As the Q4 earnings season wraps, let’s dig into this quarter’s best and worst performers in the household products industry, including Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and its peers.

Household products stocks are generally stable investments, as many of the industry's products are essential for a comfortable and functional living space. Recently, there's been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable offerings, reflecting the evolving consumer preferences for environmentally conscious options. These trends can be double-edged swords that benefit companies who innovate quickly to take advantage of them and hurt companies that don't invest enough to meet consumers where they want to be with regards to trends.

The 10 household products stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

While some household products stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 3.3% since the latest earnings results.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG)

Founded by candle maker William Procter and soap maker James Gamble, Proctor & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a consumer products behemoth whose product portfolio spans everything from facial tissues to laundry detergent to feminine care to men’s grooming.

Procter & Gamble reported revenues of $21.88 billion, up 2.1% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.3%. Overall, it was a satisfactory quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates but gross margin in line with analysts’ estimates.

“The P&G team delivered an acceleration in organic sales growth, core EPS growth and strong cash return to shareowners in the second quarter,” said Jon Moeller, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The stock is up 3.6% since reporting and currently trades at $167.61.

Is now the time to buy Procter & Gamble? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q4: Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT)

Enhancing the lives of both pets and homeowners, Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT) is a leading producer and distributor of essential products for pet care, lawn and garden maintenance, and pest control.

Central Garden & Pet reported revenues of $656.4 million, up 3.5% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 4.4%. The business had an exceptional quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

However, the results were likely priced into the stock as it’s traded sideways since reporting. Shares currently sit at $36.81.

Is now the time to buy Central Garden & Pet? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q4: Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL)

Formed after the 1928 combination between toothpaste maker Colgate and soap maker Palmolive-Peet, Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL) is a consumer products company that focuses on personal, household, and pet products.

Colgate-Palmolive reported revenues of $4.94 billion, flat year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 0.6%. It was a slower quarter as it posted a miss of analysts’ EBITDA and organic revenue estimates.

Colgate-Palmolive delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates in the group. As expected, the stock is down 3.3% since the results and currently trades at $87.88.

Read our full analysis of Colgate-Palmolive’s results here.

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB)

Originally founded as a Wisconsin paper mill in 1872, Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) is now a household products powerhouse known for personal care and tissue products.

Kimberly-Clark reported revenues of $4.93 billion, flat year on year. This number beat analysts’ expectations by 1.6%. Taking a step back, it was a mixed quarter as it also recorded a decent beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates but a significant miss of analysts’ gross margin estimates.

The stock is up 6.1% since reporting and currently trades at $139.41.

Read our full, actionable report on Kimberly-Clark here, it’s free.

Church & Dwight (NYSE: CHD)

Best known for its Arm & Hammer baking soda, Church & Dwight (NYSE: CHD) is a household and personal care products company with a vast portfolio that spans laundry detergent to toothbrushes to hair removal creams.

Church & Dwight reported revenues of $1.58 billion, up 3.5% year on year. This print topped analysts’ expectations by 1.1%. Aside from that, it was a mixed quarter as it also logged a decent beat of analysts’ organic revenue estimates but EPS guidance for next quarter missing analysts’ expectations.

The stock is down 3.6% since reporting and currently trades at $103.26.

Read our full, actionable report on Church & Dwight here, it’s free.

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