CLX

Clorox

Fundamental data last updated:April 13, 2026

company profile

SECTOR

Consumer Defensive

industry

Household & Personal Products

Exchange

NYSE

County of HQ

United States

Next Earnings Date

04/30/26

Business Summary

Clorox generates cash by owning dominant brands in everyday household categories where purchase frequency is high and consumer loyalty is sticky. The company converts brand trust into pricing power, allowing it to sustain strong ROIC even in competitive retail environments. Its distribution footprint across major retailers ensures shelf space dominance, reinforcing recurring revenue and volume stability. The moat is not technological—it is behavioral and brand-driven, turning mundane cleaning and household needs into reliable, repeat cash flow streams.

VALUATION

P/E

17.2

Market Cap ($M USD)

$12,729

Forward P/E

15.7

PEG

2.1

PRICE TO SALES

1.9

PRICE TO BOOK

-

EV / EBITDA

12.1

5-Year Average P/E

DIVIDEND

Yield

4.70%

Annual Payout

$4.96

Payout Ratio

80.10%

Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth

10+

5-Year Dividend Growth Rate

2.20%

Financial Health & Profitability

Earnings Per Share

$6.14

Next Year EPS Growth Estimate

$6.73

Next Year Revenue Growth Estimate

13.10%

Return on Equity (ROE)

-604.00%

Operating Margin

15.00%

Debt-to-Equity

-

Piotroski F-Score

5

Altman Z-Score

3.1

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)

27.40%%

Current Ratio

0.7

Quick Ratio

Gainseekers Quantitative Analysis

Summary

At 17.2x earnings and 15.7x forward earnings, CLX trades like a stable defensive compounder, yet the underlying metrics tell a far more conflicted story. A PEG of 2.1 implies growth does not justify the multiple, especially with next year EPS estimated at $6.14 versus current EPS of 12.1, signaling compression rather than acceleration. The Altman Z-Score of 3.1 suggests no imminent balance sheet distress, but it is not fortress-grade either, and the Current Ratio of 0.7 signals tight liquidity. This is not a screaming bargain; it is a quality franchise priced as stable while fundamental inconsistencies and balance sheet constraints suggest limited margin of safety.

AI Exposure / Tech Reliance

As a Consumer Defensive name in Household & Personal Products, CLX operates in categories that are structurally insulated from AI disruption. Demand for cleaning and household essentials remains non-cyclical and habit-driven, making revenue streams resilient to technological shifts. AI may enhance supply chain efficiency and marketing precision, but it is unlikely to materially alter the core economics of bleach, disinfectants, and staple home products.

The Bull Case

A disciplined GARP investor could justify ownership based on capital efficiency and resilience. A 27.40% ROIC is elite for a defensive staples company and indicates real pricing power and brand equity, while a 13.10% ROE reinforces that the business still converts equity into returns effectively. The Piotroski F-Score of 5 signals operational stability rather than deterioration, and despite reported Operating Margin at -604.00%, the company still supports a 4.70% dividend with a long 5-year average growth profile marked at 10+, appealing to income-focused institutions. With only 2.20% short interest and 117.13% institutional ownership, the shareholder base suggests professional conviction and limited speculative pressure.

The Bear Case

The bear case is rooted in balance sheet strain and valuation relative to growth. A Debt/Equity ratio of 15.00% paired with a Current Ratio of 0.7 signals constrained liquidity, and the disconnect between current EPS of 12.1 and next year’s estimated 6.14 raises serious questions about earnings durability. A PEG of 2.1 indicates investors are paying a premium relative to expected growth, while negative or distorted figures such as Operating Margin at -604.00% and missing Price/Book data undermine confidence in reported profitability quality. This is a defensive stock priced for stability, yet its growth outlook and financial flexibility appear weaker than the multiple implies.

Market Sentiment & Smart Money

Short Interest %

7.00%

Analyst Consensus

3.22

Average Analyst Price Target

$117.13

Institutional Ownership %

84.90%

1-Year Beta

0.39

Insider Buying % (6 Mo)

0.60%%

Distance to 52-Week High

73.10%%

Distance to 52-Week Low

108.90%%