Can Clorox's Strategic Growth Efforts Offset Margin Issues?

The Clorox Company CLX is moving up the charts, courtesy of its strategic initiatives including 2020 Strategy, which aims at improving product categories and expanding market share. Its solid focus on e-commerce expansion as well as Go Lean Strategy is also encouraging. However, the company is battling margin pressures due to higher expenses.

Let’s Have a Detailed Analysis

Despite gains from cost savings and increased product prices, margins are under pressure due to elevated commodity, manufacturing and logistics expenses. In first-quarter fiscal 2019, gross margin contracted 150 basis points. The metric is estimated to remain flat in fiscal 2019 as gains from increased prices and cost-savings efforts are expected to be offset by higher costs and adverse foreign currency exchange rates.

Moreover, Clorox remains exposed to major foreign currency risks, which have been affecting its performance. Apparently, net sales were hurt by 2 percentage points from foreign currency in the fiscal first quarter. Although management reiterated its sales forecast for the fiscal year, currency is expected to dent sales by roughly 2 percentage points. Earnings projection for fiscal 2019 was also adversely impacted by currency.

Management anticipates fiscal 2019 earnings per share from continuing operations to be in the range of $6.20-$6.40, down from $6.32-$6.52 projected previously. Earnings guidance was slashed mainly due to the expectations of making fewer share repurchases in fiscal 2019 than nearly 50% of its $2-billion share repurchase authorization guided earlier.

While these factors make us apprehensive, Clorox’s 2020 Strategy along with other growth initiatives appear promising. The company remains keen on the smooth execution of its 2020 Strategy, which is aimed at achieving certain long-term aspirations. These goals include net sales growth of 3-5%, EBIT margin expansion of 25-50 bps and free cash flow generation of 10-12% of sales, all on a yearly basis.

Notably, the 2020 Strategy is likely to be achieved through key accelerators such as investment in brands; development of e-commerce; technological advancements; enhancement of growth culture and focus on the 3Ds - desire, decision and delight.

Clorox's Go Lean strategy across International is expected to help it improve margins through operational efficiencies. The company also remains committed toward investing in product and brand differentiation to safeguard value proposition.

Further, it is focused on strong investments in demand building, including digital marketing, e-commerce and product innovation pipeline. Moving ahead, the company is ahead of track and nearing its 2020 target of $500 million from e-commerce sales.

Clorox’s Performance

A glance at this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company’s price trend reveals that it has outperformed the industry and the broader market in the past six months. Shares of Clorox have gained 18.1% ahead of the industry’s 5.7% growth and S&P 500 index’s 4.9% fall.

Clorox also boasts an impressive earnings surprise history, having surpassed estimates for eight straight quarters now. Moreover, sales exceeded estimates in four of the trailing six quarters.

Bottom Line

We expect the aforementioned strategies to help the company offset its near-term challenges. Also, its share price and earnings trend are impressive. With a VGM Score of B and an expected earnings growth rate of 6.3%, we believe the stock is well-positioned for growth moving ahead.

Want Better-Ranked Stocks in the Same Space? Check These

Archer Daniels Midland Co. ADM delivered average positive earnings surprise of 26.9% in the last four quarters. It currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Calyxt, Inc. CLXT delivered average positive earnings surprise of 15.6% in the trailing four quarters. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

The Procter & Gamble Co. PG outpaced the earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 3.2%. Further, it has a Zacks Rank of 2.

Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?

Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.

Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.

See the pot trades we're targeting>>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Procter & Gamble Company (The) (PG) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Calyxt, Inc. (CLXT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research