "Hold" rating [7]. - The average analyst price target for PG is $169.68, indicating a potential upside of 17.2% from current levels [7].

Core Insights - Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) has a market capitalization of $20.2 billion and specializes in household, personal care, and specialty products [1] Performance Overview - CHD shares have underperformed the broader market, declining 25.2% over the past year, while the S&P 500 Index has increased nearly 11% [2] - Year-to-date, CHD stock is down 19.8%, compared to a 12.3% rise in the S&P 500 [2] - Compared to the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP), which has declined about 3.9% over the past year, CHD's performance is significantly worse [3] Recent Financial Results - On October 31, CHD reported Q3 results, with adjusted EPS of $0.81, surpassing Wall Street expectations of $0.73 [4] - The company's revenue for the quarter was $1.6 billion, exceeding the forecast of $1.5 billion [4] - For the full fiscal year, CHD expects adjusted EPS to be $3.49 [4] Analyst Ratings and Expectations - Analysts project CHD's EPS to grow 1.2% to $3.48 for the current fiscal year ending in December [5] - CHD has a strong earnings surprise history, beating or matching consensus estimates in the last four quarters [5] - Among 21 analysts covering CHD, the consensus rating is "Moderate Buy," with eight "Strong Buy," one "Moderate Buy," eight "Holds," and four "Strong Sells" [5] Price Targets - The analyst sentiment has become less bullish compared to a month ago, with nine analysts now suggesting a "Strong Buy" [6] - Oppenheimer's Rupesh Parikh maintains a "Buy" rating with a price target of $100, indicating a potential upside of 19% [6] - The mean price target is $98.72, representing a 17.5% premium to current levels, while the highest price target of $114 suggests a notable upside potential of 35.7% [6]

Core Insights - Procter & Gamble (PG) is recognized as one of the top recession-proof dividend stocks, highlighting its resilience during economic downturns [1][2]. Company Overview - Founded in 1837, Procter & Gamble has established itself as a leading producer of household and personal care products, including a wide range of items such as detergents, diapers, and cleaning supplies [2]. - The company boasts over 20 brands that each generate more than $1 billion in annual sales, with many brands being market leaders in their respective categories [3]. Brand Strength and Market Position - Procter & Gamble's strong brand recognition provides leverage with retailers, enabling the company to implement price increases even during inflationary periods [4]. - The company maintains a relatively low debt level, which helps shield its earnings from the adverse effects of rising interest rates [4]. Dividend Performance - Procter & Gamble is classified as a Dividend King, having increased its dividend payouts for 69 consecutive years [5]. - The current quarterly dividend is $1.0568 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.77% as of September 26 [5].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Cosmetics industry is facing a challenging macroeconomic environment, with sluggish sales and rising production costs impacting profitability and efficiency [1][4] - Companies in this sector manufacture and market a variety of beauty and personal care products, including skincare, fragrance, makeup, and hair care [3] Current Trends - Economic conditions are creating a difficult demand landscape, as consumers are prioritizing essential purchases over discretionary items like cosmetics due to elevated living costs and reduced savings [4] - Rising operational costs for packaging, ingredients, and logistics are tightening profit margins and intensifying competition [4] - International risk factors, such as currency fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, are affecting revenues and operational continuity for global cosmetic companies [5] Innovation and Digital Transformation - Innovation and digitization are crucial for growth, with consumers seeking unique products that combine technology and scientific formulations [6] - Companies are enhancing e-commerce capabilities and expanding product portfolios through strategic acquisitions and partnerships to remain competitive [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Cosmetics industry currently ranks 213, placing it in the bottom 14% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating dull near-term prospects [7] - The industry's aggregate earnings estimate has decreased by 11.7% since February 2025, reflecting a loss of confidence in earnings growth potential [8] Stock Market Performance - The Zacks Cosmetics industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader Consumer Staples sector, declining 59.6% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's growth of 6.4% [10] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 19.21X, slightly lower than the S&P 500's 19.71X and the sector's 17.4X [13] Company Highlights - **The Estee Lauder Companies**: Focused on restoring profitability through its Profit Recovery and Growth Plan, with a strong online presence and AI integration [16][17] - **Coty Inc.**: Building sustainable growth through brand strength and digital acceleration, with a focus on its fragrance business [20][21] - **Helen of Troy Limited**: Driving growth through its Leadership Brands and a global restructuring initiative aimed at improving margins [24][25] - **European Wax Center, Inc.**: Positioned for long-term expansion with a focus on guest acquisition and operational productivity [28][30]