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Published: 2022-10-05 17:28:06 ET
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DEF 14A 1 clorox4080221-def14a.htm DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.            )

Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a party other than the Registrant [   ] 
 
Check the appropriate box:
 
[   ]        Preliminary Proxy Statement
[   ]   Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X]   Definitive Proxy Statement
[   ]   Definitive Additional Materials
[   ]   Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

  The Clorox Company  
  (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)  
 
       
 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
[X]        No fee required

[   ]

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials

[   ]

 

Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11



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Table of Contents

Letter from Our Independent Chair

    

This past year presented another year of unprecedented challenges. Through ongoing uncertainty, the board has continued to be stewards of the company, guiding its strategy to ensure long-term, sustainable value creation for all stakeholders. We believe that the foundation of Clorox's resilience through uncertainty and challenges has been strong corporate governance, together with our commitment to our corporate purpose and values. We appreciate the opportunity to share with you our progress and governance enhancements over this past fiscal year.

Enhancing Board ESG Governance

Board oversight of ESG has never been more critical, given its strategic importance to our company and the increasing scrutiny by regulators, shareholders and other stakeholders on corporate disclosures and activities around these matters. We believe our approach to stewardship of these issues continues to serve us, the company, and our shareholders well. We made progress on our ESG priorities and goals and enhanced our governance over these areas across the organization, which, we believe, will create long-term stakeholder value. For example, this past fiscal year, we continued to broaden our board's knowledge on these topics through engagement and dialogue with internal and external experts. We also undertook a review of our ESG governance across the full Board and committees, including benchmarking and discussion among board leadership, to ensure these areas were managed in an integrated manner across committees, with oversight and visibility to the full Board. Based on this, we updated our board committee charters to enhance oversight and coordination on these key matters.

Maintaining Active Board Refreshment

Since our last annual meeting, we appointed two new directors to the board — Julia Denman and Stephanie Plaines — who collectively bring additional deep strategic, financial and industry leadership experience as well as strong track records of value creation and transformation. These two directors serve on the Audit Committee, and the board has determined that they are audit committee financial experts for fiscal year 2023. Their appointments add to the strength and diversity of our director nominee group, which is 50% women and 25% people of color.

After 15 years of service, Dr. Richard Carmona will be retiring from the board. We congratulate Rich on his retirement and thank him for his dedicated years of service, including six years as chair of the NGCRC. We are very grateful for his substantial contributions to the board, the company and our shareholders, particularly his important perspectives as a former surgeon general of the U.S. as the company navigated through the height of the pandemic.

Year-round, Ongoing Shareholder Engagement

As part of our commitment to strong corporate governance, our directors also continued to engage with shareholders to discuss key issues and to listen to their perspectives. The feedback from these conversations informed the implementation of recent practices such as the launch of our new ESG Data Hub, which provides a centralized source for our key ESG disclosures. As part of the board's effort to continually enhance and expand their knowledge and skills, we invited one of our largest shareholders to a board meeting and had the unique opportunity to engage in a dialogue with them on emerging ESG issues.

On behalf of the board, I want to thank you for your continued investment and confidence in Clorox. We believe that Clorox is well-positioned to drive sustainable growth, build a stronger, more resilient company and create long-term value for all of our stakeholders, including our shareholders. We thank you for the opportunity to continue serving you and the company.

Matthew J. Shattock
Independent Chair


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Letter from Our Chief Executive Officer

    

Even in the face of a challenging macroeconomic environment, we made strong progress against our IGNITE strategy this past year, while staying true to our corporate purpose of championing people to be well and thrive every single day. As we look ahead, bolstered by our strong brands and lasting consumer trend tailwinds, we remain focused on delivering 3% to 5% long-term sales growth and positioning the company for long term success through a broad set of actions and key investments.

Some of the actions we are taking include:

Operating with discipline: We are focused on our commitment to rebuild margins, which we are implementing through pricing, a focus on operational excellence, and our hallmark cost savings program.

Delivering bigger, stickier innovation platforms: We have a robust innovation pipeline and introduced innovations across 28 categories in fiscal year 2022, setting us up well to drive growth for years to come.

