Clorox Reports Q2 Fiscal Year 2023 Results, Updates Outlook
The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) reported second-quarter fiscal 2023 results with net sales of $1.72 billion, a 1% increase compared to the previous year. Gross margin rose to 36.2%, up 320 basis points, aided by pricing and cost savings. Diluted EPS increased 43% to 80 cents, with adjusted EPS up 48% to 98 cents. Organic sales grew by 4%, while net cash provided by operations reached $387 million, a 74% increase. Clorox revised its fiscal 2023 outlook, anticipating net sales between a 2% decrease and a 1% increase. The company emphasized ongoing strategic investments and maintaining brand relevance amid macroeconomic challenges.
- Net sales increased 1% to $1.72 billion compared to a decline in the prior year.
- Diluted EPS rose 43% to 80 cents, and adjusted EPS increased 48% to 98 cents.
- Organic sales growth of 4% indicates strong performance.
- Year-to-date net cash provided by operations increased 74% to $387 million.
- Gross margin improvement of 320 basis points to 36.2%.
- Volume decrease impacted net sales growth despite favorable price mix.
- International segment net sales decreased 3%, affected by lower volume and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.
- Full-year diluted EPS guidance reflects a decrease of 14% to 8%.
Second-Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Summary
Following is a summary of key second-quarter results. All comparisons are with the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 unless otherwise stated.
- Net sales increased
1% to compared to an$1.72 billion 8% net sales decrease in the year-ago quarter. The net sales increase was driven largely by favorable price mix, partially offset by lower volume. Organic sales1 were up4% . The three-year average growth rate for net sales was7% . - Gross margin increased 320 basis points to
36.2% from33% in the year-ago quarter, due to the benefits of pricing and cost savings initiatives, partially offset by unfavorable commodity costs and mix, and higher manufacturing and logistics costs. - Diluted net earnings per share (diluted EPS) increased
43% to80 cents from56 cents in the year-ago quarter. This includes16 cents related to investments in the company's long-term strategic digital capabilities and productivity enhancements as well as2 cents related to implementation of its streamlined operating model. - Adjusted EPS1 increased
48% to98 cents from66 cents in the year-ago quarter, due in part to the net benefits of pricing and cost savings, partially offset by lower volume, unfavorable commodity costs, and higher selling and administrative expenses. - Year-to-date net cash provided by operations was
compared to$387 million in the year-ago period, representing a$222 million 74% increase.
"We delivered better-than-expected results this quarter, with strong execution and the benefit of continued brand relevance as well as our ongoing pricing and cost savings efforts," said CEO
This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" at the end of this press release for more details.
______________________________________ | |
1 | Organic sales growth/(decrease) and adjusted EPS are non-GAAP measures. See Non-GAAP Financial Information at the end of this press release for reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures. |
Strategic and Operational Highlights
The following are recent highlights of business and ESG achievements:
- Generated organic sales growth in three of four segments.
- Sustained record-high consumer value superiority (
76% ) across the portfolio while rebuilding margins. - Continued to implement cost-justified pricing actions.
- Achieved highest cost savings in the past 10 years.
- Reduced inventory by nearly
10% from the year-ago quarter. - Introduced an eco-friendly product line with refillable options that will save plastic and reduce waste with Clorox Free & Clear Disinfecting Mist and Bathroom Ultra Foamer Cleaner.
- Recognized for the fifth time as an
EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year for manufacturing products with ingredients theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency designates as safer for families, pets, workplaces, communities and the environment. - Ranked No. 2 on Forbes' 2022 list of The World's Top Female-Friendly Companies.
Key Segment Results
The following is a summary of key second-quarter results by reportable segment. All comparisons are with the second quarter of fiscal year 2022, unless otherwise stated.
Health and Wellness (Cleaning; Professional Products; Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements)
- Net sales decreased
2% , with 17 points of favorable price mix more than offset by 19 points of lower volume. - Cleaning sales were flat, benefiting from an early start of the cold and flu season in
the United States offset by ongoing normalization of consumer demand. - Professional Products sales decreased, driven by lower shipments of certain Pine-Sol scented products associated with the recent voluntary recall as well as continued softness in office occupancy.
- Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements sales decreased, primarily due to the business's ongoing shift away from noncore brands as well as distribution loss with a few retailers.
