Upside case
Bull case
$41+134.1%
KVUE would need investors to value it at roughly 36x earnings — about 21x more generous than today's 16x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Analysis OverviewHoldUpdated May 1, 2026
Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) Stock Analysis
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Analyst consensus
Hold
Covering
14
analysts
4 bullish · 0 bearish · 14 covering KVUE
Strong Buy
0
Buy
4
Hold
10
Sell
0
Strong Sell
0
Consensus Target
$18
+3.2% vs today
Scenario Range
— – $41
Model bear to bull value window
Coverage
14
Published analyst ratings
Valuation Context
15.5x
Forward P/E · Market cap $33.9B
KVUE price targets
Three scenarios for where KVUE stock could go
Current
~$18
Confidence
44 / 100
Updated
May 1, 2026
Where we are now
Current · $18
Base
$30
Bull
$41
Market caseClosest to today
Base case
$30+69.2%
At 26x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
Stress case
Bear case
—
The bear case reflects a scenario where earnings shortfalls or multiple compression combine to materially reduce the stock from its current level.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.
Kenvue Inc.
KVUE · NYSEConsumer DefensiveHousehold & Personal ProductsDecember year-end
Kenvue is a consumer health company that sells over-the-counter medications, skincare products, and essential health items through well-known brands like Tylenol, Neutrogena, and Band-Aid. It generates revenue primarily from three segments: Self Care (pain relief, allergy, digestive health), Skin Health and Beauty (skincare, haircare), and Essential Health (oral care, baby care, wound care) — each contributing roughly one-third of sales. The company's key advantage is its portfolio of trusted, household-name brands with decades of consumer loyalty and recognition.
Market Cap
$33.9B
Revenue TTM
$15.0B
Net Income TTM
$1.4B
Net Margin
9.5%
KVUE Revenue and Earnings Performance
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
EPS Beat Rate
83%Exceptional
12 quarters tracked
Revenue Beat Rate
58%Exceptional
vs consensus estimates
Avg EPS Surprise
+4.1%
above Street consensus
Beat / Miss Record
BeatMissLeft = EPS · Right = Revenue
Q2 2025
Q3 2025
Q4 2025
Q1 2026
Last 4 Quarters
EPS beats: 4 of 4Q2 2025
EPS
$0.24/$0.23
Revenue
$3.7B/$3.7B
Q3 2025
EPS
$0.29/$0.28
Revenue
$3.8B/$3.9B
Q4 2025
EPS
$0.28/$0.26
Revenue
$3.8B/$3.8B
Q1 2026
EPS
$0.27/$0.22
Revenue
$3.8B/$3.7B
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2025 | $0.24/$0.23 | +5.5% | $3.7B/$3.7B | +1.7% |
| Q3 2025 | $0.29/$0.28 | +2.9% | $3.8B/$3.9B | -0.4% |
| Q4 2025 | $0.28/$0.26 | +7.6% | $3.8B/$3.8B | -1.5% |
| Q1 2026 | $0.27/$0.22 | +21.2% | $3.8B/$3.7B | +2.6% |
FY1–FY2 Estimates
Revenue Outlook
FY1
$15.2B
+1.3% YoY
FY2
$15.3B
+0.7% YoY
EPS Outlook
FY1
$0.89
+19.5% YoY
FY2
$0.91
+2.6% YoY
Trailing FCF (TTM)$1.6B
FCF Margin: 10.9%
Next Earnings
May 7, 2026
Expected EPS
$0.27
Expected Revenue
$3.8B
KVUE beat EPS estimates in 4 of 4 tracked quarters. A perfect track record raises the bar for the upcoming report.
KVUE Revenue Breakdown by Segment
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest disclosure
FY 2024
Total disclosed revenue $15.5B
Product Mix
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
Self Care
42.2%
+1.2% YoY
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Geographic Mix
Latest annual revenue by reported region
North America
49.0%
-0.4% YoY
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Self Care is the largest disclosed segment at 42.2% of FY 2024 revenue, up 1.2% YoY.
