Let’s dig into the relative performance of Energizer (NYSE: ENR) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q3 household products earnings season.

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 Q3. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.9% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 1% above.

While some household products stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 1.5% since the latest earnings results.

Weakest Q3: Energizer (NYSE: ENR)

Masterminds behind the viral Energizer Bunny mascot, Energizer (NYSE: ENR) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of batteries.

Energizer reported revenues of $832.8 million, up 3.4% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 0.8%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a softer quarter for the company with EPS guidance for next quarter missing analysts’ expectations significantly and a miss of analysts’ gross margin estimates.

"Energizer delivered strong earnings in Fiscal 2025 by staying agile and focused in a volatile environment," said Mark LaVigne, Chief Executive Officer.

Unsurprisingly, the stock is down 15.3% since reporting and currently trades at $20.20.

Read our full report on Energizer here, it’s free for active Edge members.

Best Q3: 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 $678.2 million, up 1.3% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 3.9%. The business had an exceptional quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

The market seems content with the results as the stock is up 3.9% since reporting. It currently trades at $32.65.

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

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 $5.13 billion, up 1.9% year on year, in line with analysts’ expectations. It was a mixed quarter as it posted a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates but a miss of analysts’ gross margin estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 1.9% since the results and currently trades at $78.

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

Spectrum Brands (NYSE: SPB)

A leader in multiple consumer product categories, Spectrum Brands (NYSE: SPB) is a diversified company with a portfolio of trusted brands spanning home appliances, garden care, personal care, and pet care.

Spectrum Brands reported revenues of $733.5 million, down 5.2% year on year. This print lagged analysts' expectations by 1.1%. Aside from that, it was a mixed quarter as it also logged a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates but a miss of analysts’ gross margin estimates.

Spectrum Brands had the weakest performance against analyst estimates among its peers. The stock is up 13.6% since reporting and currently trades at $60.48.

Read our full, actionable report on Spectrum Brands here, it’s free for active Edge members.

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 $22.39 billion, up 3% year on year. This result surpassed analysts’ expectations by 1%. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also produced a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a narrow beat of analysts’ revenue estimates.

The stock is down 4.4% since reporting and currently trades at $145.54.

Read our full, actionable report on Procter & Gamble here, it’s free for active Edge members.

Market Update

As a result of the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has come down from frothy levels post-pandemic. The general rise in the price of goods and services is trending towards the Fed’s 2% goal as of late, which is good news. The higher rates that fought inflation also didn't slow economic activity enough to catalyze a recession. So far, soft landing. This, combined with recent rate cuts (half a percent in September 2024 and a quarter percent in November 2024) have led to strong stock market performance in 2024. The icing on the cake for 2024 returns was Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. Presidential Election in early November, sending major indices to all-time highs in the week following the election. Still, debates around the health of the economy and the impact of potential tariffs and corporate tax cuts remain, leaving much uncertainty around 2025.

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