Home > Comparison > Consumer Defensive > CHD vs EPC
The strategic rivalry between Church & Dwight Co., Inc. and Edgewell Personal Care Company shapes the competitive landscape of the Consumer Defensive sector. Church & Dwight operates as a diversified household and specialty products manufacturer, while Edgewell focuses on personal care segments like wet shave and skin care. This head-to-head reflects a contest between product diversification and focused brand specialization. This analysis aims to identify which company’s strategic path offers superior risk-adjusted returns for a balanced portfolio.
Table of contents
Companies Overview
Church & Dwight and Edgewell Personal Care command significant presence in the household and personal products market.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.: Diverse Consumer Staples Leader
Church & Dwight dominates with a broad portfolio of household and personal care products. Its revenue derives from established brands like ARM & HAMMER and TROJAN, spanning domestic and international markets. In 2026, the company prioritizes expanding its Specialty Products Division while leveraging its baking soda-based innovations for competitive advantage.
Edgewell Personal Care Company: Focused Personal Care Specialist
Edgewell Personal Care centers on personal grooming and skin care through brands like Schick and Banana Boat. Its revenue engine flows from wet shave, sun and skin, and feminine care segments. The 2026 strategy emphasizes innovation within core categories and strengthening global distribution for sustainable growth.
Strategic Collision: Similarities & Divergences
Both companies operate in personal and household care but diverge in scope—Church & Dwight offers a diversified portfolio while Edgewell zeroes in on personal grooming essentials. Their battleground lies in brand loyalty within mass retail and specialty channels. Church & Dwight’s broad market footprint contrasts with Edgewell’s niche focus, shaping distinct risk and growth profiles for investors.
Income Statement Comparison
This data dissects the core profitability and scalability of both corporate engines to reveal who dominates the bottom line:
| Metric | Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) | Edgewell Personal Care Company (EPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 6.2B | 2.2B |
| Cost of Revenue | 3.4B | 1.3B |
| Operating Expenses | 1.7B | 0.8B |
| Gross Profit | 2.8B | 0.9B |
| EBITDA | 1.2B | 0.2B |
| EBIT | 957M | 97M |
| Interest Expense | 0 | 73M |
| Net Income | 737M | 25M |
| EPS | 3.04 | 0.53 |
| Fiscal Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Income Statement Analysis: The Bottom-Line Duel
This income statement comparison reveals which company converts revenue into profits with superior efficiency and consistent momentum.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Analysis
Church & Dwight’s revenue grew steadily from 5.19B in 2021 to 6.20B in 2025, reflecting solid top-line expansion. Net income fluctuated but reached 737M in 2025, showing margin improvement. The 2025 gross margin held favorably at 44.7%, while net margin rose to 11.9%. EBIT grew 12.4% last year, evidencing enhanced operational efficiency.
Edgewell Personal Care Company Analysis
Edgewell’s revenue plateaued around 2.2B from 2021 to 2025 but dipped 1.3% in the latest year. Net income collapsed from 118M in 2021 to 25M in 2025, with net margin shrinking to 1.14%. Gross margin at 41.6% remains reasonable, but EBIT margin at 4.35% signals weak profitability. The 2025 EBIT declined sharply by 51%, highlighting deteriorating operational momentum.
Margin Strength vs. Profitability Crisis
Church & Dwight dominates with superior margin health and a clear growth trajectory in both revenue and net income. Edgewell struggles to maintain profitability despite stable revenue, facing margin compression and sharp earnings decline. For investors, Church & Dwight’s profile offers stronger fundamental resilience and efficient capital conversion.