Building purpose-driven, personalized brands: We have also been focused on our 2025 goal of knowing 100 million consumers and are 75% of the way to reaching our goal. This enables greater efficiencies and engagement and allows our brands to have the highly personalized and customized interactions that consumers expect.

Accelerating our digital transformation: We're upgrading our digital infrastructure and capabilities to better position us for the long term in supply chain, digital commerce, innovation and brand building, including transitioning to a new global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system over the next five years, through a $500 million investment.

Reimagining how we work: We started implementing a streamlined operating model in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 to further support our goals of driving both growth and productivity, by creating a simpler, faster company that puts the business even closer to our consumers and customers.

Our ESG goals are integrated into our business strategy and we are committed to helping build a more sustainable and inclusive world because we recognize the connection between ESG issues and our company's long-term performance.

Putting People at the Center: We continue to lead with a human-centric approach. Supporting people's well-being starts with our own teammates, who are critical enablers of Clorox's success. Over the past year, we continued to enhance our benefits and programs to support the physical, mental and financial well-being of our incredible Clorox team. We also maintained our strong safety standards with a recordable incident rate well below our target and the industry average.

Continuing Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Allyship: We recently expanded the scope of our inclusion and diversity strategy to highlight the importance of equity and allyship and formalize our work in these areas. In July, Clorox's first-ever Chief Diversity and Social Impact Officer joined the Clorox Executive Committee, and under her leadership, we will continue to drive systemic and lasting change to build an even more people-centered, purpose-driven culture.

Taking Climate Action: We also made further progress on our long-term environmental sustainability goals, which are an integral part of our IGNITE strategy. Building on our accomplishment of reaching 100% renewable electricity in the U.S. and Canada last year, we signed a second virtual power purchase agreement to underscore our commitment to renewable energy. We also set out our path to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 in our recently published climate action plan.

As the world around us continues to rapidly change, I am confident that we are taking the necessary actions to better position Clorox to navigate this uncertain macroeconomic environment, drive sustainable, profitable growth and deliver long-term value to all our stakeholders. I encourage you to read more about our results and our progress against our IGNITE strategy in our 2022 Integrated Annual Report. Thank you, fellow shareholders, for your continued support of our company.

Linda Rendle
Director and Chief Executive Officer

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Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Annual Meeting Information
Date and Time
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
9:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Virtual Meeting URL
meetnow.global/MXNXWKW

Record Date
You can vote electronically at the Annual Meeting if you were a shareholder of record on September 23, 2022.

Agenda

1.

To elect the 12 director nominees named in the proxy statement;

2.

To hold an advisory vote to approve executive compensation; and

3.

To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

Shareholders will also consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement.

How to Vote
Internet
www.envisionreports.com/CLX

Telephone
Call toll-free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada.

Mail
Mark, sign and date your proxy card or voting instruction form and return it in the postage-paid envelope.

During the Annual Meeting
Visit meetnow.global/MXNXWKW. Log in using the 15-digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on your printed proxy card, or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials to access the meeting.

How to Attend the Annual Meeting
Visit meetnow.global/MXNXWKW. Log in using the 15-digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on your printed proxy card, or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials to access the meeting.



If you are a beneficial owner (you own shares through a broker, bank or other holder of record) and plan on attending, voting or asking questions at the Annual Meeting, you may need to pre-register with Computershare by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 11, 2022. Please see pg 88 of the Attending the Virtual Annual Meeting section for more information.

You may also vote online and examine our shareholder list during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions provided on the meeting website during the Annual Meeting.

On or about October 5, 2022, we began mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the Notice) to our shareholders informing them that our Proxy Statement, 2022 Integrated Annual Report – Executive Summary, and voting instructions are available on the Internet.

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the virtual Annual Meeting, we encourage you to vote and submit your proxy in advance of the meeting by one of the methods described on pages 83-84. While you will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting at a physical location, we have designed the virtual Annual Meeting to ensure that our shareholders are given the same rights and opportunities to actively participate in the Annual Meeting as they would at an in-person meeting, using online tools to facilitate shareholder access and participation.

