Clorox Reports Q3 Fiscal Year 2025 Results, Updates Outlook

Core Insights - The Clorox Company reported lower-than-expected sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, with net sales decreasing by 8% to $1.67 billion, primarily due to divestitures and a challenging consumer environment [1][5][3] - Despite the sales decline, the company maintained overall market shares and achieved its tenth consecutive quarter of gross margin expansion, increasing gross margin by 240 basis points to 44.6% [1][5][6] - The company expects continued organic sales growth and strong earnings growth for the fiscal year, despite macroeconomic uncertainties impacting shopping behaviors [3][8] Financial Performance - Net sales decreased 8% to $1.67 billion, with organic sales down 2% due to unfavorable price mix and flat organic volume [5][6] - Diluted EPS increased 466% to $1.50 from a loss of $0.41 in the prior year, influenced by the lapping of losses from divestitures and cyberattack insurance recoveries [5][6] - Adjusted EPS decreased 15% to $1.45 from $1.71, primarily due to lower net sales, partially offset by higher gross margin [5][6] Strategic and Operational Highlights - The company maintained market shares despite complex geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions and continued to invest in product innovations [6][3] - Clorox achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status across all global manufacturing plants where infrastructure allows [6] - The company introduced several new products, including Burt's Bees Boosted Tinted Balm and Clorox Scentiva ToiletWand Refills, to meet consumer needs [6] Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook - The company updated its fiscal year 2025 outlook, expecting net sales to be down 1% to flat, with organic sales growth projected at 4% to 5% [9][13] - Diluted EPS is expected to range between $5.73 and $6.13, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 155% to 172% [10][13] - The outlook includes anticipated benefits from incremental shipments related to the company's ERP transition, expected to contribute 2% to 3% to organic sales growth [9][13]