Church and Dwight could ride out the recession

Church and Dwight might be able to ride out the recession, it has been claimed.

In the last year, the company had one of the best-performing stocks in its field, commented Barron’s.

While other firms’ valuations have reduced, the business has held onto how much it is worth, it added.

It has been difficult for investors to choose which companies within the sector are safe to back and the news agency cited a number of reasons for this.

The volatile exchange rates and increased promotional activities from competitors have all been factors making the market vulnerable.

However, “investors have been willing to continue to ride the Church and Dwight story”, Barron concluded.

Last month, the firm released its 2008 full year financial results.

It revealed sales increased by 9.1 per cent and earnings increased by 13 per cent.

Chairman and chief executive officer of the company James R Craigie asserted he is “very proud” of the achieved results.

“We delivered solid organic sales growth, increased gross margin and generated record free cash flow,” he commented.