Procter & Gamble announced first-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, with net sales climbing 4% to $23.3 billion for the three-month period ended Sept. 30. The company reported net income attributable to shareholders of $4.73 billion, or $1.97 per share, compared with $4.75 billion, or $1.95 per share, in the comparable year-earlier quarter. On an adjusted basis excluding restructuring costs and other items, earnings reached $2 per share. Stock market investors responded positively, with shares rising more than 5% in morning trading following the announcement.
The company’s growth was underpinned by volume expansion of 2.4%, marking a strong start to its new fiscal year. The fabric and home care division led performance, with volume increasing 4.3% as consumers purchased more laundry detergent and fabric enhancers. Baby, feminine and family care as well as beauty segments each reported volume growth exceeding 2%. However, the grooming division, which includes razor brands, experienced a slight contraction of 0.4%, while the healthcare business declined 2.9% amid weakening demand for oral care and personal health items.
Chief Financial Officer Andre Schulten characterized the current consumer landscape as bifurcated, with affluent shoppers willing to purchase premium offerings while lower-income consumers seek value options. The company has responded through promotional initiatives, new package formats and product innovations designed to capture market share across income levels. Recent premium launches including Pampers Amore and Pantene’s Abundant & Strong line have contributed to gains in their respective categories.
The competitive environment remains intense, executives indicated, requiring careful balance between pricing strategies and product improvements. Chief Executive Officer Shailesh Jejurikar stated the company expects to navigate continued geopolitical and economic headwinds while remaining on track with its guidance. For fiscal 2027, the company maintained its core earnings per share forecast of $6.89 to $7.11 and raised its sales growth outlook to a range of 2% to 4% from its previous projection of 1% to 3%, reflecting the Oct. 1 acquisition of supplements company Thorne.
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