BUZZ - Broker Opinion: Procter & Gamble Indicates Cost Pressure Will Not Hinder Growth

October 23 - ** Procter & Gamble (PG.N) warned on Thursday that although demand for its beauty and home care products remained strong and boosted first-quarter sales, (link) rising raw materials, energy, and freight costs would have a greater impact on annual profits

** According to LSEG data, 27 analysts have an average rating of "Buy" on the stock, with a median target price of $167.5

Cost pressure intensifies, industry moves forward

** Morgan Stanley (rated "Overweight", target price: $185) said that in a challenging household and personal care market environment, Procter & Gamble has a favorable position thanks to stronger-than-expected earnings and continuously improving sales growth

** Evercore ISI ("Outperform", target price: $180) stated, "There's still work to do, which is exactly why the current positioning is attractive, as Procter & Gamble continues to drive 'intervention' measures and reshape market share"

** JPMorgan ("Overweight", target price: $180) pointed out that persistently rising costs may lead to price increases in certain categories, in which competitors and private labels have already passed the costs on to consumers

** Jefferies ("Buy", target price: $188) noted that the financial report highlights the company's strengths; although rising commodity costs could slow profit growth, they will not hinder the process of increasing market share

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