North America is the largest reported region at 49.0%, down 0.4% YoY.
KVUE Valuation Snapshot
Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Relative Value Signal
Fairly Valued
Fair value est. $17 — implies -4.8% from today's price.
Premium to Fair Value
4.8%
above fair value
Deep DiscountFair ValueVery Expensive
vs S&P 500 Trailing P/E
KVUE
32.7x
vs
S&P 500
25.2x
+30% premium
vs Consumer Defensive Trailing P/E
KVUE
32.7x
vs
Consumer Defensive
19.6x
+67% premium
vs KVUE 5Y Avg P/E
Today
32.7x
vs
5Y Average
32.3x
In line with benchmark
Forward PE
15.5x
S&P 500
19.1x
-18%
Consumer Defensive
14.6x
+6%
5Y Avg
—
—
Trailing PE
32.7x
S&P 500
25.2x
+30%
Consumer Defensive
19.6x
+67%
5Y Avg
32.3x
+1%
PEG Ratio
—
S&P 500
1.75x
—
Consumer Defensive
1.85x
—
5Y Avg
—
—
EV/EBITDA
16.9x
S&P 500
15.3x
+11%
Consumer Defensive
11.4x
+47%
5Y Avg
17.6x
-4%
Price/FCF
25.4x
S&P 500
21.3x
+19%
Consumer Defensive
15.7x
+61%
5Y Avg
23.1x
+10%
Price/Sales
2.2x
S&P 500
3.1x
-30%
Consumer Defensive
0.8x
+159%
5Y Avg
2.7x
-18%
Dividend Yield
4.56%
S&P 500
1.88%
+143%
Consumer Defensive
2.73%
+67%
5Y Avg
3.75%
+22%
| Metric | KVUE | S&P 500 | Consumer Defensive | 5Y Avg KVUE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 15.5x | 19.1x-18% | 14.6x | — |
| Trailing PE | 32.7x | 25.2x+30% | 19.6x+67% | 32.3x |
| PEG Ratio | — | 1.75x | 1.85x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 16.9x | 15.3x+11% | 11.4x+47% | 17.6x |
| Price/FCF | 25.4x | 21.3x+19% | 15.7x+61% | 23.1x |
| Price/Sales | 2.2x | 3.1x-30% | 0.8x+159% | 2.7x-18% |
| Dividend Yield | 4.56% | 1.88% | 2.73% | 3.75% |
KVUE trades above S&P 500 benchmarks on 3 of 5 measured multiples — is elevated on some multiples, but competitive on others — a mixed valuation picture.
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolKVUE Financial Health
Verdict
Strong
KVUE generates $1.6B in free cash flow at a 10.9% margin — returns 5.3% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Cash Engine
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
Revenue (TTM)
Trailing-twelve-month sales base
$15.0B
Revenue Growth
TTM vs prior year
-2.9%
Gross Margin
Gross profit as a share of revenue
58.1%
Operating Margin
Operating income divided by revenue
15.7%
Net Margin
Net income divided by revenue
9.5%
EPS (TTM)
Diluted earnings per share, trailing twelve months
$0.75
Free Cash Flow (TTM)
Cash generation after capex
$1.6B
FCF Margin
FCF as share of revenue — the primary cash quality signal
10.9%
Capital Quality
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
ROIC
Return on invested capital — primary competitive quality signal
7.8%
ROA
Return on assets, trailing twelve months
5.3%
Cash & Equivalents
Liquid assets on the balance sheet
$1.1B
Net Debt
Total debt minus cash
$7.6B
Debt Serviceability
Net debt as a multiple of annual free cash flow
4.7× FCF
~4.7 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
ROE
Return on equity, trailing twelve months
13.5%
Shareholder Returns
How capital is returned to owners
Total shareholder yield
5.3%
Dividend
4.6%
Buyback
0.7%
Share Repurchases
Trailing buyback outflow — dollar magnitude of capital returned
$235M
Dividend / Share
Annualized trailing dividend per share
$0.81
Payout Ratio
Share of earnings distributed as dividends
150.7%
Shares Outstanding
Declining as buybacks retire shares
1.9B
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt).