- Segment pretax earnings increased
84% , primarily behind the net impact of pricing, partially offset by lower volume.
Household (Bags and Wraps; Grilling; Cat Litter)
- Net sales increased
9% , driven by 6 points of benefit from favorable price mix and 3 points of volume growth. - Bags and Wraps sales were up as a result of strong consumption supported by product innovation and distribution growth.
- Grilling sales decreased due to ongoing normalization of consumer demand after the business saw a surge during the peak of the pandemic.
- Cat Litter sales increased, driven mainly by distribution growth, continued strong consumption and strong merchandising activities, particularly in the Club channel.
- Segment pretax earnings increased
340% , primarily due to higher net sales behind pricing as well as the benefit of cost savings, partially offset by higher commodity costs.
Lifestyle (Food, Natural Personal Care, Water Filtration)
- Net sales increased
2% behind 8 points of favorable price mix, partially offset by 6 points of lower volume. - Food sales were up, benefiting from continued strong consumption supported by merchandising activities for bottled
Hidden Valley Ranch . - Natural Personal Care sales increased behind distribution gains on holiday product innovations, partially offset by lower shipments caused by continued supply chain disruptions.
- Water Filtration sales were down mainly due to retailer inventory adjustments.
- Segment pretax earnings decreased
8% , mainly due to unfavorable commodity costs and higher advertising spending, partially offset by higher net sales behind pricing as well as the benefit of cost savings.
International (Sales Outside the
- Net sales decreased
3% , with 8 points of lower volume and 12 points of unfavorable foreign exchange rates, partially offset by 17 points of favorable price mix. Organic sales1 growth was9% . - Segment pretax earnings increased
26% largely behind the net impact of pricing and lower advertising spending, which was partially offset by higher manufacturing and logistics costs and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.
Fiscal Year 2023 Outlook
The company is updating the following elements of its fiscal year 2023 outlook:
- Net sales are now expected to be between a
2% decrease to a1% increase (organic sales from flat to a3% increase). This compares previously to a4% decrease to a2% increase (organic sales from a3% decrease to a3% increase). - Diluted EPS is now expected to be between
and$3.20 , or a$3.45 14% to8% decrease, respectively. This compares previously to between and$3.10 , or a$3.47 17% to7% decrease, respectively. - Adjusted EPS is now expected to be between
and$4.05 , or a$4.30 1% decrease to a5% increase, respectively. This compares previously to between and$3.85 , or a$4.22 6% decrease to a3% increase, respectively. To provide greater visibility into the underlying operating performance of the business, adjusted EPS outlook excludes the long-term strategic investment in digital capabilities and productivity enhancements, estimated to be about55 cents , as well as the company's streamlined operating model, which is now estimated to increase from20 cents to approximately30 cents . While overall expectations for the program remain unchanged, with to$75 in ongoing annual savings and$100 million to$75 in one-time costs over fiscal years 2023 and 2024, the timing of charges has been adjusted as plans continue to be refined.$100 million
The company is confirming the following elements of its fiscal year 2023 outlook:
- Foreign exchange headwinds continue to represent about a 2-point reduction in sales.
- Gross margin increase of about 200 basis points, primarily due to the combined benefit of pricing, cost savings and supply chain optimization, more than offsetting continued cost inflation.
- Selling and administrative expenses between
15% and16% of net sales, including about 1.5 points of impact from the company's strategic investments in digital capabilities and productivity enhancements. - Advertising and sales promotion spending of about
10% of net sales, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to invest in its brands. - Effective tax rate of about
24% , with year-over-year increase primarily reflecting lower excess tax benefits from equity compensation.
Clorox Earnings Conference Call Schedule
At approximately
At
Links to the live (and archived) webcast, press release and prepared remarks can be found at Clorox Quarterly Results.
For More Detailed Financial Information
Visit the company's Quarterly Results for the following:
- Supplemental unaudited volume and sales growth information
- Supplemental unaudited gross margin drivers information
- Supplemental unaudited cash flow information and free cash flow reconciliation
- Supplemental unaudited reconciliation of earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and adjusted EBIT
- Supplemental unaudited reconciliation of adjusted earnings per share
Note: Percentage and basis-point, or point, changes noted in this press release are calculated based on rounded numbers, except for per-share data and the effective tax rate.
