Clorox Q1 Earnings Preview: Can It Beat Estimates Amid Headwinds?

Core Viewpoint - Clorox Company (CLX) is expected to report significant year-over-year declines in both revenue and earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, primarily due to ERP-related disruptions and macroeconomic challenges [1][3][5]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal first-quarter revenues is $1.39 billion, reflecting a 21.2% decline from the previous year [2][9]. - The consensus estimate for earnings per share (EPS) has decreased to 78 cents, indicating a 58.1% drop compared to the same quarter last year [2][9]. Operational Challenges - Clorox is facing a challenging start to fiscal 2026, with significant headwinds from ERP-related disruptions and a reduction in retailer inventory built up in late fiscal 2025 [3][4]. - The company anticipates that these ERP transition effects will account for a 14-15 point decline in sales and 200 basis points of margin pressure in the first quarter [4][6]. Margin and Profitability Outlook - Gross margin is projected to be between 41% and 42%, which is below historical levels, primarily due to 200 basis points of pressure from the ERP transition and an additional 100 basis points from storm-related damages [7][9]. - Adjusted operating profit is expected to decline by 50.1% year over year to $165.5 million, with an adjusted operating margin contracting to 11.8% [9]. Market Environment - Clorox operates in a challenging macroeconomic environment, facing increased advertising expenses and stiff competition in the consumer goods sector, which pressures market share and operational performance [8][9]. - The company is also dealing with early impacts of tariffs and elevated selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) costs [8]. Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about a recovery in the second half of the year as consumption stabilizes and ERP-related effects diminish [5][9]. - Clorox is nearing completion of a multi-year digital transformation, which is expected to enhance supply-chain responsiveness and operational efficiency [12][13].