Clorox Beats on Both Top and Bottom Lines

Clorox (NYSE: CLX  ) reported earnings on Feb. 4. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q2), Clorox beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew and GAAP earnings per share expanded significantly.

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
Clorox reported revenue of $1.33 billion. The 12 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw a top line of $1.27 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 8.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.22 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.93. The 17 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.80 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.93 for Q2 were 18% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.79 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 42.5%, 100 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 16.0%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 9.3%, 70 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.43 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.10.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $5.63 billion. The average EPS estimate is $4.32.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 837 members out of 874 rating the stock outperform, and 37 members rating it underperform. Among 307 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 304 give Clorox a green thumbs-up, and three give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Clorox is hold, with an average price target of $75.57.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than Clorox. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.

• Add Clorox to My Watchlist.