Financial Ratios Comparison
These vital ratios act as a diagnostic tool to expose the underlying fiscal health, valuation premiums, and capital efficiency of the companies compared below:
| Ratios | Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) | Edgewell Personal Care Company (EPC) |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 18.4% | 1.6% |
| ROIC | 11.2% | 3.0% |
| P/E | 27.6x | 38.1x |
| P/B | 5.08x | 0.62x |
| Current Ratio | 1.07 | 1.76 |
| Quick Ratio | 0.71 | 0.90 |
| D/E (Debt-to-Equity) | 0.55 | 0.91 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 24.7% | 37.6% |
| Interest Coverage | N/A | 1.32x |
| Asset Turnover | 0.70 | 0.59 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 7.54 | 6.02 |
| Payout Ratio | 39.0% | 115.4% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.41% | 3.03% |
| Fiscal Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Efficiency & Valuation Duel: The Vital Signs
Ratios act as a company’s DNA, uncovering hidden risks and operational excellence that influence long-term investment outcomes and portfolio stability.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
Church & Dwight displays strong profitability with an 18.41% ROE and favorable net margin of 11.88%. However, its valuation appears stretched, with a P/E of 27.62 and P/B of 5.08 flagged as unfavorable. The company balances this with a modest 1.41% dividend yield, signaling shareholder returns via steady dividends rather than aggressive buybacks or reinvestment.
Edgewell Personal Care Company
Edgewell struggles with low profitability metrics, including a 1.64% ROE and a weak 1.14% net margin, both marked unfavorable. Its valuation is expensive at a 38.07 P/E but benefits from a low P/B of 0.62. The company offers a higher dividend yield of 3.03%, suggesting a focus on returning cash to shareholders despite operational challenges.
Premium Valuation vs. Operational Safety
Church & Dwight offers superior profitability but trades at a premium valuation, reflecting investor confidence in operational efficiency. Edgewell’s lower valuation and higher dividend yield come with weaker profitability and greater risk. Investors seeking operational safety might prefer Church & Dwight, while income-focused investors may lean toward Edgewell’s yield profile.
Which one offers the Superior Shareholder Reward?
Church & Dwight (CHD) offers a balanced distribution strategy with a 1.41% dividend yield and a 39% payout ratio, supported by strong free cash flow coverage (~90%). It pairs dividends with steady buybacks, fostering sustainable shareholder returns. Edgewell Personal Care (EPC) delivers a higher 3.03% yield but pays out 115% of earnings, signaling dividend risk. Its buyback program is more modest, and free cash flow coverage is weaker (~35%). I see CHD’s disciplined payout and buyback mix as more sustainable, offering superior total return potential in 2026. EPC’s generous yield comes with elevated risk, reducing its appeal for prudent investors.
Comparative Score Analysis: The Strategic Profile
The radar chart reveals the fundamental DNA and trade-offs of Church & Dwight and Edgewell Personal Care Company:
Church & Dwight displays a polarized profile with strong DCF (5) and ROA (4) but very weak ROE (1) and debt-to-equity (1) scores. Edgewell Personal Care offers a more balanced overall score (3) with moderate ROE (2), ROA (2), and debt-to-equity (2), though it struggles on P/E (1). Church & Dwight relies heavily on asset efficiency but carries financial risk, while Edgewell balances risk and returns more evenly.
Bankruptcy Risk: Solvency Showdown
Church & Dwight’s Altman Z-Score of 3.93 signals a safe zone, whereas Edgewell’s 1.46 places it in distress zone, raising red flags on long-term survival:
Financial Health: Quality of Operations
Both companies post a Piotroski F-Score of 6, indicating average financial health without glaring operational red flags:
How are the two companies positioned?
This section dissects the operational DNA of CHD and EPC by comparing their revenue distribution and internal strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to confront their economic moats to identify which model delivers the most resilient, sustainable advantage today.
Revenue Segmentation: The Strategic Mix
This visual comparison dissects how Church & Dwight Co., Inc. and Edgewell Personal Care diversify their income streams and where their primary sector bets lie:
Church & Dwight anchors revenue solely in its Specialty Products Division with about $303M in 2024, showing a narrow focus. Edgewell Personal Care pivots around Razors and blades at $1.1B but boasts greater diversification across six segments, including Sun care and Feminine Care. Edgewell’s broader mix reduces concentration risk, while Church & Dwight’s reliance signals vulnerability to specialty market shifts.