Even if you plan to attend the virtual Annual Meeting, we hope that you will read the proxy statement and vote your proxy by telephone, via the Internet, or by signing, dating, and returning the proxy card in the envelope provided.

By Order of the Board of Directors,


Iké Adeyemi
Vice President – Corporate Secretary &
Associate General Counse
l

The Clorox Company
1221 Broadway
Oakland, California 94612

October 5, 2022

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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE CLOROX COMPANY 2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 16, 2022

The Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, and 2022 Integrated Annual Report – Executive Summary will be available at www.edocumentview.com/CLX.

Pursuant to rules adopted by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), we are furnishing proxy materials to our shareholders primarily over the Internet. We believe that this process expedites shareholders’ receipt of these materials, lowers the costs of our Annual Meeting and reduces the environmental impact of mailing printed copies.

Accordingly, on or about October 5, 2022, we began mailing the Notice to our shareholders informing them that our Proxy Statement, 2022 Integrated Annual Report – Executive Summary, and voting instructions are available on the Internet. The Notice also contains instructions on how to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials and a proxy card or voting instruction form. If you received the Notice by mail or our proxy materials by e-mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request one. If you received paper copies of our proxy materials, you may also view these materials on our website at www.proxyvote.com.

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF PROXY MATERIALS
We encourage our shareholders to enroll in voluntary e-delivery of future proxy materials. We believe that this process expedites shareholders’ receipt of these materials, lowers the costs of our Annual Meeting and reduces the environmental impact of mailing printed copies.

If you are a Registered Shareholder (you own shares in your own name through our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A.): visit www.computershare.com and log into your account to enroll.

If you are a Beneficial Owner (you own shares through a broker, bank or any other account): If you hold shares beneficially, please follow the instructions provided to you by your broker, bank, trustee or nominee.

If you have questions about how to vote your shares, or need additional assistance, please contact Innisfree M&A Incorporated, who is assisting us in the solicitation of proxies:


501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, New York 10022

Shareholders may call toll-free at (877) 750-9499

Banks and brokers may call collect at (212) 750-5833

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Table of Contents
Proxy Summary       1
Voting Matters and Voting Recommendations 1
Our Director Nominees 1
Corporate Governance Strengths 2
Executive Compensation Highlights 3
Components of Our Compensation Program 4
Our Company 5
Snapshot 5
Our Corporate Values and Purpose 5
Our IGNITE Strategy and Integrated ESG Pillars 6
Board of Directors 8
Proposal 1: Election of Directors 8
Our Director Nominees 8
Shareholder Engagement 21
Director Candidate Evaluation and Nomination 22
Board Leadership Structure 26
Annual Board and Director Evaluation Process 27
Vote Required 28
Board’s Recommendation 28
Corporate Governance and Board Matters 29
The Clorox Company Governance Guidelines 29
Board Oversight of Risk Management and Culture 29
ESG Governance 32
Board Meeting Attendance 33
Director Independence 34
Related Person Transaction and Conflict of Interest Policies and Procedures 34
Code of Conduct 35
Board Committees 35
Director Compensation 37
Executive Officers 40
Information about our Executive Officers 40
Stock Ownership Information 41
Beneficial Ownership of Voting Securities 41
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports 42

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Executive Compensation       43
Proposal 2: Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation 43
Board’s Recommendation 43
Vote Required 44
Compensation Discussion and Analysis 45
Equity Compensation Plan Information 78
Audit Committee Matters 79
Proposal 3: Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 79
Board’s Recommendation 79
Vote Required 79
Audit Committee Report 80
Fees of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 81
Information About the Virtual Annual Meeting 82
Delivery of Proxy Materials 82
Voting Information 83
Form 10-K, Financial Statements, and Integrated Annual Report – Executive Summary 85
Solicitation of Proxies 85
Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2023 Annual Meeting 86
Eliminating Duplicative Proxy Materials 87
Attending the Virtual Annual Meeting 88
Submitting Questions for the Virtual Annual Meeting 89
Appendix A: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations A-1

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Proxy Summary

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement and does not contain all the information that you should consider. Please review the entire proxy statement before voting.


