Argus Downgrades P&G Stock Rating Amid Slower Growth Outlook

Investing.com - Argus has downgraded its rating of Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) from Buy to Hold, citing underperformance and a slower growth outlook. The company's shares rose 2% over the past quarter, but this gain trailed behind the S&P 500's 6% advance and the 4% rise in the Consumer Staples sector ETF IYK.

Procter & Gamble reported its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, posting a profit of $1.43 per share that narrowly beat Wall Street's estimate of $1.42. However, the company's revenue for the quarter came in at $21.2 billion, falling short of the expected $21.42 billion.

Argus noted that core operating margin has trended lower for the last three quarters and that macroeconomic pressures and geopolitical tensions support the Hold rating given the slow-growth outlook. The company is currently dealing with challenges such as inflation, volatile markets, and geopolitical pressures.