The common-size income statement analysis reveals a period of fluctuating profitability characterized by a significant compression of gross margins in 2022, followed by a recovery and subsequent stabilization through 2026. Net earnings attributable to common shareholders have historically varied between approximately 14% and 22% of net sales, reflecting sensitivity to input costs and operating expenditures.
Gross Profitability and Cost Management
Cost of products sold exhibited a notable upward trend peaking in June 2022 at 55.35% of net sales, which resulted in a corresponding trough in gross profit at 44.65%. Following this period, cost of products sold generally moderated, returning to a range between 47% and 51% from late 2023 through 2026. This suggests a period of significant inflationary pressure or supply chain disruption in 2022 that was later mitigated through pricing actions or cost efficiencies.
Operating Expense Trends
Selling, general and administrative expenses remained volatile, typically fluctuating between 23% and 31% of net sales. A peak in these expenses occurred in June 2024 at 30.68%. Operating income margins were heavily influenced by these fluctuations, ranging from a high of 27.34% in September 2020 to a low of 18.44% in June 2022. A non-recurring impairment charge of 6.26% was recorded in December 2023, which temporarily suppressed operating results for that quarter.
Non-Operating Items and Financial Costs
Interest expenses as a percentage of net sales showed a gradual increase over the observed period, rising from approximately 0.70% in 2020 to fluctuate around 1.0% to 1.1% in the later years. This increase was partially offset by a rise in interest income, which grew from 0.05% in 2020 to peak at 0.62% in September 2024. Other non-operating income remained relatively stable, though a notable negative swing to -2.55% occurred in September 2024.
Net Profitability
The bottom-line margin for common shareholders mirrored the volatility of the gross and operating margins. Net earnings attributable to P&G common shareholders reached a high of 21.80% in September 2020 and a low of 14.01% in June 2026. The data indicates a cyclical pattern where profitability recovers strongly after periods of margin compression, though the most recent data points suggest a stabilization of net margins around the 18% to 20% range.