• February 5, 2008

The Clorox Company reported second-quarter sales grew 8%, to $1.19 billion, compared with $1.10 billion in the year-ago quarter.

The following factors each contributed about 1.5 percentage points of sales growth in the current quarter: December results from the Burt's Bees acquisition, the bleach businesses acquired in fiscal year 2007 and favorable foreign exchange rates.

Volume increased 6% compared to the year-ago quarter, including about 1 percentage point of growth from Burt's Bees and about 1 percentage point of growth from the bleach business acquisition. Volume growth of 4% on the base business was primarily driven by strong shipments of home-care products, including Clorox disinfecting wipes, and all-time record shipments of Fresh Step scoopable cat litter.

Sales growth outpaced volume growth primarily due to the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates and price increases, partially offset by higher trade promotion spending in response to competitive activity.

In addition to previously communicated price increases on Hidden Valley salad dressings, Kingsford charcoal, and Armor All and STP auto-care products, the company plans to increase prices an average of 7% on Glad trash bags and GladWare disposable containers in February 2008 to help offset higher commodity costs.--Nina M. Lentini