In the third fiscal quarter of 2020, The Clorox Company reported a sales increase of 15%, driven by 18 points of volume growth due to higher demand for products across the company’s portfolio in the face of the pandemic. This was partially offset by 2 points from unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates and 1 point from unfavorable price mix. Organic sales were up 17% for the quarter. 

In the Cleaning (Laundry, Home Care, Professional Products) segment, sales increase 32%. Segment sales were up behind double-digit shipment increases in all business units. Home Care was the primary driver, while there were also significant contributions from Laundry and Professional Products due to elevated demand for Clorox disinfecting wipes and sprays, Clorox disinfecting bleach, Clorox Healthcare germicidal wipes, and other disinfecting products. Increased consumer demand also drove higher household penetration on its retail brands. Pretax earnings increased mainly due to sales growth, which was partially offset by unfavorable mix and assortment as well as higher advertising investments.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re privileged to be in a position to serve the public health during this time,” says chair and CEO Benno Dorer. “Our commitment to doing everything we can to support consumers, healthcare facilities and communities is reflected in our strong third-quarter financial results.”

Dorer adds: “Beyond the extraordinary growth in our disinfecting products, we saw broad-based growth across all four segments as our portfolio is uniquely positioned to serve consumers in this unprecedented time. Importantly, our business was on track to deliver growth for the back half of the fiscal year in line with our expectations, even ahead of the pandemic. With a portfolio that’s been relatively resilient during past recessions, the heightened importance of disinfecting products in consumers’ lives and strong future investments in our IGNITE strategy, we’re optimistic about our ability to continue to perform well even in what’s expected to be a challenging economic environment.”