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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATIONItem 1. Financial StatementsThe Clorox CompanyCondensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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The Clorox CompanyCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheets(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
The Clorox Company Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)(Dollars in millions)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial StatementsThe Clorox Company(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
NOTE 1. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows of The Clorox Company and its subsidiaries (the Company) for the periods presented. The results for the interim period ended December 31, 2011, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, or for any future period.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) have been omitted or condensed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The information in this report should be read in conjunction with the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, which includes a complete set of footnote disclosures, including the Companys significant accounting policies.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ materially from estimates and assumptions made.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
On September 15, 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance to simplify how entities test for goodwill impairment. The new guidance allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The new guidance is effective for the annual goodwill impairment test to be performed in fiscal year 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the anticipated timing for its adoption.
NOTE 2. BUSINESSES ACQUIRED
On December 31, 2011, the Company acquired HealthLink, Inc., Aplicare, Inc. and Soy Vay Enterprises, Inc. for purchase prices aggregating $97. The Company paid $85 in December 2011, fundedthrough commercial paper borrowings. The amount paid reflects the aggregate purchase prices reduced by the cash acquired and amounts to be paid by the Company pending final cash settlements. HealthLink, based in Jacksonville, Fla., and Aplicare, based in Meriden, Conn., are leading providers of infection control products for the health care industry, complementing and expanding the Companys Away From Home health care business. Results for these businesses will be reflected in the Cleaning reportable segment. Soy Vay Enterprises, a California-based operation, provides the Companys Food business a presence in the growing market for Asian sauces. Results for this business will be reflected in the Lifestyle reportable segment.
Due to the timing of these acquisitions, the purchase accounting is preliminary and subject to certain closing adjustments, which are not expected to be material. Pro forma results reflecting the acquisitions are not presented because the acquisitions are not significant individually, or when aggregated, to the Companys consolidated financial results.
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NOTE 3. INVENTORIES, NET
Inventories, net, consisted of the following as of:
NOTE 4. OTHER LIABILITIES
Other liabilities consisted of the following as of:
NOTE 5. DEBT
In November 2011, the Company filed a new shelf registration statement with the SEC, which allows the Company to offer and sell an unlimited amount of its senior unsecured indebtedness from time to time. The shelf registration statement will expire in November 2014. Subsequently, the Company issued $300 of senior notes (notes) under the new shelf registration statement. The notes carry an annual fixed interest rate of 3.80% payable semi-annually in May and November. The notes mature on November 15, 2021. Proceeds from the notes were used to retire commercial paper. The notes rank equally with all of the Companys existing and future senior indebtedness.
NOTE 6. NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following is the reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands) used to calculate basic net EPS to those used to calculate diluted net EPS:
During the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company did not include stock options to purchase approximately 3.8 million shares and 1.9 million shares, respectively, of the Companys common stock in the calculations of diluted net EPS because their exercise price was greater than the average market price, making them anti-dilutive.
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NOTE 6. NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (Continued)
Since the Company experienced losses from continuing operations for both the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, no dilution was applied to the Companys basic weighted average shares outstanding for those periods, as to do so would have reduced the Companys reported losses per share from continuing operations for those periods.
Share repurchases under authorized programs were as follows:
The purpose of the Evergreen Program is to offset the impact of share dilution related to share-based awards.
NOTE 7. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income includes net earnings and certain adjustments that are excluded from net earnings, but included as a separate component of stockholders deficit, net of tax. Comprehensive income was as follows:
NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES
In determining its quarterly provision for income taxes, the Company uses an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Certain significant or unusual items are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur and can be a source of variability in the effective tax rates from quarter to quarter. The effective tax rate on earnings (losses) from continuing operations was 32.4% and 31.3% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, respectively, and (45.0)% and 125.9% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, respectively. The tax rates for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 include tax benefits associated with foreign earnings and from favorable tax settlements. The substantially different tax rates for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010 resulted from the non-deductible non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $258 related to the Burts Bees reporting unit as there was no substantial tax benefit associated with this non-cash charge.
The balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, includes potential benefits of $64 and $68, respectively, which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate on earnings.
