Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank Sells 11,888 Shares of The Clorox Company $CLX

Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank lessened its stake in The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) by 21.2% in the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 44,224 shares of the company’s stock after selling 11,888 shares during the period. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank’s holdings in Clorox were worth $4,459,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CLX. Center for Financial Planning Inc. bought a new position in Clorox during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC bought a new position in Clorox during the third quarter worth about $25,000. True Wealth Design LLC lifted its stake in Clorox by 1,020.0% during the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 224 shares of the company’s stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 204 shares during the period. Darwin Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Clorox during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in Clorox during the third quarter worth about $29,000. Institutional investors own 78.53% of the company’s stock.

Clorox Stock Performance

NYSE:CLX opened at $98.68 on Friday. The Clorox Company has a 1 year low of $96.58 and a 1 year high of $143.96. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $110.40 and a 200-day moving average of $109.48. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 71.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.48 and a beta of 0.65.

Clorox (NYSE:CLX) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.43 by ($0.04). Clorox had a net margin of 11.17% and a return on equity of 383.01%. The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.64 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.55 EPS. The business’s revenue was down .8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Clorox Company will post 5.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Clorox Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 22nd will be paid a $1.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, April 22nd. This represents a $4.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.0%. Clorox’s payout ratio is 81.05%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of Clorox from $125.00 to $110.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated an “underweight” rating and set a $99.00 price target (down from $117.00) on shares of Clorox in a research note on Friday, April 17th. Evercore cut their price target on shares of Clorox from $132.00 to $115.00 and set an “underperform” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price target on shares of Clorox from $101.00 to $100.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 20th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price target on shares of Clorox from $132.00 to $127.00 and set a “sector perform” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, April 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of “Reduce” and an average price target of $111.33.

About Clorox

The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products designed to help people care for their homes and live healthy, sustainable lives. Its portfolio spans cleaning and household products, food and beverages, water filtration systems and cat litter, serving both retail and institutional customers. The company’s flagship bleach and disinfecting products are well known in the United States and many international markets, where they help prevent the spread of germs in homes, hospitals, schools and businesses.

Clorox’s diverse brand lineup includes liquid bleach and surface cleaners, eco-friendly cleaning tools, food preservation and preparation items, charcoal grills and briquettes, specialty foods and beverages, pet care products and personal care lines.