Voting Matters and Voting Recommendations


          More
information
     Board’s voting
recommendation
PROPOSAL 1 Election of Directors Page 8 FOR EACH NOMINEE
PROPOSAL 2 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation Page 43 FOR
PROPOSAL 3 Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Page 79 FOR

For more information on how to vote before and during the Annual Meeting, see Information About the Virtual Annual Meeting—Voting Information on pg 83 of this proxy statement.


Our Director Nominees

The following table provides summary information about each director nominee as of the date of the Annual Meeting.

Name      Age      Director
Since
     Principal Occupation      Independent      Committee
Memberships
Amy L. Banse 63 2016 Venture Partner, Mastry, Inc.
AC
Julia Denman 51 2022 Corporate Vice President and Head of Internal Audit, Enterprise Risk and Compliance, Microsoft Corporation
AC
Spencer C. Fleischer 69 2015 Chairman, FFL Partners, L.P.
MDCC (Chair)
Esther Lee 63 2013 Former Executive Vice President – Global Chief Marketing Officer, MetLife Inc.
NGCRC (Chair)
A. D. David Mackay 67 2016 Former President and Chief Executive Officer, The Kellogg Company
AC
MDCC
Paul Parker 59 2020 Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
AC
Stephanie Plaines 55 2022 Chief Financial Officer, J.C. Penney
AC
Linda Rendle 44 2020 Chief Executive Officer, Clorox
Matthew J. Shattock 60 2018 Former Non-Executive Chairman, Beam Suntory Inc.
NGCRC
Kathryn Tesija 59 2020 Former Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer, Target Corporation
MDCC
NGCRC
Russell J. Weiner 54 2017 Chief Executive Officer, Domino’s Pizza, Inc.
MDCC
Christopher J. Williams 64 2015 Chairman, Siebert, Williams, Shank & Co. LLC
AC (Chair)
AC Audit Committee
NGCRC      Nominating, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee
MDCC Management Development and Compensation Committee

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Proxy Summary


Corporate Governance Strengths

Board Structure and
Independence
     
All of our director nominees are independent, except for our CEO
Separate chair and CEO roles – with independent chair
100% independent board committee members
Independent chair can call special meetings of the independent directors and actively supervises meeting materials, agendas and schedules
Board Composition
Diverse board of directors (Board) with effective mix of skills, experiences, and perspectives
Diverse Board leadership on committees
Adopted formal Board diversity policy in fiscal year 2020
Active Board refreshment – average Board tenure is approximately 4.5 years (as of the Annual Meeting date)
Effective annual Board, Board committee, and individual director evaluation process – which will periodically incorporate a third-party facilitator starting in fiscal year 2023
Majority voting and director resignation policy in uncontested director elections
Board Oversight
Robust processes for overseeing key enterprise risks
Board receives regular updates on key ESG topics from management and internal and external experts and consultants
Strong Board and management succession planning process
Shareholder Rights
and Accountability
Annual election of all directors
Special meeting right for shareholders
Proxy access right for shareholders
Proactive shareholder engagement
Good Governance
Practices
Robust code of conduct applicable to directors, officers and employees and annual training and certification process
Rigorous stock ownership guidelines for directors and executives
Directors and officers prohibited from hedging our stock, and Section 16 insiders are prohibited from pledging our stock under our insider trading policy
Both our annual and long-term incentive plans include clawback provision
ESG achievements are a component of the holistic assessment of our executives’ performance in relation to compensation

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Proxy Summary


Executive Compensation Highlights

Clorox continued to experience unprecedented business disruption in fiscal year 2022. In fiscal year 2022, Clorox navigated through unprecedented inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges, and multiple COVID-19 waves. We implemented a broad set of actions within our control to address these issues; however, those actions couldn’t overcome the magnitude of the headwinds we faced.

Our incentive plan results reflect Company performance. Our significantly below-target payout on short-term incentives and below-target payout on long-term incentives align to the disappointing business outcomes in fiscal year 2022.

The Company multiplier for our short-term incentive for fiscal year 2022 was 50%. This result reflected declines in fiscal year 2022 for all three of our underlying metrics: net sales, net earnings attributable to Clorox, and gross margin. Although a material portion of the basis for the company multiplier was attributable to forces outside Clorox’s control, the Management Development and Compensation Committee chose not to apply its discretion to increase the company multiplier.