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NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, the total balance of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $7 and $8, respectively. Interest and penalties included in income tax expense were net benefits of $0 and $3 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, respectively, and net benefits of $1 and $3 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, respectively.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The federal statute of limitations has expired for all tax years through June 30, 2007. Various income tax returns in state and foreign jurisdictions are currently in the process of examination.
NOTE 9. RETIREMENT INCOME AND HEALTH CARE BENEFIT PLANS
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Companys retirement income plan:
The net periodic benefit cost for the Companys retirement health care plans was less than $1 for both the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, and $1 and $2 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, respectively.
NOTE 10. CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES
Contingencies
The Company is involved in certain environmental matters, including Superfund and other response actions at various locations. The Company had a recorded liability of $15 at both December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, for its share of aggregate future remediation costs related to these matters. One matter in Dickinson County, Michigan, for which the Company is jointly and severally liable, accounted for a substantial majority of the recorded liability at both December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011. The Company has agreed to be liable for 24.3% of the aggregate remediation and associated costs for this matter pursuant to a cost-sharing arrangement with a third party. With the assistance of environmental consultants, the Company maintains an undiscounted liability representing its current best estimate of its share of the capital expenditures, maintenance and other costs that may be incurred over an estimated 30-year remediation period. Currently, the Company cannot accurately predict the timing of future payments that may be made under this obligation. In addition, the Companys estimated loss exposure is sensitive to a variety of uncertain factors, including the efficacy of remediation efforts, changes in remediation requirements and the timing, varying costs and alternative clean-up technologies that may become available in the future. Although it is possible that the Companys exposure may exceed the amount recorded, any amount of such additional exposures, or range of exposures, is not estimable at this time.
The Company is subject to various other lawsuits and claims relating to issues such as contract disputes, product liability, patents and trademarks, advertising, and employee and other matters. Based on the Companys analysis of these claims and litigation, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate disposition of these matters, including the environmental matter described above, to the extent not previously provided for, will not have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on the Companys consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
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NOTE 10. CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES (Continued)
Guarantees
In conjunction with divestitures and other transactions, the Company may provide typical indemnifications (e.g., indemnifications for representations and warranties and retention of previously existing environmental, tax and employee liabilities) for which terms vary in duration and potential amount of the total obligation and, in many circumstances, are not explicitly defined. The Company has not made, nor does it believe that it is probable that it will make any payments relating to its indemnifications, and believes that any reasonably possible payments would not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows, either individually or in the aggregate.
At December 31, 2011, the Company was a party to letters of credit of $15, primarily related to one of its insurance carriers.
The Company had not recorded any liabilities on any of the aforementioned guarantees at December 31, 2011.
NOTE 11. SEGMENT RESULTS
The Company operates through strategic business units that are aggregated into four reportable segments: Cleaning, Household, Lifestyle and International.
Certain nonallocated administrative costs, interest income, interest expense and various other nonoperating income and expenses are reflected in Corporate. Corporate assets include cash and cash equivalents, the Companys headquarters and research and development facilities, information systems hardware and software, pension balances and other investments.
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NOTE 11. SEGMENT RESULTS (Continued)
The table below presents reportable segment information and a reconciliation of the segment information to the Companys net sales and earnings (losses) from continuing operations before income taxes, with amounts that are not allocated to the operating segments reflected in Corporate.
All intersegment sales are eliminated and are not included in the Companys reportable segments net sales.
Net sales to the Companys largest customer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, were 26% for both the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, and 25% and 26% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, respectively.
For the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, the earnings (losses) from continuing operations before income taxes for the Lifestyle segment included a $258 non-cash goodwill impairment charge for the Burts Bees business.
NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Accounting guidance on fair value measurements for certain financial assets and liabilities requires that financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entitys own assumptions.
At December 31, 2011, the Companys financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the year included derivative financial instruments, which were all level 2.
Financial Risk Management and Derivative Instruments
The Company is exposed to certain commodity, interest rate and foreign currency risks relating to its ongoing business operations and uses derivative instruments to mitigate its exposure to these risks.
NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)
Commodity Price Risk Management
The Company may use commodity exchange traded futures and over-the-counter swap contracts to fix the price of a portion of its forecasted raw material requirements. Contract maturities, which are generally no longer than 18 months, are matched to the length of the raw material purchase contracts. Commodity purchase contracts are measured at fair value using market quotations obtained from commodity derivative dealers.
As of December 31, 2011, the net notional value of commodity derivatives was $34, of which $23 related to jet fuel, $8 related to soybean oil, and $3 related to crude oil. As of June 30, 2011, the net notional value of commodity derivatives was $44, of which $22 related to jet fuel, $16 related to soybean oil, $3 related to crude oil and $3 related to diesel fuel.
Interest Rate Risk Management
The Company may enter into over-the-counter interest rate forward contracts to fix a portion of the benchmark interest rate prior to the anticipated issuance of fixed rate debt. These interest rate forward contracts generally have durations of less than six months. The interest rate contracts are measured at fair value using information quoted by U.S. government bond dealers. During the three months ended December 31, 2011, the Company paid $36 to settle interest rate forward contracts, which were reflected as operating cash outflows.
As of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, the net notional value of interest rate forward contracts was $0 and $300.
Foreign Currency Risk Management
The Company may also enter into certain over-the-counter foreign currency-related derivative contracts to manage a portion of the Companys foreign exchange risk associated with the purchase of inventory. These foreign currency contracts generally have durations no longer than twelve months. The foreign exchange contracts are measured at fair value using information quoted by foreign exchange dealers.
As of December 31, 2011, the net notional values of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts related to the Companys subsidiaries in Canada and Australia and used to hedge forecasted purchases of inventory were $19 and $13, respectively. As of June 30, 2011, the net notional values of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts related to the Companys subsidiaries in Canada and Australia and used to hedge forecasted purchases of inventory were $28 and $13, respectively.
Counterparty Risk Management
Certain terms of the agreements governing the Companys over-the-counter derivative instruments require the Company or the counterparty to post collateral when the fair value of the derivative instruments exceeds contractually defined counterparty liability position limits. As of December 31, 2011, no collateral was required to be posted.
Certain terms of the agreements governing the over-the-counter derivative instruments contain provisions that require the credit ratings, as assigned by Standard & Poors and Moodys to the Company and its counterparties, to remain at a level equal to or better than the minimum of an investment grade credit rating. If our credit ratings were to fall below investment grade, the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. As of December 31, 2011, the Company and each of its counterparties maintained investment grade ratings with both Standard & Poors and Moodys.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as a hedge, and on the type of the hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments, the Company must designate the hedging instrument as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. The Company designates its commodity forward and future contracts for forecasted purchases of raw materials, interest rate forward contracts for forecasted interest payments, and foreign currency forward contracts of forecasted purchases of inventory as cash flow hedges. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had no hedging instruments designated as fair value hedges.
The Companys derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:
For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of gains or losses is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (OCI) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The estimated amount of the existing net loss at December 31, 2011, expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is less than $1. Gains and losses on derivative instruments representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, hedge ineffectiveness was not material. The Company de-designates cash flow hedge relationships whenever it determines that the hedge relationships are no longer highly effective or that the forecasted transaction is no longer probable. The portion of gains or losses on the derivative instrument previously accumulated in OCI for de-designated hedges remains in accumulated OCI until the forecasted transaction is recognized in earnings, or is recognized in earnings immediately if the forecasted transaction is no longer probable.
The effects of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments on OCI and on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings were as follows:
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The gains reclassified from OCI and recognized in earnings during the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for commodity purchase contracts and foreign exchange contracts are included in cost of products sold.
Other
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, due to the short maturity and nature of those balances. The estimated fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $2,612 and $2,303 at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt was determined using secondary market prices quoted by corporate bond dealers. The Company accounts for its long-term debt at face value, net of any unamortized discounts or premiums.
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Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis ofFinancial Condition and Results of OperationsThe Clorox Company(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Overview
The Clorox Company (the Company or Clorox) is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer and institutional products with approximately 8,100 employees worldwide as of December 31, 2011. The Company sells its products primarily through mass merchandisers, grocery stores and other retail outlets. Clorox markets some of consumers most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Green Works® naturally derived home care products, Pine-Sol®cleaners, Poett® home care products, Fresh Step® cat litter, Kingsford® charcoal, Hidden Valley® and K C Masterpiece® dressings and sauces, Brita® water-filtration systems, Glad® bags, wraps and containers, and Burts Bees® and güd natural personal care products. The Company manufactures products in more than two dozen countries and markets them in more than 100 countries.
