Quick verdict: CHD vs KMB in 2026

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) generally holds the overall edge in this comparison, securing wins in more key metrics according to our analysis. CHD stands out as the growth leader with positive revenue expansion, while Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) presents a more attractive valuation for value investors and superior net margins. Analysts also favor CHD, indicating higher price target upside for the stock. Not investment advice.

CHD vs KMB: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of CHD and KMB across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-05-07.

CHD vs KMB valuation comparison

When considering a CHD vs KMB valuation, Kimberly-Clark (KMB) appears significantly more attractive based on its trailing Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio. KMB trades at 15.44x earnings, a substantial discount compared to CHD’s P/E of 30.17x. This suggests that the market currently values KMB’s earnings more conservatively, potentially offering a better entry point for value-oriented investors seeking a lower multiple in the consumer defensive sector. However, the Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio paints a different picture, with CHD at a lower 5.28x compared to KMB’s much higher 18.22x, indicating CHD’s assets are valued less aggressively relative to its market capitalization.

Furthermore, the discounted cash flow (DCF) models provide an interesting perspective on the intrinsic value. KMB’s DCF suggests an impressive upside of +81.4% from its current price, indicating it could be significantly undervalued by this metric. In contrast, CHD’s DCF also points to a healthy upside of +51.9%. While both companies show potential for price appreciation based on their DCF, KMB clearly leads in this regard, suggesting greater intrinsic value discount relative to its current share price. For investors focusing on fundamental value, KMB’s lower P/E and higher DCF upside make a compelling case in the chd vs kmb fundamentals and valuation debate for 2026.

CHD vs KMB growth comparison

In the CHD vs KMB growth comparison, Church & Dwight (CHD) demonstrates stronger top-line momentum, reporting a positive revenue growth of +1.6% year-over-year. This indicates a consistent ability to expand its sales base in a competitive consumer market. On the other hand, Kimberly-Clark (KMB) faced a notable decline in revenue, with growth recorded at -14.2% over the last twelve months. This sharp contraction raises questions about KMB’s recent market performance and its ability to adapt to current economic or consumer trends, suggesting a challenging period for the larger company.

Despite KMB’s revenue decline, it’s essential to look at the efficiency of revenue generation. CHD maintains a robust EBITDA margin of 20.62%, outperforming KMB’s 18.52%, suggesting better operational efficiency at the gross profit level. However, KMB slightly edges out CHD in net margin at 12.81% versus 11.81%, indicating superior profitability after all expenses are accounted for. This highlights that while CHD is growing revenue, KMB is more effective at converting sales into net income, even with its recent revenue struggles. Investors evaluating should i buy chd or kmb stock 2026 for growth potential would find CHD’s positive revenue trend more appealing, though KMB’s net margin efficiency should not be overlooked.

CHD vs KMB profitability

Examining CHD vs KMB profitability reveals distinct strengths. Kimberly-Clark (KMB) exhibits a slightly higher net margin of 12.81% compared to Church & Dwight’s (CHD) 11.81%. This indicates that KMB is marginally more efficient at converting its revenue into actual profit for shareholders after all operational costs, interest, and taxes are considered. While the difference appears small, it can be significant over a larger revenue base. Conversely, CHD showcases a superior EBITDA margin of 20.62% against KMB’s 18.52%, suggesting that CHD is more efficient at managing its core operating expenses before accounting for depreciation, amortization, interest, and taxes.

When it comes to generating cash, Kimberly-Clark (KMB) stands out with a significantly higher Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield of 7.88%, demonstrating a stronger ability to generate cash from its operations relative to its market capitalization. Church & Dwight (CHD) has an FCF yield of 4.82%, which is respectable but trails KMB’s performance. The FCF yield is a crucial metric for investors as it indicates a company’s capacity to pay dividends, reduce debt, or reinvest in its business. Both companies report N/A% for Return on Equity (ROE), preventing a direct comparison on this specific metric. Overall, while CHD excels in operational efficiency (EBITDA margin), KMB demonstrates a stronger ability to convert sales into net profit and generate substantial free cash flow, making it a robust contender in the chd vs kmb fundamentals and valuation comparison.

Analyst ratings: CHD vs KMB

In the realm of analyst sentiment, Church & Dwight (CHD) garners a more favorable outlook compared to Kimberly-Clark (KMB). Of the 34 analysts covering CHD, a significant 52.9% currently recommend a “Buy” rating, aligning with a strong consensus of “Buy.” Their collective price target for CHD is $103.8, suggesting an attractive upside potential of +11.0% from its current price of $93.51. This positive sentiment highlights analysts’ confidence in CHD’s future performance and growth prospects, making it a preferred choice among market observers.

Conversely, Kimberly-Clark (KMB) receives a more cautious assessment from analysts. With 31 analysts providing coverage, only 32.3% have a “Buy” rating, resulting in an overall “Hold” consensus. The average target price for KMB is $103.75, which translates to a more modest upside of +5.5% from its current price of $98.3823. This indicates that while analysts don’t foresee significant downside for KMB, their expectations for substantial appreciation are tempered. Therefore, in the ongoing discussion of should i buy chd or kmb stock 2026, analysts clearly prefer CHD for its perceived stronger potential for upward movement and general market sentiment.

Should I buy CHD or KMB stock in 2026?

For growth-oriented investors considering whether to buy CHD or KMB stock in 2026, Church & Dwight (CHD) presents a more compelling case. With a positive revenue growth of +1.6% year-over-year, CHD demonstrates an ability to expand its top line, unlike Kimberly-Clark (KMB) which experienced a -14.2% decline. CHD also boasts a higher EBITDA margin of 20.62%, indicating strong operational efficiency. While its P/E ratio is higher at 30.17x, suggesting the market expects continued growth, this aligns with a growth investment strategy.

Value investors, however, might find Kimberly-Clark (KMB) more attractive. KMB trades at a significantly lower P/E ratio of 15.44x compared to CHD’s 30.17x, pointing to a more favorable valuation relative to its earnings. Furthermore, KMB’s discounted cash flow (DCF) model suggests a substantial upside of +81.4%, indicating it could be deeply undervalued. This positions KMB as a potential candidate for those looking for a bargain in the consumer defensive sector, despite its recent revenue challenges. The lower P/E ratio and higher DCF upside offer a strong argument for KMB in the chd vs kmb fundamentals and valuation discussion for value plays.

For income-focused investors, Kimberly-Clark (KMB) offers a slightly higher dividend yield of 0.05% compared to Church & Dwight’s (CHD) 0.01%. While neither company provides a high yield typically sought by pure income investors, KMB’s dividend is five times that of CHD, giving it an edge for those prioritizing even modest income. Additionally, KMB’s higher Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield of 7.88% (versus CHD’s 4.82%) suggests a stronger capacity to sustain or potentially grow its dividend over time. Ultimately, the choice between CHD and KMB depends on individual investment objectives: growth and analyst favor lean towards CHD, while value and modest income favor KMB. This is not investment advice; always conduct your own thorough research.

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FAQ: CHD vs KMB