Open full ratios pageKVUE Stock Risk Factors
Key factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
High Risk
Litigation & Liability Risk
Kenvue faces more than 500 lawsuits alleging Tylenol caused autism and ADHD, plus ongoing talc litigation over alleged asbestos contamination in baby powder. These legal challenges could result in significant financial penalties, settlements, or reputational damage, potentially impacting earnings and cash flow. The cumulative exposure heightens uncertainty around future profitability.
Medium
Market Volatility & Transaction Risk
The stock has exhibited high volatility, partly driven by market reactions to the proposed acquisition of Kenvue by Kimberly-Clark and broader market swings. Significant price swings can occur around such events, affecting shareholder value and liquidity. Investors may experience rapid price adjustments unrelated to fundamentals.
Medium
Regulatory & Compliance Risk
Kenvue operates in the consumer health space, subject to ongoing regulatory scrutiny of its products. Changes in FDA regulations or enforcement actions could impose costly compliance measures or product recalls, affecting sales and margins. Regulatory uncertainty adds to earnings volatility.
Medium
Financial & Operational Challenges
The Skin Health and Beauty segment, including Neutrogena, has seen sales declines and distribution issues, while gross margins have been pressured by cost inflation and strategic investments. Although adjusted operating margins remain durable, continued margin erosion could strain profitability. These operational headwinds may limit growth prospects.
Lower
Competitive & Growth Constraints
Kenvue faces competition from private labels and operates in mature markets with limited organic growth potential. Intense price competition and market saturation could suppress sales growth and margin expansion. The company may need to rely on acquisitions or new product launches to sustain growth.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Why KVUE Stock Could Outperform
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
Strong Brand Portfolio
Kenvue’s consumer health business is anchored by well‑known brands such as Tylenol, Band‑Aid and Neutrogena, providing a defensive characteristic and market resilience.
Q4 2025 Earnings Beat
The company reported Q4 2025 EPS of $0.27, beating analysts’ $0.22 expectation by 22.73%. Net sales rose 3.2% YoY, driven by organic growth and a foreign‑currency benefit, while maintaining a healthy net profit margin.
Emerging Market Growth Potential
Kenvue is expanding into emerging markets where demand for health products is rising, offering a path for future revenue growth and a potential turnaround through improved marketing and management.
Dividend Yield Appeal
Kenvue offers an attractive dividend yield of around 4.8%, appealing to income‑focused investors.
Activist Investor Catalyst
Activist investor Starboard Value has shown interest, indicating potential for operational improvements and a turnaround.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
KVUE Stock Price Performance
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Current Price
$17.68
52W Range Position
33%
52-Week Range
Current price plotted between the 52-week low and high.
52-Week Low
$14.02
+26.1% from the low
52-Week High
$25.17
-29.8% from the high
1 Month
+2.20%
3 Month
-2.48%
YTD
+2.1%
1 Year
-25.0%
3Y CAGR
-12.6%
5Y CAGR
-8.1%
10Y CAGR
-4.1%
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
KVUE vs Peers
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
Peer Set
Accurate peer set
Forward PE
15.5x
vs 23.1x median
-33% below peer median
Revenue Growth
+1.3%
vs +0.9% median
+52% above peer median
Net Margin
9.5%
vs 10.5% median
-9% below peer median
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KVU KVUE Kenvue Inc. | $33.9B | 15.5x | +1.3% | 9.5% | Hold | +3.2% |
PG PG The Procter & Gamble Company | $345.7B | 21.4x | +0.9% | 14.7% | Buy | +9.4% |
CL CL Colgate-Palmolive Company | $70.7B | 23.1x | +3.5% | 10.5% | Hold | +6.3% |
CHD CHD Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | $22.5B | 25.3x | +1.5% | 11.8% | Buy | +4.9% |
EL EL The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. | $31.3B | 39.0x | -3.0% | -1.7% | Hold | +23.1% |
PRG PRGO Perrigo Company plc | $1.7B | 5.8x | -1.9% | -43.5% | Hold | +63.1% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
KVUE Dividend and Capital Return
KVUE returns 5.3% total yield, led by a 4.56% dividend. Buybacks add another 0.7%.