The Company primarily markets its leading brands in midsized categories considered to have attractive economic profit potential. Most of the Companys products compete with other nationally-advertised brands within each category and with private-label brands.
The following discussion of the Companys financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 26, 2011, and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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Results of Operations
Managements Discussion and Analysis of the Results of Operations, unless otherwise noted, is on a continuing operations basis and compares the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 (the current periods) to the three and six months ended December 31, 2010 (the prior periods) using percentages calculated on a rounded basis, except as noted. The Company has included the financial results of the sale of its global auto care businesses (Auto Businesses)in discontinued operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010. In addition, the discussion of results of operations of the Company as well as the Lifestyle segment includes certain financial measures that are not defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (non-GAAP measures). These measures are, for the prior periods, diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations before non-cash goodwill impairment and earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-cash goodwill impairment. The Companys management uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate business performance and believes that they provide investors with additional information about the underlying results and trends of the Company. These non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similar measures presented by other companies. Analyses of these non-GAAP measures are set forth in the diluted net earnings (losses) per share from continuing operations and Lifestyle segment results sections below.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Diluted net earnings (losses) per share from continuing operations
The following is a reconciliation of diluted net earnings (losses) per share from continuing operations to diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations before the non-cash goodwill impairment charge recognized in the prior quarter:
Excluding the non-cash goodwill impairment charge recognized in the prior quarter, the Companys diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations increased $0.11 and $0.08 in the current periods, respectively. These increases were primarily due to the benefit of price increases and cost savings, partially offset by higher commodity costs, primarily resin, and higher manufacturing and logistics costs. Also contributing to the increases in the current periods were lower weighted average shares outstanding, primarily due to share repurchase activities.
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Net sales increased while volume remained flat in the current quarter. Net sales and volume increased in the current six month period.
Flat volume in the current quarter reflected higher shipments in Argentina, higher shipments of Clorox®disinfecting bathroom cleaner, higher shipments of Fresh Step®cat litter behind new product innovation and higher shipments of the new Brita® on-the-go water bottle. These increases were offset by lower shipments in the nonstrategic export business, lower shipments of Clorox® liquid bleach due to price increases and lower shipments of Clorox® disinfecting wipes. Net sales growth outpaced volume primarily due to the benefit of price increases (approximately 510 basis points), partially offset by unfavorable mix (approximately 100 basis points).
Volume growth of 1% in the current six month period was primarily driven by higher shipments of Fresh Step®and Scoop Away® cat litter behind new product innovation; higher shipments of Clorox® disinfecting bathroom cleaner; higher shipments of Burts Bees® natural personal care products, primarily due to new products; higher shipments in Argentina; and higher shipments of the new Brita® on-the-go water bottle. These increases were partially offset by lower shipments of Clorox® liquid bleach, primarily due to price increases; lower shipments in the nonstrategic export business; lower shipments of Glad® base trash bags due to price increases; and lower shipments of Brita®pour-through water-filtration products. Net sales growth outpaced volume growth primarily due to the benefit of price increases (approximately 440 basis points), partially offset by unfavorable mix (approximately 150 basis points).
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Gross margin, defined as gross profit as a percentage of net sales, decreased in the current periods. Gross margin decline in the current quarter was primarily driven by approximately 240 basis points from higher commodity costs, approximately 170 basis points from higher manufacturing and logistics costs and approximately 90 basis points from unfavorable mix. These factors were partially offset by approximately 240 basis points from the benefit of price increases and approximately 180 basis points from the benefit of cost savings.
Gross margin decline in the current six month period was primarily driven by approximately 290 basis points from higher commodity costs, approximately 170 basis points from higher manufacturing and logistics costs and approximately 80 basis points from unfavorable mix. These factors were partially offset by approximately 200 basis points from the benefit of price increases and approximately 160 basis points from the benefit of cost savings.
