Traders Buy High Volume of Clorox Call Options (NYSE:CLX)

The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) saw some unusual options trading activity on Thursday. Stock traders bought 10,346 call options on the stock. This represents an increase of approximately 166% compared to the average volume of 3,893 call options.

Clorox Trading Down 1.1%

Shares of Clorox stock opened at $106.70 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 71.03. Clorox has a twelve month low of $96.66 and a twelve month high of $150.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.90 billion, a PE ratio of 17.43, a P/E/G ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 0.59. The firm’s 50-day moving average price is $116.26 and its 200 day moving average price is $113.12.

Clorox (NYSE:CLX) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.43 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.64 billion. Clorox had a return on equity of 383.01% and a net margin of 11.17%.Clorox’s quarterly revenue was down .8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.55 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Clorox will post 7.15 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Clorox Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 22nd will be paid a $1.24 dividend. This represents a $4.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, April 22nd. Clorox’s dividend payout ratio is currently 81.05%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

CLX has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of Clorox from $152.00 to $151.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $132.00 price target on Clorox in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Clorox from $125.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $125.00 price target on Clorox in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price objective on Clorox from $115.00 to $121.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Clorox has an average rating of “Reduce” and an average price target of $118.73.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Clorox

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Total Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Clorox in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Center for Financial Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in Clorox during the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC acquired a new stake in Clorox in the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Caitlin John LLC raised its holdings in Clorox by 1,807.1% in the 4th quarter. Caitlin John LLC now owns 267 shares of the company’s stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 253 shares during the last quarter. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC lifted its stake in Clorox by 1,020.0% in the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 224 shares of the company’s stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 204 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.53% of the company’s stock.

Clorox Company Profile

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.