Clorox Q1 Profit From Cont. Ops. Rises - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - The Clorox Company (CLX) reported that its first-quarter earnings from continuing operations increased to $145 million or $1.10 per share from $139 million or $1.05 per share, last year. This excludes the impact of the previously announced discontinued operations of Clorox Venezuela. Net earnings per share was $0.68, compared to $1.03, prior year.

On average, 16 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $1.03 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Net sales were $1.35 billion, compared to $1.34 billion, a year ago. On a currency-neutral basis, sales grew nearly 3 percent. Analysts expected revenue of $1.33 billion for the quarter.

The company continues to anticipate fiscal year 2015 sales to be about flat. On a currency-neutral basis, the company continues to anticipate sales growth in the range of 1 percent to 3 percent for the fiscal year. Clorox continues to anticipate fiscal 2015 EPS from continuing operations in the range of $4.35 to $4.50. Analysts expect the company to report fiscal 2015 earnings per share of $4.42 on revenue of $5.57 billion.