The Clorox Company (CLX): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

The Clorox Company (CLX) Information


A Brief History of The Clorox Company (CLX)

The Clorox Company, widely recognized by its flagship product, Clorox bleach, has a storied history that began in the early 20th century. Over the decades, it has evolved from a single-product company to a global conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of brands.

Early Beginnings and Foundation

In 1913, the company was founded as the Electro-Alkaline Company in Oakland, California by five entrepreneurs. The original product was a concentrated bleach made from a combination of water, chlorine, and sodium hydroxide.

  • 1914: The company's first bleach plant begins operations.
  • 1916: It was renamed The Clorox Chemical Company, and the brand name "Clorox" was born.
Expansion and Growth

As the demand for household cleaning solutions grew, Clorox expanded its product line and entered new markets. The mid-20th century marked a period of expansion and innovation for the company.

  • 1947: Clorox was listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CLX.
  • 1957: Procter & Gamble acquired Clorox, though the acquisition was later divested in 1969 following an antitrust lawsuit.
Diversification and Acquisition

The latter part of the 20th century and the 21st century saw Clorox diversifying its product line through strategic acquisitions and innovation in response to changing consumer needs.

  • 1970s-1980s: The company acquired a range of brands, including Formula 409, Liquid-Plumr, and Pine-Sol.
  • 1999: Clorox acquired the First Brands Corporation, adding Glad brand products to its portfolio.
  • 2007: Clorox acquired Burt’s Bees, moving into the natural personal care segment.
Modern Day Focus

In recent years, The Clorox Company has focused on sustainability, innovation, and global expansion. The company continues to be a leader in cleaning, health and wellness, and household products.

  • 2020: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for Clorox products surged, highlighting the brand’s critical role in hygiene and public health.
  • 2021: The company announced plans to achieve 100% renewable electricity in its U.S. and Canada operations.


Who Owns The Clorox Company (CLX)

The Clorox Company (CLX) is a publicly traded company, which means it is owned by its shareholders. These shareholders range from institutional investors and mutual funds to individual investors. Ownership can be divided among several key categories, including institutional ownership, insider ownership, and retail investors.

  • Institutional Investors: A significant portion of CLX is owned by institutional investors. These include large entities such as mutual funds, pension funds, and insurance companies. Some of the major institutional investors in Clorox include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Corporation.
  • Insider Ownership: Executives and members of the board of directors, as well as employees of The Clorox Company, also own shares in the company. Insider ownership can be a sign of confidence in the company's future by its own management.
  • Individual/Retail Investors: These are private investors who buy shares of CLX through brokerage accounts. They can range from small-scale investors to high-net-worth individuals.


The Clorox Company (CLX) Mission Statement

At The Clorox Company, the mission statement is succinct, yet powerful: "We make everyday life better, every day." This simple statement reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for their consumers through their wide array of products and services.

Key elements of The Clorox Company's mission include:

  • Commitment to Quality: Ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
  • Innovation: Continuously improving and expanding their product lines to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
  • Sustainability: Taking responsible and sustainable actions to protect the environment and promote wellness.
  • Community Engagement: Actively participating in and supporting the communities where they operate.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Putting the needs and preferences of their customers at the forefront of all business decisions.

These elements collectively guide the actions and decisions of The Clorox Company, ensuring that their mission to make everyday life better is achieved consistently and effectively.



How The Clorox Company (CLX) Works

The Clorox Company, commonly known as Clorox, is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products. Founded in 1913, Clorox has grown to become one of the leading companies in its industry, with a wide range of products sold in over 100 countries. Below is an overview of how the company operates:

Product Portfolio

Clorox boasts a diverse product portfolio that spans various categories:

  • Cleaning Products: Including the iconic Clorox bleach, disinfecting wipes, and cleaning sprays.
  • Household: Products such as Glad bags, wraps, and containers, Kingsford charcoal, and Fresh Step cat litter.
  • Lifestyle: Burt’s Bees natural personal care products and dietary supplements.
  • Professional Products: Solutions for healthcare, education, and other institutional markets.
Research and Development

Clorox invests significantly in Research and Development (R&D) to innovate and improve its product offerings. The company's R&D teams focus on:

  • Formulation of new products
  • Enhancing product performance
  • Ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards
  • Sustainability initiatives
Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Clorox operates numerous manufacturing facilities across different regions. The company's supply chain strategy includes:

  • Efficient distribution networks
  • Robust procurement practices
  • Focus on sustainability and reducing environmental impact
Marketing and Sales

To maintain its market position, Clorox engages in extensive marketing and sales activities. These include:

  • Brand management and advertising campaigns
  • Collaborations and partnerships with retailers
  • Leveraging digital platforms and e-commerce
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Clorox is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. Key CSR initiatives include:

  • Environmental sustainability programs
  • Community engagement and charitable contributions
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts


How The Clorox Company (CLX) Makes Money

The Clorox Company (CLX) is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products. The company's revenue streams are primarily derived from several key categories, each contributing a significant portion to its overall financial performance. Here is an overview of how The Clorox Company makes money:

Household Products:

  • Clorox Bleach: The company's flagship product, Clorox bleach, is a market leader in domestic cleaning and disinfection. The sales from this product contribute substantially to the company's revenues.
  • Cleaning Supplies: A variety of cleaning products including wipes, disinfectants, and other surface cleaners are also significant revenue drivers.

Lifestyle Products:

  • Dietary Supplements: Brands like RenewLife and Nutranext fall under Clorox's health and wellness portfolio. These products are important revenue contributors.
  • Water Filtration Products: Brita water filtration systems and filters are popular consumer products that add to the company's income.
  • Natural Personal Care: Burt's Bees, known for its natural personal care products, is another key brand under Clorox.

Specialty Products:

  • Charcoal: Kingsford charcoal products, including briquettes and related items, are key revenue-generating products during the grilling season.
  • Cat Litter: Fresh Step and Scoop Away cat litter products fall under this segment, contributing significantly to sales.

International Operations:

  • Global Markets: The Clorox Company has a presence in several international markets, and products sold outside the United States also contribute to its revenue streams.

Professional Products:

  • Cleaning Solutions: Clorox Professional Products provide cleaning and disinfecting solutions to businesses, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, adding another layer to the company's revenue.

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