Strengths and Weaknesses Comparison
This table compares the Strengths and Weaknesses of Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) and Edgewell Personal Care Company (EPC):
CHD Strengths
- Strong profitability with 11.88% net margin and 18.41% ROE
- Favorable ROIC at 11.19% above WACC of 5.7%
- Low debt-to-assets ratio at 24.74% with infinite interest coverage
- Diverse product segment in Specialty Products and solid domestic/international revenue
- High fixed asset turnover at 7.54 indicating efficient asset use
EPC Strengths
- Favorable price-to-book ratio at 0.62 suggesting undervaluation
- Strong current ratio at 1.76 indicates good short-term liquidity
- Favorable dividend yield at 3.03% supports income investors
- Diverse product portfolio including razors, sun care, and feminine care
- Presence in US and non-US markets with balanced revenue streams
CHD Weaknesses
- Unfavorable valuation multiples with P/E at 27.62 and P/B at 5.08
- Quick ratio at 0.71 signals weaker immediate liquidity
- Moderate asset turnover at 0.7 may limit growth efficiency
- Limited innovation disclosure reduces visibility on product development
- Heavy reliance on domestic sales over international markets
EPC Weaknesses
- Low profitability with net margin of 1.14% and ROE of 1.64%
- Interest coverage at 1.32 signals vulnerability to rising debt costs
- High debt-to-assets ratio at 37.61% increases financial risk
- Elevated P/E at 38.07 suggests overvaluation concerns
- Asset turnover at 0.59 below CHD limits operational efficiency
CHD’s strengths lie in robust profitability and conservative financial leverage, supporting stable growth and operational efficiency. EPC benefits from strong liquidity and dividend yield but faces challenges in profitability and debt management. Both companies show diversified product presence and global reach, influencing their strategic priorities.
The Moat Duel: Analyzing Competitive Defensibility
A structural moat is the only barrier protecting long-term profits from relentless competitive erosion. Let’s dissect two household names’ moats in 2026:
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.: Brand Power & Diversification Moat
Church & Dwight leverages strong intangible assets and brand loyalty across multiple product lines. Its 15.4% EBIT margin and 5.5% ROIC premium over WACC confirm robust profitability. Expansion in specialty products could deepen its competitive edge despite a slight ROIC decline.
Edgewell Personal Care Company: Narrow Cost & Market Niche Moat
Edgewell’s moat hinges on cost advantages in wet shave and niche personal care segments. However, its ROIC trails WACC by 2.3%, signaling value destruction. EBIT margin weakness and steep profit declines threaten its market foothold, though targeted brand innovation may offer some upside.
Moat Strength: Brand Diversification vs. Cost Efficiency
Church & Dwight commands a wider, more durable moat with consistent value creation and margin stability. Edgewell’s shrinking profitability and negative ROIC trend leave it vulnerable. Church & Dwight is better positioned to defend and grow its market share long term.
Which stock offers better returns?
Both stocks exhibited significant price movements over the past year, with Church & Dwight showing a less severe decline and Edgewell suffering a steep drop, highlighting contrasting trading dynamics.
Trend Comparison
Church & Dwight’s stock declined 7.56% over the past year, marking a bearish trend with accelerating downside momentum and a high volatility of 7.84. The price ranged between 82.64 and 112.33.
Edgewell’s stock plunged 49.39% over the same period, confirming a strong bearish trend with accelerating losses and high volatility at 7.61. The price swung from 16.73 to 40.38.
Comparing recent price recovery, Church & Dwight’s 14.45% rise outpaces Edgewell’s 7.34%, indicating stronger short-term market performance for Church & Dwight.
Target Prices
Analysts present a clear target price consensus for Church & Dwight and Edgewell Personal Care.
| Company | Target Low | Target High | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | 82 | 102 | 96.25 |
| Edgewell Personal Care Company | 20 | 23 | 21.5 |
Church & Dwight’s target consensus matches its current price exactly, indicating a balanced market view. Edgewell’s target prices suggest upside potential from its current 19.46 USD share price.
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How do institutions grade them?
Here is a summary of the latest institutional grades for Church & Dwight Co., Inc. and Edgewell Personal Care Company:
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Grades
The following table shows recent grade actions from major financial institutions for Church & Dwight Co., Inc.:
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferies | Maintain | Buy | 2026-01-28 |
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2026-01-14 |
| TD Cowen | Maintain | Hold | 2026-01-08 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Overweight | 2026-01-05 |
| Raymond James | Upgrade | Outperform | 2026-01-05 |
| Jefferies | Upgrade | Buy | 2025-12-17 |
| Citigroup | Upgrade | Neutral | 2025-12-17 |
| Deutsche Bank | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-10 |
| Argus Research | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-04 |
| Barclays | Maintain | Underweight | 2025-11-04 |
Edgewell Personal Care Company Grades
The following table shows recent grade actions from major financial institutions for Edgewell Personal Care Company:
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Overweight | 2026-01-05 |
| Morgan Stanley | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-11-18 |
| Barclays | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-11-14 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Overweight | 2025-11-14 |
| RBC Capital | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-11-14 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Overweight | 2025-09-25 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Buy | 2025-08-06 |
| Morgan Stanley | Upgrade | Equal Weight | 2025-08-06 |
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-08-06 |
| Barclays | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-08-06 |
Which company has the best grades?
