Delivers strong margin expansion and adjusted EPS growth for FY25 despite challenging environment in the second half of the fiscal year OAKLAND, Calif., July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) today reported results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025, which ended June 30, 2025.Fourth-Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 SummaryThe following is a summary of key fourth-quarter results, which reflect the temporary benefit from incremental shipments related to building retailer inventory in ad ...

Core Insights - The stock market in 2025 has experienced significant volatility, with major indexes facing steep sell-offs followed by rapid recoveries [1] Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Investors are increasingly seeking dividend stocks as a means to generate passive income, especially in a volatile market [2] - Dividend stocks are particularly appealing to risk-averse investors and those looking to balance their portfolios [2] Group 2: Devon Energy - Devon Energy is highlighted as a reliable dividend stock, with a current dividend of $0.96 per share, yielding over 3% [6] - The company's breakeven funding level is $45 per barrel of oil, indicating the minimum price needed to sustain operations and dividends [6] - With oil priced at $63 per barrel, Devon could potentially increase dividends or buy back shares, projecting $2.6 billion in free cash flow at $60 per barrel, equating to 12.9% of its market capitalization [7] Group 3: Brookfield Infrastructure - Brookfield Infrastructure offers a forward dividend yield of 5.2% and is currently trading at a discount to its historical valuation, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors [8][13] - The company has demonstrated a 14% compound annual growth rate in funds from operations over the past 15 years, indicating strong operational performance [12] - Brookfield Infrastructure generates sufficient funds from operations to cover its dividend payments, reinforcing its appeal for passive income [10] Group 4: Clorox - Clorox has faced challenges but is positioned as a high-yield dividend stock with a yield of 3.8% and a history of 48 consecutive years of dividend increases [17] - The company is expected to see cost benefits from its enterprise resource planning system starting in 2026, which may improve its financial performance [15] - Clorox has achieved 10 consecutive quarters of gross margin expansion, indicating improved cost management despite sales challenges [16]

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]