Selling and administrative expensesincreased in the current quarter, primarily due to higher infrastructure investments in information systems and facilities and higher long-term employee incentive compensation costs, partially offset by cost savings.
Selling and administrative expenses increased in the current six month period, primarily due to advisory fees related to a withdrawn proxy contest in the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
Advertising costsdecreased as a percentage of sales during the current periods, primarily driven by reduced media spending.
Research and development costs remained flat as a percentage of net sales for the current periods as the Company continues to support its new products and established brands with an emphasis on innovation.
Interest expense decreased by $3 and $6, in the current periods, respectively,primarily due to a decline in average long-term debt balances.
Other income, net, was $6 and $12 in the current periods, respectively, and $12 and $13 in the prior periods, respectively. Other income, net, in the current quarter included $4 of equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and $2 of income from transition services related to the Companys sale of its Auto Businesses. Other income, net, in the prior quarter included gains on asset sales.
Other income, net, in the current six month period included $6 of equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and $4 of income from transition services related to the Companys sale of its Auto Businesses. Other income, net, in the prior six month period included gains on asset sales.
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The effective tax rate on earnings (losses) from continuing operations was 32.4% and 31.3% for the current periods, respectively, and (45.0)% and 125.9% for the prior periods, respectively. The tax rates for the current periods include tax benefits associated with foreign earnings and from favorable tax settlements. The substantially different tax rates for the prior periods resulted from the non-deductible non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $258 related to the Burts Bees reporting unit as there was no substantial tax benefit associated with this non-cash charge.
SEGMENT RESULTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
The following presents the results fromcontinuing operations of the Companys reportable segments andcertain unallocated costs reflected in Corporate:
CLEANING
Net sales and earnings from continuing operations before income taxes increased while volume remained flat in the current quarter. In the current six month period, net sales and earnings from continuing operations increased while volume decreased.
Flat volume in the current quarter reflected higher shipments in the Away From Home business and higher shipments of Clorox® disinfecting bathroom cleaner, primarily due to new product innovation; offset by lower shipments of Clorox® liquid bleach due to price increases and lower shipments of Clorox®disinfecting wipes. Net sales growth outpaced volume primarily due to the benefit of price increases (approximately 530 basis points), partially offset by unfavorable mix (approximately 110 basis points). The increase in earnings from continuing operations before income taxes was primarily due to $16 of higher net sales and $6 of cost savings due to various manufacturing efficiencies. These increases were partially offset by $9 of higher commodity costs, primarily resin.
Volume decline of 1% in the current six month period was primarily driven by lower shipments of Clorox®laundry additives due to price increases, partially offset by higher shipments of Clorox® disinfecting bathroom cleaner and higher shipments in the Away From Home business. The variance between net sales growth and volume decline was primarily due to the benefit of price increases (approximately 360 basis points), partially offset by unfavorable mix (approximately 170 basis points). The increase in earnings from continuing operations before income taxes was primarily due to $13 of cost savings due to various manufacturing efficiencies, $8 of lower advertising and sales promotion expenses and $6 of higher net sales. These increases were partially offset by $20 of higher commodity costs, primarily resin, and $7 of higher manufacturing and logistics costs.
HOUSEHOLD
Net sales, volume and earnings from continuing operations before income taxes increased in the current quarter. In the current six month period, net sales and volume increased while earnings from continuing operations before income taxesdecreased.
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Volume growth of 1% in the current quarter was primarily due to higher shipments of Fresh Step® and Scoop Away® cat litter driven by new product innovation, partially offset by lower shipments of Glad® food storage products and base trash bags due to price increases. Net sales growth outpaced volume growth primarily due to the benefit of price increases (approximately 460 basis points), partially offset by unfavorable mix (approximately 140 basis points). The increase in earnings from continuing operations before income taxeswas primarily due to $14 of higher net sales and $8 of cost savings due to various manufacturing efficiencies. These increases were partially offset by $11 of higher commodity costs, primarily resin.
