Clorox’s 21% YTD Slide and 318th-Ranked Trading Volume Highlight Struggles vs. S&P 500

On September 4, 2025, The Clorox Company (CLX) closed at $124.31, down 0.26% with a trading volume of $0.34 billion, ranking 318th in market activity. The stock has declined 21.21% year-to-date, underperforming the S&P 500’s 10.55% gain. Analyst Herb Greenberg highlighted concerns over rising costs and earnings volatility, while Wells Fargo reduced its price target to $130 from $138, reflecting cautious sentiment amid global economic uncertainties.

CLX faced pressure from May’s sales guidance cut linked to tariffs and macroeconomic headwinds, despite limited exposure to China and Mexico. Recent product innovations, such as CloroxPro’s Screen+ sanitizing wipes for electronics and a new partnership with Vizient, aim to bolster market share in the disinfectant sector. However, broader industry competition from peers like Reckitt Benckiser and Procter & Gamble remains a challenge.

Backtest data shows CLX’s 12-month return at -21.45%, lagging the S&P 500’s 17.79% performance. The company’s focus on cost management and dividend sustainability—raising its payout to $1.24 per share—may provide some support, but near-term risks include inflationary pressures and shifting consumer demand in the household goods sector.