Procter & GamblePGDON'T BUYJul 10, 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.
Consumer staples stocks have been under a lot of pressure because of who they sell to (buyers are putting pricing pressure on them) and competition from start-up local brands. This is pressuring their margins. She has not owned P&G for years. Back then, innovation flowed through the company (more so than now). They are in beauty care, which she likes, but they have to do more product innovation. The company is trying to do that, but not enough. In this space, she would invest in Mondelez (MDLZ-O) or Unilever PLC (UL-N) because of their exposure to emerging markets.