Clorox Releases 2015 Integrated Annual Report Highlighting Progress to Drive 'Good Growth'

OAKLAND, CA--(Marketwired - September 28, 2015) - The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) released its 2015 integrated annual report demonstrating how the company drove "good growth" -- profitable and responsible growth -- during the fiscal year ending June 30 through progress against its 2020 Strategy and an emphasis on focus areas that will continue accelerating that growth.

"Accelerating good growth that's profitable, consistent and achieved in a responsible way is a cornerstone of our 2020 Strategy," said Chief Executive Officer Benno Dorer. "This year's report showcases the steps we're taking to win with consumers in today's dynamic business environment while retaining a commitment to values that have guided our company for more than a century. We believe this approach, supported by our highly engaged people and leading brands, will allow us to provide value to our stakeholders for the long term."

Among the statistics highlighted in the report, which combines financial, environmental, social and governance performance, are the following 2015 fiscal year results:

• $5.7 billion in net sales.
• $385 million in cash dividends.
• 17 percent total shareholder return compared to 4 percent for our peer group and 7 percent for the S&P 500.⁽¹⁾
• 3 percent incremental sales from product innovation.

Also documented in the report are key nonfinancial metrics, including the following:

• 86 percent employee engagement, which is one point higher than last year, nine points higher than the company's consumer goods peers and about one point higher than companies combining superior financial performance and human resources practices.⁽²⁾
• A recordable incident rate of .52, the lowest RIR -- a measure of workplace safety -- in the company's history and superior to world-class norms.(3)
• Diversity in governance and senior management, including 50 percent minority independent board members and 31 percent female Clorox Executive Committee members.
• Environmental improvements to our operational footprint, marked by cumulative reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (11 percent), solid waste to landfill (30 percent), energy consumption (6 percent) and water consumption (11 percent) since 2012.⁽⁴⁾
• $15.2 million in community impact from foundation cash grants, employee volunteerism⁽⁵⁾, U.S. cause marketing contributions and U.S. corporate product donations.

As part of Clorox's efforts to continually enhance the rigor of its reporting, an independent accounting firm provided review-level assurance for 14 key nonfinancial metrics. These performance indicators are shown with an "A" symbol throughout the report.