Summary
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) reported a slight increase in net sales for the first quarter of 2026, reaching $1.469 billion, up 0.2% year-over-year. While overall sales growth was modest, the company achieved a notable 3.3% increase in gross profit, driven by productivity initiatives and the impact of business exits and acquisitions, leading to a 140 basis point improvement in gross margin to 46.4%. Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) also saw a modest increase of 2.2% to $0.91. The company continues to manage operational complexities, including the integration of the Touchland acquisition and the strategic exit from certain product lines, while navigating rising manufacturing costs, inflation, and global supply chain disruptions. Despite these challenges, management expresses confidence in liquidity and the ability to meet financial covenants, supported by a robust credit facility and cash flow from operations.
Financial Highlights
51 data points| Revenue | $1.47B |
| Cost of Revenue | $787.90M |
| Gross Profit | $681.40M |
| R&D Expenses | $31.60M |
| SG&A Expenses | $251.00M |
| Operating Income | $291.00M |
| Interest Expense | $24.00M |
| Net Income | $216.30M |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.91 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.91 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 236.50M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 238.10M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales increased slightly by 0.2% to $1,469.3 million for the first quarter of 2026, compared to $1,467.1 million in the prior year.
- 2Gross profit increased by 3.3% to $681.4 million, with gross margin improving by 140 basis points to 46.4% due to productivity programs and business exits/acquisitions.
- 3Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose by 2.2% to $0.91 from $0.89 in the same period last year.
- 4Operating expenses, particularly SG&A, increased by 10.2% primarily due to the Touchland acquisition and investments in growth initiatives.
- 5The company successfully divested several non-core businesses (Spinbrush, Flawless, Waterpik showerheads, and VMS brands), impacting sales but contributing to margin improvement.
- 6Cash and cash equivalents increased to $503.4 million, and the company has significant availability through its revolving credit facility and commercial paper program.
- 7The company returned $72.9 million to shareholders through cash dividends in the first quarter of 2026.