Procter & Gamble Stock Price, News & Analysis

The EPA has approved Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray as effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The product was tested under strict EPA guidelines, proving it can kill the virus within 60 seconds. Alongside its initial effectiveness, Microban 24 offers continued protection against 99.9% of bacteria and viruses for up to 24 hours. Launched in February, it aims to enhance sanitization in homes, especially during flu season. The approval reinforces its position on the EPA's List N for products effective against tougher viruses.

Secret® Deodorant has pledged $1 million to the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), marking the largest corporate investment in women’s professional hockey in North America. This commitment addresses the disparities faced by female athletes exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will support the Secret® Dream Gap Tour, featuring top players competing for cash prizes and promoting visibility for women’s hockey. The initiative aims to create equitable opportunities in sports for women while advocating for a sustainable professional league.

Oral-B has launched an initiative to enhance oral health in the U.S. by promoting its new electric toothbrush, Oral-B iO, while providing $1 million in dental care products to high-risk individuals through the Dental Lifeline Network. The program includes partnerships with dentists nationwide and notable personalities to raise awareness of oral health. The Oral-B iO, developed over six years, has received the ADA seal of approval, aiming to offer users a professional-clean feel at home. Special promotions for the toothbrush are available through the end of October.

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) reported a strong first quarter for fiscal year 2021, with net sales of $19.3 billion, up 9% year-over-year. Diluted net earnings per share increased 20% to $1.63. Organic sales growth also reached 9%, driven by volume and pricing increases across various segments. The company returned $4 billion to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases. P&G has raised its fiscal 2021 sales growth outlook to 3-4% and core EPS growth to 5-8%.

Procter & Gamble's Safeguard soap brand and Instructure have partnered to promote handwashing education in schools nationwide, coinciding with Global Handwashing Day. The initiative features lesson plans, digital activity books, and videos aimed at teaching elementary students proper handwashing techniques in accordance with CDC guidelines. This collaboration follows Safeguard's $10 million donation towards hygiene education and supplies for underserved communities. The resources will be accessible through the Canvas Learning Management System and are designed to instill lifelong hand hygiene habits in children.

Pampers has launched the Bright Beginnings Reading initiative to promote literacy for children under three. Research indicates early reading boosts vocabulary and cognitive skills, yet 45% of parents think reading should start at age two. In collaboration with Scholastic, Pampers aims to distribute 300,000 books in communities with low kindergarten readiness, specifically targeting Detroit, Laredo, and Jacksonville. The initiative also partners with hospitals and the March of Dimes to provide resources and raise awareness about the significance of early reading for child development.

Febreze launched the campaign "Say Up to Your Pup" on February 14, inviting dog owners to let their pets on furniture without worrying about odors. Febreze Fabric Refresher helps eliminate dog smells, making it easier for owners to cuddle with their pets. Partnering with Karamo from Queer Eye and North Shore Animal League America, Febreze will donate $25 for every social media post using #SayUpWithFebreze, up to $25,000, to support dog adoption. Febreze Fabric Refresher is available for $4.49, enhancing home cleanliness and comfort for pet owners.

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) has initiated a debt tender offer to acquire up to $1.5 billion in cash for specific debt securities. The tender offer includes various debentures and notes, with different acceptance priority levels and early tender premiums. The offer will expire on November 9, 2020, unless extended. Notably, tendered securities before the early deadline will receive an early tender premium, while those submitted later will not. The offer is contingent on financing conditions. Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, and Goldman Sachs act as dealer managers.

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.7907 per share on both Common Stock and Series A/B ESOP Convertible Class A Preferred Stock. The dividend will be payable on or after November 16, 2020, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 23, 2020. P&G has maintained its dividend for 130 years and has increased it for 64 consecutive years, showcasing the company’s stability and commitment to returning value to shareholders.