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OAKLAND - Clorox Co . (NYSE:CLX) reported lower-than-expected third quarter earnings and revenue on Monday, sending shares down 2.8% in after-hours trading as the consumer products giant continues to face challenges from a volatile economic environment.
The maker of cleaning products and household goods posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.45 for the quarter ended March 31, missing analyst estimates of $1.57. Revenue fell 8% YoY to $1.67 billion, below the $1.73 billion consensus forecast.
Clorox attributed the weak results to "heightened macroeconomic uncertainties" that drove changes in consumer shopping behaviors, leading to temporary category slowdowns. Organic sales, which exclude the impact of divestitures and currency effects, declined 2% in the quarter.
"In the third quarter, heightened macroeconomic uncertainties drove changes in shopping behaviors, resulting in temporary category slowdowns and lower sales," said Chair and CEO Linda Rendle. "We expect these slowdowns to persist in the fourth quarter, as reflected in our updated outlook."
Despite the sales decline, Clorox said it maintained overall market share and delivered its 10th consecutive quarter of gross margin expansion. Gross margin increased 240 basis points to 44.6%.
For fiscal 2025, Clorox now expects adjusted EPS of $6.95 to $7.35, compared to its previous guidance of $6.95 to $7.35. The company lowered its full-year organic sales growth forecast to 4-5% from 5-6% previously.
The updated outlook reflects recent changes in the macroeconomic environment as well as the estimated impact from incremental shipments related to Clorox’s ERP system transition.
While facing near-term headwinds, Rendle expressed confidence in the company’s ability to navigate challenges, stating: "I am confident in our ability to navigate the short-term given our strong brands and capabilities, while we continue to advance our long-term IGNITE strategy."
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