In response to questions about 2026 guidance, Wallace said category growth appears to have stabilized, but at lower levels than historical assumptions. He cited a range of roughly 1.5% to 2.5% category growth, alongside “significant uncertainty all around the world,” including the risk of higher promotional intensity if demand stays weak.Wallace said Colgate exited the year with organic sales growth in all four categories in the fourth quarter, and showed sequential improvement versus the third quarter in e ...

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].