The Dividend Daily

Cleaning products maker The Clorox Company (CLX) on Monday posted 23% higher first quarter earnings, propelled by higher consumer spending on disinfecting products amid fears over the swine flu.

The Oakland-based company reported fiscal first quarter net income of $157 million, or $1.11 per share, up from $128 million, or 90 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Revenue edged down less than 1% from last year, to $1.37 billion.

On average, Wall Street analysts expected a much lower profit of 95 cents per share, on smaller sales of $1.34 billion.

Looking ahead, the company forecast full-year 2010 earnings of $4.05 to $4.20 per share, up from a prior outlook for $4 to $4.15. On average, analysts currently expect $4.18 per share for the year.

Clorox shares rose 61 cents, or +1%, in morning trading Monday.

The Bottom Line
We have been recommending shares of CLX since July 30, when the stock was trading at $60.26. The company has a 3.38% dividend yield, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $59.23.

The Clorox Company (CLX) is a “recommended” dividend stock, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks, as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here.