Performance share units from our long-term incentive awards vesting in 2022 paid out at 89%. The performance-based award vesting in fiscal year 2022 was based on economic profit (EP) growth during fiscal years 2020 through 2022, covering one breakout year with extremely high EP growth, one year of lower-than-expected EP growth, and one year of below-threshold EP growth.

The Management Development and Compensation Committee continues to evolve our program. As we look ahead to fiscal year 2023, anticipating continued volatility and unpredictability, we remain committed to our philosophy of pay for performance. In consideration of target performance goals for fiscal year 2023 being set below historic Clorox norms due to the challenging operating environment, we applied a payout ceiling equal to 75% of target for performance share units if a threshold adjusted EPS level is not attained over the three-year performance period. The committee will continue to evaluate incentive plan changes based on the evolution of our competitive market and Clorox’s long-term transformational business plan.

For more information, see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement.

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Proxy Summary


Components of Our Compensation Program

A substantial portion of our target total direct compensation for our executives is variable, with 88% of compensation at risk for our CEO and 82% of compensation at risk on average for our other NEOs. Base salary is the only fixed component of direct compensation.

Component and Rationale       CEO
Proportion(1)
      NEO(2)
Proportion(1)
      Performance
Measures
      Performance
Period
      Characteristics

Base Salary
Fixed pay to attract and retain talent, based on role, level of responsibilities, and individual performance.

 
N/A
N/A Fixed cash

Annual Incentives
Variable pay to incent and recognize performance in areas of short-term strategic importance.

 
Annual net sales (50%)
Net earnings (30%)
Gross margin (20%)
Individual performance goals

One Year

Performance-based cash

Long-Term Incentives
Equity-based pay to incent and recognize performance in areas of long-term strategic importance, promote retention and stability, and align executives with shareholders.

 
Three-year annual economic profit growth rate
Variation in underlying stock price due to overall business results
Three Years PSUs, stock options, and RSUs
(1) Proportion represents the actual base salary, target annual incentive award, and grant date fair market value of actual long-term incentive awards granted in fiscal year 2022 (with PSUs measured at target). Percentages are rounded. Refer to the Summary Compensation Table for further details on actual compensation.
(2) Represents the average of all NEOs active on June 30, 2022, other than the CEO.

Additional elements of our executive compensation program include retirement plans, post-termination compensation, and perquisites as appropriate to support our executive compensation philosophy.

For more information, see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement.

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Our Company

Snapshot

Clorox is a leading multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products with fiscal year 2022 net sales of $7.1 billion and about 9,000 employees worldwide as of June 30, 2022. About 80% of the Company’s sales are generated from brands that hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories, and our products are in nine out of 10 U.S. homes.

FY22
Snapshot:

$7.1 Billion
Net Sales

83%

U.S.

26+
Countries

~9000
Employees

17%

Rest of World

 

Sales by Segment

37% Health & Wellness
18% Lifestyle
17% International
28% Household


Our Corporate Values and Purpose

Clorox is led by our purpose to champion people to be well and thrive every single day, and we believe our purpose helps drive long-term value for our stakeholders. At the heart of our business success is a resolve to do this work while operating ethically, putting people at the center of our decision-making and always maintaining a competitive edge, which are encapsulated in our corporate values.

Do the Right Thing Put People at the Center Play to Win

Regardless of the external forces impacting our business, our corporate purpose and values guide our decision-making and are foundational in our relationship with our stakeholders, especially our shareholders.

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Our Company


Our IGNITE Strategy and Integrated ESG Pillars

Launched in 2019, Clorox’s integrated IGNITE strategy—the long-term strategic plan that guides our business—includes both financial goals, as well as ESG goals that are organized into three pillars—Healthy Lives, Clean World, and Thriving Communities. Underpinning our three ESG pillars is our strong governance. See the ESG Governance section of this proxy statement for information regarding our ESG governance structure and recent enhancements.