Volume growth of 3% in the current six month period was primarily driven by higher shipments of Fresh Step®and Scoop Away® cat litter, driven by new product innovation and higher shipments of Kingsford® charcoal due to higher merchandising partially offset by lower shipments of Glad® base trash bags due to price increases. Net sales growth outpaced volume growth primarily due to the benefit of price increases (approximately 460 basis points), partially offset by unfavorable mix (approximately 160 basis points). The decrease in earnings from continuing operations before income taxes was primarily due to $28 of higher commodity costs, primarily resin, and $14 of higher manufacturing and logistics costs. These decreases were partially offset by $26 of higher sales and $16 of cost savings due to various manufacturing efficiencies.
LIFESTYLE
Refer to Results of Operations introductory paragraph above and analysis below for information about earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-cash goodwill impairment, a non-GAAP measure.
Net sales and volume increased in the current periods. Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and non-cash goodwill impairment increased and remained flat in the current periods, respectively.
Volume growth of 2% in the current quarter was primarily driven by higher shipments of the new Brita® on-the-go water bottle and higher shipments of Burts Bees® natural personal care products, primarily due to new products. These increases were partially offset by lower shipments of K C Masterpiece® barbeque sauce, primarily due to competitive activity. Net sales growth outpaced volume growth primarily due to the benefit of price increases (approximately 400 basis points) and favorable mix (approximately 70 basis points), partially offset by trade promotion spending (approximately 80 basis points). The increase in earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and the non-cash goodwill impairment charge was primarily due to $12 of higher net sales.
Volume growth of 4% in the current six month period was primarily driven by higher shipments of Burts Bees®natural personal care products, primarily due to new products, and higher shipments of the new Brita® on-the-go water bottle and Hidden Valley® salad dressings. These increases were partially offset by lower shipments of Brita® pour-through water-filtration products. Net sales growth outpaced volume growth primarily due to the benefit of price increases (approximately 340 basis points), partially offset by trade promotion spending (approximately 90 basis points). Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and the non-cash goodwill impairment charge remained flat, and reflected $25 of higher net sales; offset by $10 of higher commodity costs, primarily soybean oil, and $6 of higher advertising and sales promotion in support of new product launches.
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INTERNATIONAL
Net sales remained flat, volume declined and earnings from continuing operations before income taxes decreased in the current quarter. Net sales and volume increased while earnings from continuing operations before income taxes decreased in the current six month period.
Volume decline of 1% in the current quarter was primarily driven by lower shipments in the nonstrategic export business and Venezuela. These decreases were partially offset by higher shipments in Argentina and Europe. Sales were flat, as the benefit of price increases (approximately 630 basis points) was offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates (approximately 230 basis points), unfavorable mix (approximately 160 basis points) and trade promotion spending (approximately 110 basis points). The decrease in earnings from continuing operations before income taxes was primarily driven by $10 of higher manufacturing and logistics costs and other smaller items, partially offset by $18 from the benefit of price increases.
Volume growth of 1% in the current six month period was primarily due to higher shipments in Argentina and distribution gains in a number of small emerging countries in Asia and the Middle East. These increases were partially offset by lower shipments in the nonstrategic export business and Venezuela, and lower shipments of Glad® products in Canada due to category softness. Net sales growth outpaced volume growth primarily due to the benefit of price increases (approximately 620 basis points), partially offset by unfavorable mix (approximately 240 basis points) and trade promotion spending (approximately 80 basis points). The decrease in earnings from continuing operations before income taxes was primarily due to $18 of higher manufacturing and logistics costs, primarily related to inflationary pressures in Argentina and Venezuela; $12 of higher commodity costs, primarily resin; $11 of higher selling and administrative expenses associated with investments in information systems infrastructure and inflationary pressures in Argentina and Venezuela; and $7 of unfavorable mix. These decreases were partially offset by $34 from the benefit of price increases and $7 of cost savings, primarily related to various manufacturing efficiencies.
CORPORATE
The increase in losses from continuing operations before income taxes attributable to Corporate in the current quarter was primarily due to gains on asset salesrecognized in the prior quarter.
The decrease in losses from continuing operations before income taxes attributable to Corporate in the current six month period was primarily due to lower information technology expenses reflected in Corporate; lower employee benefit and incentive compensation expenses; and lower interest expense, primarily due to a decline in average long-term debt balances. These factors were partially offset by gainson asset sales in the prior six month period and fees related to a withdrawn proxy contest in the current six month period.
