Procter & GamblePGCOMMENTMay 08, 2018Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 08, 2026. Market Open.
Owns neither. Of the two, he'd prefer JNJ. Hesitant to put them in the same basket. With spinoff of healthcare, it's now much more into pharmaceuticals (doing very well) and medical devices. Valuation is not that demanding. Executing well.
PG is a consumer products company. Consumer is in some difficulty, and jury's out as to whether we've seen the worst of that dip.
These consumer stocks are facing inflation. Revenue growth has been low, 3% the last quarter. Margins remain strong, though. Never been cheaper. Pays a 3% dividend. He isn't that bullish on the consumer, but PG is defensive. A good time to buy now, but don't expect a huge return, like 5-10% share appreciation + dividend.
The group has sold off a but due to a lack of innovation and more competition; it's easier than for e-companies to sell directly to consumers. There needs to be more pricing flexbility given they compete with the Amazons of the world. They're in a margin squeeze. An investor needs exposure in this space. P&G sells defensive products (i.e. lotions) that consumers use daily, but she prefers Unilever given their exposure to emerging markets.