About
CLX-F
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, among others, statements related to the expected or potential impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the related responses of governments, consumers, customers, suppliers, employees and the company, on our business, operations, employees, financial condition and results of operations, and any such forward-looking statements, whether concerning the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties. Except for historical information, statements about future volumes, sales, organic sales growth, foreign currencies, costs, cost savings, margins, earnings, earnings per share, diluted earnings per share, foreign currency exchange rates, tax rates, cash flows, plans, objectives, expectations, growth or profitability are forward-looking statements based on management's estimates, beliefs, assumptions and projections. Words such as "could," "may," "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will," "predicts," and variations on such words, and similar expressions that reflect our current views with respect to future events and operational, economic and financial performance are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Important factors that could affect performance and cause results to differ materially from management's expectations are described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
The company's forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current views, beliefs, assumptions and expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the federal securities laws.
Non-GAAP Financial Information
- This press release contains non-GAAP financial information related to organic sales growth/(decrease) and adjusted EPS for the second quarter of fiscal year 2023, as well as organic sales growth/(decrease) and adjusted EPS outlook for fiscal year 2023.
- Clorox defines organic sales growth/(decrease) as GAAP net sales growth/(decrease) excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate changes and any acquisitions or divestitures.
- Organic sales growth/(decrease) outlook for fiscal year 2023 and for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 exclude the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes, which the company currently expects to reduce GAAP net sales growth/(decrease) by about 2 percentage points for fiscal year 2023 and 2 to 3 percentage points for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023.
- Management believes that the presentation of organic sales growth/(decrease) is useful to investors because it excludes sales from any acquisitions and divestitures, which results in a comparison of sales only from the businesses that the company was operating and expects to continue to operate throughout the relevant periods, and the company's estimate of the impact of foreign exchange rate changes, which are difficult to predict and out of the control of the company and management. However, organic sales growth/(decrease) may not be the same as similar measures provided by other companies due to potential differences in methods of calculation or differences in which items are incorporated into these adjustments.
- Adjusted EPS is defined as diluted earnings per share that excludes or has otherwise been adjusted for significant items that are nonrecurring or unusual. The income tax effect on non-GAAP items is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of the underlying non-GAAP adjustment.
- Adjusted EPS is supplemental information that management uses to help evaluate the company's historical and prospective financial performance on a consistent basis over time. Management believes that by adjusting for certain items affecting comparability of performance over time, such as asset impairments, charges related to the streamlined operating model, charges related to the digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment, significant losses/(gains) related to acquisitions and other nonrecurring or unusual items, investors and management are able to gain additional insight into the company's underlying operating performance on a consistent basis over time. However, adjusted EPS may not be the same as similar measures provided by other companies due to potential differences in methods of calculation or differences in which items are incorporated into these adjustments.
- The reconciliation tables below refer to the equivalent GAAP measures adjusted as applicable for the following items:
Digital Capabilities and
As announced in
Of the total
Due to the nature, scope and magnitude of this investment, these costs are considered by management to represent incremental transformational costs above the historical normal level of spending for information technology to support operations. Since these strategic investments, including incremental operating costs, will cease at the end of the investment period, are not expected to recur in the foreseeable future and are not considered representative of the company's underlying operating performance, the company's management believes presenting these costs as an adjustment in the non-GAAP results provides additional information to investors about trends in the company's operations and is useful for period-over-period comparisons. It also allows investors to view underlying operating results in the same manner as they are viewed by company management.
Streamlined Operating Model
As announced in
This fiscal year, the company began recognizing costs related to implementation of this model to meet its objectives of driving growth and productivity. The company anticipates that the implementation of this new model will be completed in fiscal year 2024, with different phases occurring throughout the implementation period. As a result, the company expects to incur costs of approximately
The following tables provide reconciliations of organic sales growth/(decrease) (non-GAAP) to net sales growth/(decrease), the most comparable GAAP measure:
Three Months Ended | |||||||||
Percentage change versus the year-ago period | |||||||||
Health and | Household | Lifestyle | International | Total | |||||
Net sales growth / (decrease) (GAAP) | (2) % | 9 % | 2 % | (3) % | 1 % | ||||
Add: Foreign Exchange | — | — | — | 12 | 3 | ||||
Add/(Subtract): Divestitures/Acquisitions | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
Organic sales growth / (decrease) (non-GAAP) | (2) % | 9 % | 2 % | 9 % | 4 % | ||||
Six Months Ended | |||||||||
Percentage change versus the year-ago period | |||||||||
Health and | Household | Lifestyle | International | Total | |||||
Net sales growth / (decrease) (GAAP) | (3) % | 2 % | — % | (2) % | (1) % | ||||
Add: Foreign Exchange | — | — | — | 11 | 2 | ||||
Add/(Subtract): Divestitures/Acquisitions | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
Organic sales growth / (decrease) (non-GAAP) | (3) % | 2 % | — % | 9 % | 1 % |
The following tables provide reconciliations of adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) to diluted earnings per share, the most comparable GAAP measure:
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) | ||||||||
(Dollars in millions except per share data) | ||||||||
Diluted Earnings Per Share | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | % Change | ||||||
As reported (GAAP) | $ 0.80 | $ 0.56 | 43 % | |||||
Streamlined operating model (1) | 0.02 | — | ||||||
Digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment (2) | 0.16 | 0.10 | ||||||
As adjusted (Non-GAAP) | $ 0.98 | $ 0.66 | 48 % | |||||
Diluted Earnings Per Share | ||||||||
Six Months Ended | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | % Change | ||||||
As reported (GAAP) | $ 1.49 | $ 1.70 | (12) % | |||||
Streamlined operating model (1) | 0.14 | — | ||||||
Digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment (2) | 0.28 | 0.17 | ||||||
As adjusted (Non-GAAP) | $ 1.91 | $ 1.87 | 2 % | |||||
(1) During the three and six months ended | ||||||||
(2) During the three and six months ended | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
External consulting fees (a) | $ 21 | $ 10 | ||||||
IT project personnel costs (b) | 1 | 3 | ||||||
Other (c) | 4 | 2 | ||||||
Total | $ 26 | $ 15 | ||||||
Six Months Ended | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
External consulting fees (a) | $ 36 | $ 19 | ||||||
IT project personnel costs (b) | 3 | 6 | ||||||
Other (c) | 7 | 2 | ||||||
Total | $ 46 | $ 27 | ||||||
(a) Comprised of third-party consulting fees incurred to assist in the project management and the preliminary project stage of this transformative investment. The company relies on consultants for certain capabilities required for these programs that the company does not maintain internally. These costs support the implementation of these programs incremental to the company's normal IT costs and will not be incurred following implementation. | ||||||||
(b) Comprised of labor costs associated with internal IT project management teams that are utilized to oversee the new system implementations. Given the magnitude and transformative nature of the implementations planned, the necessary project management costs are incremental to the historical levels of spend and will no longer be incurred subsequent to implementation. As a result of this long-term strategic investment, the company considers these costs not reflective of the ongoing costs to operate its business. | ||||||||
(c) Comprised of various other expenses associated with the company's new system implementations, including company personnel dedicated to the project that have been backfilled with either permanent or temporary resources in positions that are considered part of normal operating expenses. | ||||||||
Full Year 2023 Outlook ( | ||||||||
Diluted Earnings Per Share | ||||||||
Low | High | |||||||
As estimated (GAAP) | $ 3.20 | $ 3.45 | ||||||
Streamlined operating model (3) | 0.30 | 0.30 | ||||||
Digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment (4) | 0.55 | 0.55 | ||||||
As adjusted (Non-GAAP) | $ 4.05 | $ 4.30 | ||||||
(3) In FY23, the company expects to incur approximately | ||||||||
(4) In FY23, the company expects to incur approximately |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) | |||||||||
Dollars in millions, except per share data | |||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||
Net sales | $ 1,715 | $ 1,691 | 3,455 | $ 3,497 | |||||
Cost of products sold | 1,095 | 1,133 | 2,209 | 2,269 | |||||
Gross profit | 620 | 558 | 1,246 | 1,228 | |||||
Selling and administrative expenses | 282 | 241 | 543 | 477 | |||||
Advertising costs | 156 | 167 | 317 | 349 | |||||
Research and development costs | 33 | 34 | 65 | 67 | |||||
Interest expense | 23 | 23 | 45 | 48 | |||||
Other (income) expense, net | (4) | — | 30 | 9 | |||||
Earnings before income taxes | 130 | 93 | 246 | 278 | |||||
Income taxes | 28 | 21 | 57 | 63 | |||||
Net earnings | 102 | 72 | 189 | 215 | |||||
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | 3 | 3 | 5 | 4 | |||||
Net earnings attributable to Clorox | $ 99 | $ 69 | $ 184 | $ 211 | |||||
Net earnings per share attributable to Clorox | |||||||||
Basic net earnings per share | $ 0.81 | $ 0.56 | $ 1.49 | $ 1.71 | |||||
Diluted net earnings per share | $ 0.80 | $ 0.56 | 1.49 | $ 1.70 | |||||
Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands) | |||||||||
Basic | 123,546 | 123,064 | 123,443 | 123,022 | |||||
Diluted | 123,988 | 123,910 | 123,951 | 123,976 |
Reportable Segment Information | |||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
Dollars in millions | |||||||||||||
Net sales | Earnings (losses) before income taxes | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
% Change(1) | % Change(1) | ||||||||||||
Health and Wellness | $ | 635 | $ | 648 | (2) % | $ | 103 | $ | 56 | 84 % | |||
Household | 462 | 423 | 9 % | 44 | 10 | 340 % | |||||||
Lifestyle | 332 | 324 | 2 % | 74 | 80 | (8) % | |||||||
International | 286 | 296 | (3) % | 24 | 19 | 26 % | |||||||
Corporate | — | — | — | (115) | (72) | 60 % | |||||||
Total | $ | 1,715 | $ | 1,691 | 1 % | $ | 130 | $ | 93 | 40 % | |||
Net sales | Earnings (losses) before income taxes | ||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
% Change(1) | % Change(1) | ||||||||||||
Health and Wellness | $ | 1,347 | $ | 1,393 | (3) % | $ | 218 | $ | 161 | 35 % | |||
Household | 885 | 865 | 2 % | 66 | 46 | 43 % | |||||||
Lifestyle | 652 | 655 | — % | 134 | 173 | (23) % | |||||||
International | 571 | 584 | (2) % | 47 | 49 | (4) % | |||||||
Corporate | — | — | — | (219) | (151) | 45 | |||||||
Total | $ | 3,455 | $ | 3,497 | (1) % | $ | 246 | $ | 278 | (12) % | |||
(1) Percentages based on rounded numbers. | |||||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||||||
Dollars in millions | |||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
Current assets | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 168 | $ | 183 | $ | 192 | |||||
Receivables, net | 600 | 681 | 569 | ||||||||
Inventories, net | 741 | 755 | 818 | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 113 | 106 | 162 | ||||||||
Total current assets | 1,622 | 1,725 | 1,741 | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,322 | 1,334 | 1,298 | ||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 349 | 342 | 310 | ||||||||
1,553 | 1,558 | 1,565 | |||||||||
Trademarks, net | 685 | 687 | 690 | ||||||||
Other intangible assets, net | 183 | 197 | 210 | ||||||||
Other assets | 331 | 315 | 376 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 6,045 | $ | 6,158 | $ | 6,190 | |||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||
Current liabilities | |||||||||||
Notes and loans payable | $ | 209 | $ | 237 | $ | 383 | |||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | — | — | 600 | ||||||||
Current operating lease liabilities | 80 | 78 | 73 | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,589 | 1,469 | 1,540 | ||||||||
Total current liabilities | 1,878 | 1,784 | 2,596 | ||||||||
Long-term debt | 2,476 | 2,474 | 1,886 | ||||||||
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 318 | 314 | 286 | ||||||||
Other liabilities | 826 | 791 | 861 | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 56 | 66 | 70 | ||||||||
Total liabilities | 5,554 | 5,429 | 5,699 | ||||||||
Stockholders' equity | |||||||||||
Preferred stock | — | — | — | ||||||||
Common stock | 131 | 131 | 131 | ||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 1,207 | 1,202 | 1,180 | ||||||||
Retained earnings | 782 | 1,048 | 949 | ||||||||
(1,297) | (1,346) | (1,373) | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive net (loss) income | (502) | (479) | (574) | ||||||||
Total Clorox stockholders' equity | 321 | 556 | 313 | ||||||||
Noncontrolling interests | 170 | 173 | 178 | ||||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 491 | 729 | 491 | ||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 6,045 | $ | 6,158 | $ | 6,190 |
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