Clorox (CLX) management detailed on drivers for improved share performance, but investors likely have limited conviction on organic growth improvement in H2 "given the many moving pieces," UBS Securities said Tuesday in a note.
Q2 organic sales declined 1%, compared with UBS estimate of a 2.6% decline and Street consensus of a 2.7% decline, and this was largely a timing benefit and is likely to reverse in Q3, the firm said.
The company reiterated its fiscal 2026 outlook, eyeing the lower end of the guidance range for EPS of $5.95 to $6.30, and a net sales decline of 10% to 6%, versus a Visible Alpha consensus of an 8.8% decline. UBS lowered its 2026 EPS estimate to $6.04 from $6.06.
Some gross margin pressure may continue in Q3, but cost savings will improve gross margins in Q4, the report noted, adding that Clorox also expects to benefit from the exit of the Glad Products joint venture.
UBS raised the price target on Clorox to $121 from $115 and maintained a neutral rating.
Shares of Clorox rose about 3% in recent trading Wednesday.
Price: 118.31, Change: +3.33, Percent Change: +2.90