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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities
The Companys financial condition and liquidity remain strong as of December 31, 2011. Net cash provided by continuing operations was $168 for the current six month period, compared with $170 in the prior six month period.
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures were $82 in the current six month period, compared with $89 in the prior six month period. Capital spending as a percentage of net sales was 3.2% in the current six month period, compared with 3.6% in the prior six month period. The slight decrease was primarily associated with a shift in the timing of spending for the implementation of the Companys investments in global information technology systems and manufacturing and infrastructure improvements.
On December 31, 2011, the Company acquired HealthLink, Inc., Aplicare, Inc. and Soy Vay Enterprises, Inc. for purchase prices aggregating $97. The Company paid $85 during the current quarter, fundedthrough commercial paper borrowings. The amount paid reflects the aggregate purchase prices reduced by the cash acquired and amounts to be paid by the Company pending final cash settlements. HealthLink, based in Jacksonville, Fla., and Aplicare, based in Meriden, Conn., are leading providers of infection control products for the health care industry, complementing and expanding the Companys Away From Home health care business. Results for these businesses will be reflected in the Cleaning reportable segment. Soy Vay Enterprises, a California-based operation, provides the Companys Food business a presence in the growing market for Asian sauces. Results for this business will be reflected in the Lifestyle reportable segment.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $38 in the current six month period, as compared to a $622 net cash outflow in the prior six month period. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to the use of proceeds from the sale of the Auto Businesses to repay commercial paper in the prior six month period.
At December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, the Company had $463 and $456, respectively, of commercial paper outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 0.47% and 0.33%, respectively. The average commercial paper outstanding was $451 for both the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, at a weighted average interest rate of 0.36% and 0.38%, respectively. The average commercial paper outstanding for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010 was $283 and $356 at a weighted average interest rate of 0.41% and 0.43%, respectively.
Credit Arrangements
At December 31, 2011, the Company had a $1.1 billion revolving credit agreement with an expiration date of April 2013. There were no borrowings under this revolving credit agreement, which the Company believes is available and will continue to be available for general corporate purposes and to support commercial paper issuances. The revolving credit agreement includes certain restrictive covenants. The primary restrictive covenant is a maximum ratio of total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other items (EBITDA) for the trailing four quarters (EBITDA ratio), as defined in the Companys revolving credit agreement, of 3.25. EBITDA, as defined, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities.
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The following table sets forth the calculation of the EBITDA ratio at December 31, using EBITDA for the trailing four quarters, as contractually defined:
The Company is in compliance with all restrictive covenants and limitations as of December 31, 2011. The Company anticipates being in compliance with all restrictive covenants for the foreseeable future. The Company continues to monitor the financial markets and assess its ability to fully draw under its revolving credit facility, but currently expects that any drawing on the facility will be fully funded.
The Company had $41 of foreign and other credit lines at December 31, 2011, of which $27 was available for borrowing.
Share Repurchases
The Company has three share repurchase programs: two open-market purchase programs and a program to offset the impact of share dilution related to share-based awards (the Evergreen Program). In May 2008, the Companys board of directors approved an open-market purchase program with a total authorization of $750, of which $71 remains available as of December 31, 2011. In May 2011, the board of directors approved a second open-market purchase program with a total authorization of $750, all of which remains available as of December 31, 2011. The Evergreen Program has no authorization limit as to amount or timing of repurchases. The purpose of the Evergreen Program is to offset the impact of share dilution related to share-based awards.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company had not recorded any liabilities on any of the aforementioned off-balance sheet arrangements at December 31, 2011.