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. holds a stronger consensus with multiple Buy and Outperform ratings, including recent upgrades. Edgewell shows consistent Overweight and Equal Weight grades but fewer Buy-level endorsements. This suggests Church & Dwight may attract more positive investor sentiment.
Risks specific to each company
The following categories identify the critical pressure points and systemic threats facing both firms in the 2026 market environment:
1. Market & Competition
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
- Strong brand portfolio and stable market position in household products; faces premium valuation risks.
Edgewell Personal Care Company
- Weaker profitability and higher P/E ratio signal competitive pressure and margin challenges.
2. Capital Structure & Debt
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
- Moderate leverage with debt-to-assets at 24.7%; excellent interest coverage signals strong debt servicing capacity.
Edgewell Personal Care Company
- Higher leverage with debt-to-assets at 37.6%; low interest coverage of 1.32 raises financial risk concerns.
3. Stock Volatility
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
- Low beta (0.46) indicates defensive stock behavior and lower volatility relative to the market.
Edgewell Personal Care Company
- Slightly higher beta (0.62) suggests more sensitivity to market swings and investor sentiment.
4. Regulatory & Legal
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
- Operates in consumer products with moderate regulatory exposure; no major legal risks flagged.
Edgewell Personal Care Company
- Personal care segment faces stricter regulations; potential litigation risk in feminine care products.
5. Supply Chain & Operations
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
- Diversified distribution channels mitigate supply disruption risks; operational efficiency remains stable.
Edgewell Personal Care Company
- Dependence on global supply chains for raw materials could increase vulnerability amid geopolitical tensions.
6. ESG & Climate Transition
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
- Moderate ESG initiatives; potential risks from sustainability pressures in chemical-based products.
Edgewell Personal Care Company
- ESG compliance challenges in manufacturing and sourcing may affect reputation and cost structure.
7. Geopolitical Exposure
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
- Primarily US-focused with limited international risk; stable geopolitical exposure.
Edgewell Personal Care Company
- Greater international footprint exposes firm to currency fluctuations and trade policy risks.
Which company shows a better risk-adjusted profile?
Church & Dwight faces its most significant risk in valuation metrics, with elevated P/E and P/B ratios that may pressure returns. Edgewell’s critical risk lies in its capital structure, evidenced by weaker interest coverage and higher leverage. Overall, Church & Dwight offers a stronger risk-adjusted profile supported by a robust Altman Z-score of 3.93 versus Edgewell’s distress-zone score of 1.46. The stable debt servicing and lower volatility underline Church & Dwight’s superior financial resilience in 2026.
Final Verdict: Which stock to choose?
Church & Dwight stands out as a cash-generating powerhouse with a solid economic moat. Its ability to create value through efficient capital allocation supports stable profitability. The main point of vigilance is its slightly stretched valuation and tight liquidity, which could pressure flexibility. It suits portfolios aiming for steady, slightly conservative growth.
Edgewell Personal Care’s strategic moat lies in its niche market positioning and recurring revenue streams. It offers a safer liquidity profile than Church & Dwight but struggles with profitability and value creation. This makes it a plausible candidate for investors seeking turnaround potential or value plays at a discount.
If you prioritize consistent value creation and operational efficiency, Church & Dwight outshines with better profitability and a proven economic moat. However, if you seek a potentially undervalued name with a steadier liquidity buffer, Edgewell could offer better stability despite its current challenges. Both demand careful risk management given their distinct profiles.
Disclaimer: Investment carries a risk of loss of initial capital. The past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Be sure to understand risks before making an investment decision.
Go Further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Church & Dwight Co., Inc. and Edgewell Personal Care Company to enhance your investment decisions:
