Shares of Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) experienced a noticeable decline on Wednesday following the release of its second-quarter fiscal 2026 financial results, which presented a mixture of positive and negative elements. The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reported were $1.39, slightly below the analyst consensus forecast of $1.43. Meanwhile, net sales amounted to $1.673 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.64 billion, yet reflecting a 1% decrease year over year on both a reported and organic basis. This sales contraction was primarily driven by reduced consumption patterns.
In terms of profitability, Clorox’s gross margin contracted by 60 basis points compared to the same period last year, settling at 43.2%. The margin erosion was attributed to increased manufacturing expenses and logistical costs, factors that pressured overall earnings despite the revenue beat.
Examining segment contributions reveals a diverse performance across Clorox’s business units. The Health and Wellness division posted a 2% increase in net sales year over year, boosted by higher shipment volumes linked to the concluding phase of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system transition and robust performance in Professional Products. International sales demonstrated a stronger 7% year-over-year rise, supported by favorable pricing mixes, beneficial foreign exchange rates, and elevated sales volumes.
Conversely, the Household segment experienced a 6% decline in net sales compared with the previous fiscal year, stemming from a 3-point decrease each in volume and pricing mix impacts. Similarly, the Lifestyle category saw net sales drop by 5% year over year, predominantly due to reduced consumption volumes.
Addressing the results, Chair and CEO Linda Rendle commented, "Our second-quarter results were generally aligned with our expectations and exemplify ongoing progress against our strategic goals. These outcomes enable us to reaffirm our fiscal year outlook amid a landscape that remains challenging and unpredictable." She highlighted the company's commitment to effectively executing plans for the latter half of the fiscal year, supported by innovation and investments. Rendle also pointed to the advancement in corporate transformation initiatives, specifically mentioning the anticipated expansion in health and hygiene leadership through the recently disclosed acquisition of GOJO Industries.
Regarding fiscal 2026 guidance, Clorox reiterated its adjusted EPS forecast within the range of $5.95 to $6.30, slightly above the consensus of $5.90. The sales guidance was marginally narrowed to a range of $6.394 billion to $6.678 billion, compared to an earlier projection of $6.390 billion to $6.680 billion and a consensus forecast of $6.485 billion.
Management noted that the fiscal outlook is influenced by a temporary inventory-related factor rather than a fundamental downturn in consumer demand. Specifically, retailers had accumulated approximately two weeks’ worth of additional inventory at the conclusion of fiscal 2025, in anticipation of the ERP system upgrade. This inventory buildup is expected to lead to a drawdown early in fiscal 2026, which will reduce shipments on a year-over-year basis.
The company estimates that this inventory correction will curtail sales growth in fiscal 2026 by approximately 7.5 percentage points and depress earnings per share by an estimated 90 cents. This adjustment translates to a 30% decline in diluted EPS and a 23% reduction in adjusted EPS when compared with fiscal 2025 results.
Following the earnings release, Clorox stock opened lower in premarket trading, dropping 3.11% to $111.40, reflecting investor concerns over the mixed quarter and inventory adjustments.