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Cautionary Statement
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this Report), including the exhibits hereto and the information incorporated by reference herein, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Except for historical information, matters discussed below, including statements about future volume, sales, costs, cost savings, earnings, cash flows, plans, objectives, expectations, growth, or profitability, are forward-looking statements based on managements estimates, assumptions and projections. Words such as will, could, may, expects, anticipates, targets, goals, projects, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates, and variations on such words, and similar expressions, 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 below. Important factors that could affect performance and cause results to differ materially from managements expectations are described in the sections entitled Risk Factors and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, as updated from time to time in the Companys Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. These factors include, but are not limited to the Companys costs, including volatility and increases in commodity costs such as resin, diesel, chlor-alkali, sodium hypochlorite, high-strength bleach, agricultural commodities and other raw materials; increases in energy costs; the ability of the Company to implement and generate expected savings from its programs to reduce costs, including its supply chain restructuring and other restructuring plans; supply disruptions or any future supply constraints that may affect key commodities or product inputs; risks inherent in relationships with suppliers, including sole-source or single-source suppliers; risks related to the handling and/or transportation of hazardous substances, including, but not limited to, chlorine; the success of the Companys strategies; the ability to manage and realize the benefits of joint ventures and other cooperative relationships, including the Companys joint venture regarding the Companys Glad ® plastic bags, wraps and containers business, and the agreements relating to the provision of information technology, procure to pay and other key services by third parties; risks relating to acquisitions, mergers and divestitures, and the costs associated therewith; risks inherent in maintaining an effective system of internal controls, including the potential impact of acquisitions or the use of third-party service providers, and the need to refine controls to adjust for accounting, financial reporting and other organizational changes or business conditions; the ability of the Company to successfully manage tax, regulatory, product liability, intellectual property, environmental and other legal matters, including the risk resulting from joint and several liability for environmental contingencies and risks inherent in litigation, including class action litigation; risks related to maintaining and updating the Companys information systems, including potential disruptions, costs and the ability of the Company to implement adequate information systems in order to support the current business and to support the Companys potential growth; the ability of the Company to develop commercially successful products that delight the consumer; consumer and customer reaction to price changes; actions by competitors; risks related to customer concentration; customer-specific ordering patterns and trends; risks arising out of natural disasters; the impact of disease outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics on the Companys, suppliers or customers operations; changes in the Companys tax rate; unfavorable worldwide, regional or local general economic and marketplace conditions and events, including consumer confidence and consumer spending levels, the rate of economic growth, the rate of inflation or deflation, and the financial condition of the Companys customers, suppliers and service providers; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and other risks of international operations; unfavorable political conditions in the countries where the Company does business and other operational risks in such countries; the impact of the volatility of the debt and equity markets on the Companys cost of borrowing, cost of capital and access to funds, including commercial paper and the Companys credit facility; risks relating to changes in the Companys capital structure, including risks related to the Companys ability to implement share repurchase plans and the impact thereof on the Companys capital structure and earnings per share; the impact of any unanticipated restructuring or asset-impairment charges and the ability of the Company to successfully implement restructuring plans; risks arising from declines in cash flow, whether resulting from declining sales, higher cost levels, tax payments, debt payments, share repurchases, higher capital spending, interest cost increases greater than managements expectations, interest rate fluctuations, increases in debt or changes in credit ratings, or otherwise; the costs and availability of shipping and transport services; potential costs in the event of stockholder activism; and the Companys ability to maintain its business reputation and the reputation of its brands.
The Companys forward-looking statements in this Report are based on managements current views and assumptions regarding future events and speak only as of their dates. 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.
In this Report, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms the Company and Clorox refer to The Clorox Company and its subsidiaries.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have not been any material changes to the Companys market risk during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, except as described in the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Report. For additional information, refer to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Companys management, with the participation of the Companys chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Report, were effective such that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.A. Risk Factors
For information regarding Risk Factors, please refer to Item 1.A. in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table sets forth the purchases of the Companys securities by the Company and any affiliated purchasers within the meaning of Rule 10b-18(a)(3) (17 CFR 240.10b-18(a)(3)) during the second quarter of fiscal year 2012.
Item 5. Other Information
On November 16, 2011, at the Companys annual meeting of stockholders, in a non-binding vote of the Companys stockholders regarding the frequency of holding future advisory votes on executive compensation, the proposed frequency that received the highest number of votes was every one year. In light of this result and the other factors considered by the Companys board of directors in making its original recommendation to the stockholders, the Company will hold a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation every year until the Companys board of directors determines that a different frequency for such advisory vote is in the Companys best interest or the next required vote in six years on the frequency of such advisory vote.
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Item 6. Exhibits
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S I G N A T U R E
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
THE CLOROX COMPANY(Registrant)
DATE: February 6, 2012
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
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