HEALTHY
LIVES

Improving people’s health
and well-being

CLEAN
WORLD

Taking climate action and
reducing plastic and other waste

THRIVING
COMMUNITIES

Investing in our people
and communities to contribute
to a more equitable world

Strong Governance

This past year brought ongoing challenges and volatility, but we continued to live our corporate purpose and values and to execute on our IGNITE strategy, including our ESG goals – as demonstrated by the highlights below from the past fiscal year. For more information about our ESG pillars and recent highlights, we invite you to read our Integrated Annual Report which is available on our website at investors.thecloroxcompany.com/investors/financial-information/annual-reports/.

Healthy Lives FY22 Highlights

Improving people’s health and well-being

Brita announced an expanded partnership program with municipalities across the U.S. with lead in their drinking water, to provide immediate water filtration solutions while these municipalities repair their water infrastructure and seek longer-term solutions for public access to safe water.

The Company was named U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safer Choice Partner of the Year 2021 for outstanding achievement in the manufacturing of products with safer ingredients.

We also continued to support our employees’ well-being by introducing a new benefit providing paid time off to care for the physical and mental health of our employees and their dependents.

Clean World FY22 Highlights

Taking climate action and reducing plastic and other waste

We achieved our target of reducing our absolute scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 50% against our 2020 baseline.

We recently unveiled a climate action plan with a roadmap to achieve our 2050 net zero goal and interim milestones in achieving our science-based targets, including our goal of a 25% reduction in our absolute scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services and use of sold products by 2030 (as compared to our 2020 baseline).


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Our Company

We signed our second virtual power purchase agreement to purchase renewable electricity beginning in calendar year 2023, reinforcing our long-term commitment to 100% renewable electricity in our operations and to help expand new renewable energy infrastructure in the U.S.

Thriving Communities FY22 Highlights

Investing in our people and communities to contribute to a more equitable world

Clorox remains committed to increasing diversity within our Board, management and workforce, consistent with the Company’s values and policies, as well as investor and other stakeholder expectations.

Our Board in fiscal year 2022 was comprised of 46% women and 31% people of color (compared to 27% and 18%, respectively, for Fortune 500 companies in 2020).

We recently expanded the scope of our I&D strategy (from I&D to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Allyship – IDEA), to acknowledge the importance of equity and allyship in the culture we expect and to formalize our efforts in these areas.

We welcomed our first-ever Chief Diversity and Social Impact Officer who is part of the Executive Committee and reports directly into the CEO, which, we believe, creates appropriate accountability and oversight given the importance of IDEA to our IGNITE strategy and goal of being a people-centered, purpose-driven company where every member of the Clorox team is actively creating an inclusive culture.

The Clorox Company Foundation launched the Healthy Parks Project, a new initiative to advance environmental justice through investment in community parks to help provide better access to green spaces in underserved communities.


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Board of Directors

Proposal 1:
Election of Directors

The Board, upon the recommendation of the Nominating, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee (NGCRC), has nominated the 12 people listed below for election at the Annual Meeting to serve until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. All of the director nominees currently serve on the Board.

As part of our ongoing, proactive efforts to implement effective corporate governance practices, the NGCRC examines the overall composition of the Board on an annual basis (or more frequently, if needed) to assess the skills and characteristics that are currently represented on the Board, as well as voting results in recent director elections, legislative and regulatory developments, corporate governance trends, and the skills and characteristics that the Board may find valuable in the future in light of the Company’s strategic and anticipated business needs.

Dr. Richard Carmona, who has served on the Board since 2007, is not being re-nominated for re-election in accordance with the Board’s retirement age policy and, therefore, will be retiring from the Board as of the date of the Annual Meeting.

Unless otherwise directed, the persons named in the proxy as proxyholders intend to vote all proxies FOR the election of the nominees, as listed below. If, at the time of the Annual Meeting, any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director, the discretionary authority provided in the enclosed proxy will be exercised to vote for a substitute candidate designated by the Board, unless the Board chooses to reduce its own size. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable or will decline to serve if elected. Proxies cannot be voted for more than 12 persons since that is the total number of nominees.


