Morgan Stanley Sees Rising Cost Pressures for Clorox (CLX)

The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) is included among the 10 Best Inflation-Hedge Stocks to Buy for 2026.

Morgan Stanley Sees Rising Cost Pressures for Clorox (CLX)

On May 1, Morgan Stanley lowered its price recommendation on The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) to $97 from $110. It reiterated an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The analyst said sales challenges are continuing, especially in the litter and salad dressing categories. The firm also noted that cost pressures are increasing, while pricing actions remain limited, leading to expectations that consensus estimates will need to move lower.

During the fiscal Q3 2026 earnings report, CEO and Chairman Linda Rendle said the company had completed its ERP implementation. She said this positioned the business to better convert its innovation efforts, investments, and distribution gains into stronger brand value and improved performance. Rendle added that the company is now focused on execution, strengthening core operations, improving innovation results, and building momentum heading into fiscal 2027.

She also noted that total distribution points rose more than 5% during the third quarter. According to Rendle, the company is focused not only on gaining distribution, but also on making sure products are placed in the right locations within stores. As an example, she pointed to the Litter category, where products reached major retailers, though shelf placement issues reduced the effectiveness of execution.

The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) manufactures and markets consumer and professional products worldwide. Its portfolio includes brands such as Brita, Burt’s Bees, Clorox, Fresh Step, Glad, Hidden Valley, Kingsford, Liquid-Plumr, Pine-Sol, and Purell, along with international brands including Chux, Clorinda, and Poett.

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