Dividend SustainableFCF Stretched
Total Shareholder Yield
5.3%
Dividend + buyback return per year
Buyback Yield
0.7%
Dividend Yield
4.56%
Payout Ratio
1.5%
How KVUE Splits Its Return
Div 4.56%
Dividend 4.56%Buybacks 0.7%
Dividend Profile
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
Dividend / Share
Trailing annualized cash dividend
$0.81
Growth Streak
Consecutive years of dividend increases
2Y
3Y Div CAGR
—
5Y Div CAGR
—
Ex-Dividend Date
—
Payment Cadence
Quarterly
4 payments over the last 12 months
Buyback Engine
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
Repurchases (TTM)
Cash used for buybacks in the latest trailing period
$235M
Estimated Shares Retired
13M
Approx. Share Reduction
0.7%
Shares Outstanding
Current diluted share count from the screening snapshot
1.9B
At 0.7%/year, buybacks mechanically lift EPS even with flat earnings — each remaining share represents a slightly larger piece of the company.
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $0.21 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $0.82 | +1.9% | — | — |
| 2024 | $0.81 | +102.5% | 0.6% | 4.3% |
| 2023 | $0.40 | — | 0.0% | 35.3% |
FAQ
7 questionsKVUE Investor Questions
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
01Is Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) stock a buy or sell in 2026?
Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) is rated Hold by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 14 analysts covering the stock, 4 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 10 rate it Hold, and 0 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $18, implying +3.2% from the current price of $18.
02What is the KVUE stock price target for 2026?
The Wall Street consensus price target for KVUE is $18 based on 14 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $19 (+7.5% from today), and the low-end target is $18 (+1.8%). The base case model target is $30.
03Is Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) stock overvalued in 2026?
KVUE trades at 15.5x times forward earnings. The stock trades at a notable premium to the broad market, which is typical for businesses with strong free cash flow and above-average growth expectations. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals fairly valued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
04What are the main risks for Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) stock in 2026?
The primary risks for KVUE in 2026 are: (1) Litigation & Liability Risk — Kenvue faces more than 500 lawsuits alleging Tylenol caused autism and ADHD, plus ongoing talc litigation over alleged asbestos contamination in baby powder. (2) Market Volatility & Transaction Risk — The stock has exhibited high volatility, partly driven by market reactions to the proposed acquisition of Kenvue by Kimberly-Clark and broader market swings. (3) Regulatory & Compliance Risk — Kenvue operates in the consumer health space, subject to ongoing regulatory scrutiny of its products. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
05What is Kenvue Inc.'s revenue and earnings forecast?
Analyst consensus estimates KVUE will report consensus revenue of $15.2B (+1.3% year-over-year) and EPS of $0.89 (+19.5% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $15.3B in revenue.
06When does Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) report its next earnings?
Kenvue Inc. is expected to report its next earnings on approximately 2026-05-07. Consensus expects EPS of $0.27 and revenue of $3.8B. Over recent quarters, KVUE has beaten EPS estimates 83% of the time.
07How much free cash flow does Kenvue Inc. generate?
Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) generated $1.6B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 10.9%. KVUE returns capital to shareholders through dividends (4.6% yield) and share repurchases ($235M TTM).