Clorox's first-quarter fiscal 2027 net sales rose 33% to nearly $1.91 billion, driven mostly by the Gojo acquisition and a low comparison base after last year's ERP upgrade. Adjusted net income reached $190 million, or $1.55 per share versus $0.85 a year earlier, beating consensus of $1.88 billion in net sales and $1.07 adjusted EPS, though shares slipped slightly after hours. The company kept most of its fiscal 2027 guidance but now expects adjusted EPS near the bottom of the $5.70 to $6 range and cut its gross margin forecast to 41.5% from 42%. Long-term debt rose 60% to almost $4 billion after the all-cash $2.25 billion Gojo deal, while operating cash flow climbed 54%. The author notes the 5.6% dividend yield and 49 straight years of increases, says the high payout ratio needs watching, and predicts Clorox will reach Dividend King status in 2027.
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