Monday's Underperforming Sectors: Consumer Goods and Services
Consumer Products Sector Performance: The Consumer Products sector is the worst performer, down 0.6%, with Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) and Church & Dwight Co Inc (CHD) showing significant losses of 4.0% and 3.7%, respectively. The iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (IYK) is down 0.9% for the day but up 5.16% year-to-date.
Services Sector Performance: The Services sector also shows a 0.6% loss, led by Kenvue Inc (KVUE) and Lennar Corp (LEN) with losses of 6.5% and 4.2%. The iShares U.S. Consumer Services ETF (IYC) is down 0.2% on the day but up 10.10% year-to-date.
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- Analyst Rating Updates: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, including upgrades, downgrades, and initiations, reflecting varying market perspectives on these stocks.
- Market Reaction Insight: While specific stocks are not mentioned, changes in analyst ratings typically influence investor confidence, thereby impacting the market performance of the related stocks.
- Investor Decision Guidance: For investors considering purchasing MCD stock, analysts' opinions serve as a crucial reference point, aiding them in making more informed investment decisions.
- Rating Change Transparency: Comprehensive information on analyst rating changes can be found on Benzinga's analyst ratings page, ensuring investors have access to the latest market dynamics and professional insights.
- Dividend Increase: Church & Dwight has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3075 per share, representing a 4.2% increase from the previous dividend of $0.2950, indicating robust performance in profitability and cash flow management.
- Stable Yield: The forward yield of 1.28% not only attracts investors seeking stable returns but also reflects the company's confidence in its future financial health and sustainability.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on March 2, with a record date of February 13 and an ex-dividend date also on February 13, ensuring shareholders receive timely returns and enhancing investor confidence.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following J.P. Morgan's removal of its bearish rating, Church & Dwight's stock price has risen, demonstrating market optimism regarding the company's future performance and further solidifying its position in the consumer products sector.
- Rating Upgrade: J.P. Morgan upgraded Church & Dwight (CHD) from Underweight to Neutral, with analyst Andrea Teixeira highlighting a cleaner portfolio following the divestitures of Spinbrush and Vitamins, which is expected to facilitate faster growth.
- Growth Potential: The company plans to enhance growth strategies for A&H into 'good, better, best' categories and pursue M&A opportunities both domestically and internationally, which are anticipated to provide new growth momentum and strengthen market competitiveness.
- Improved Financial Outlook: Teixeira noted that the portfolio's adjustment to a 64% premium (compared to a typical 60%/40% premium/value) should positively impact future financial performance, thereby boosting investor confidence.
- Price Target Setting: J.P. Morgan set a price target of $100 for Church & Dwight based on a 50-50 blend of a 25.5X P/E multiple and a 16.8X EV/EBITDA multiple off 2027 estimates, reflecting optimistic market expectations for its future growth.

- Stock Performance: Church & Dwight Co. (NYSE:CHD) saw its stock price rise by 4.67% on Friday, closing at $96.25 per share, as investors were encouraged by strong earnings and an optimistic outlook.
- Net Income Growth: The company reported a 26% increase in net income for 2025, reaching $736.8 million compared to $585.3 million the previous year, demonstrating the strength of its brand portfolio.
- Quarterly Performance Fluctuation: Despite a 24% drop in net profit to $143.5 million in the fourth quarter, net sales increased by 1.26% to $1.6 billion, exceeding company expectations and reflecting market resilience.
- Dividend Increase: Church & Dwight raised its quarterly dividend by 4.2% for the 30th consecutive year, from $0.295 to $0.3075 per share, bringing the annual dividend payout to $1.23, underscoring the company's commitment to shareholder returns.
- Strong Quarterly Performance: Church & Dwight reported adjusted earnings per share of 86 cents for Q4, surpassing the analyst consensus of 84 cents, with sales reaching $1.644 billion, exceeding the expected $1.639 billion, indicating robust performance in international markets.
- International Sales Growth: The company achieved a net sales growth of 3.9%, significantly driven by international markets, with consumer international net sales at $299.8 million, reflecting a 5.2% increase, showcasing the effectiveness of its global expansion strategy.
- Margin Improvement: Adjusted gross margin improved to 45.5%, up 90 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to productivity enhancements and an optimized business mix, despite facing inflation and tariff cost pressures, demonstrating effective cost management.
- Dividend Increase and Outlook: The company raised its quarterly dividend from $0.295 to $0.3075 per share, increasing the annual payout from $287 million to approximately $291 million; however, the first-quarter profit outlook is below analyst expectations, although new product launches are expected to drive future organic growth.
Company Performance: Church & Dwight shares increased by 6% following a strong performance in the fourth quarter.
Profit Beat: The company's earnings exceeded expectations, contributing to the rise in stock value.








