How did CHD's Q4 earnings surprise impact its annual performance?

**Church & Dwight's (CHD) Q4 earnings surprise had a positive impact on its annual performance**, as evidenced by several key metrics and indicators: 1. **Net Sales Growth**: CHD reported a net sales increase of 4.1% for the full year 2024, reaching $6,107.1 million. This growth was driven by stronger-than-expected sales across its domestic and international markets, with organic sales growing by 4.6%. 2. **Organic Sales Contribution**: The company's organic sales, which exclude the impact of acquisitions and foreign exchange, contributed significantly to the overall growth. Organic sales increased by 4.2% domestically and by 9.6% internationally, with the Specialty Products Division also showing strong growth at 10.3%. 3. **Gross Margin Improvement**: CHD achieved an increase of 110 basis points in its adjusted gross margin, reflecting improved operational efficiency and pricing power. 4. **Earnings Per Share (EPS) Growth**: The company reported EPS of $0.76 for Q4, with an adjusted EPS of $0.77, and a full-year EPS of $2.37, with an adjusted EPS of $3.44. This indicates that the company's core business performance was robust, further bolstered by effective cost management. 5. **Cash Flow Generation**: CHD generated over $1.1 billion in cash from operations in 2024, a testament to its strong financial performance and ability to generate cash to support future growth initiatives. In conclusion, CHD's Q4 earnings surprise, characterized by strong net sales growth, robust organic sales expansion, and improved gross margins, collectively contributed to a solid annual performance in 2024. The company's focus on execution, brand strength, and new product success has positioned it well for continued growth in 2025.