Our Director Nominees

We invite you to read about our director nominees below. Our director nominees represent diverse perspectives and experiences. Each of the director nominees has agreed to be named in this proxy statement and to serve as a director, if elected.

We believe that our directors should satisfy a number of qualifications, including demonstrated integrity, a record of personal accomplishments, a commitment to participation in board activities, and other attributes discussed below in the Director Candidate Evaluation and Nomination section. We also endeavor to have a board that represents a range of qualifications, skills, and depth of experience in areas that are relevant to and contribute to the Board’s oversight of the Company’s activities. Each director biography includes the key experiences and qualifications the director nominee brings to the Board that we believe are important to our businesses and structure. The Board considered these key experiences and qualifications in determining to recommend that they be nominated for election.

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors


Amy L. Banse
Age: 63

Independent Director
Since: 2016

Committees:
Audit

   

Skills and Qualifications

Amy L. Banse’s experience in starting, investing in and building businesses provides her with deep strategic and financial expertise, and her executive leadership roles contribute to her management and operational knowledge. Banse’s deep expertise in media and technology also enables her to contribute valuable insights into digital media and online business.

Experience Highlights

Mastry, Inc., an early-stage venture capital firm

Venture Partner (March 2021 to present)

Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company

Senior adviser to the executive committee (September 2020 to December 2021)
Executive vice president, Comcast Corporation (January 2020 to September 2020)
Managing director and head of funds, Comcast Ventures LLC (August 2011 to September 2020)
Under her leadership, Comcast Ventures grew the size and diversity of its portfolio, making it one of the country’s most active corporate venture arms.
President, Comcast Interactive Media, a division of Comcast responsible for developing online strategy and operating the company’s digital properties
Served in various positions, including content development, programming investments and overseeing the development and acquisition of Comcast’s cable network portfolio

Earlier in her career, Banse was an associate at Drinker, Biddle & Reath LLP.

Other Public Company Boards

Adobe, Inc. (May 2012 to present)
Lennar Corporation (February 2021 to present)
On Holding AG (September 2021 to present)

Nonprofit/Other Boards

Domestika Inc.
Quantifind, Inc.

THE CLOROX COMPANY - 2022 Proxy Statement

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Table of Contents

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Julia Denman
Age: 51

Independent Director
Since: 2022

Committees:
Audit

   

Skills and Qualifications

Julia (Charter) Denman’s operational and risk management leadership, as well as her experience in executing transformation strategies enable her to provide valuable perspective on the Company’s growth strategy and capital allocation framework, as well as important contributions to the Board’s oversight of risk and compliance. She also brings deep financial and accounting expertise, having served as divisional chief financial officer of a publicly traded company, as well as highly relevant knowledge of the consumer packaged goods industry.

Experience Highlights

Microsoft Corporation, a global technology company

Corporate vice president and head of internal audit, enterprise risk and compliance (December 2019 to present)
Leading a team that provides independent and objective assessments of the company’s business strategies and operations, oversight of its governance and strategy for global risk management and compliance and leading investigations related to business conduct
Corporate vice president and chief financial officer of worldwide marketing and consumer business (August 2016 to November 2019)
Corporate vice president and chief financial officer of devices business

The Procter & Gamble Company, a global consumer goods company

Various leadership roles, including assistant treasurer and divisional finance director
During her 20-year tenure, oversaw the most strategic and central elements of treasury, including capital markets, cash management and risk management; developed product and marketing innovation strategies and cost savings initiatives, resulting in higher profits; and led the turnaround of a $3 billion division

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Spencer C.
Fleischer
Age: 69

Independent Director
Since: 2015

Committees:
MDCC (Chair)

   

Skills and Qualifications

Spencer Fleischer brings to the Board more than 40 years of financial and operational expertise as well as deep international experience. His significant experience in both private equity and investment banking enables him to contribute valuable insights to the Company on strategy, mergers and acquisitions and operations. His leadership role at FFL Partners, L.P. also allows him to provide significant experience in compensation matters.

Experience Highlights

FFL Partners, L.P., a private equity firm

Chairman (March 2021 to present)
Managing Partner (April 1998 to March 2021)

Morgan Stanley & Company, an investment management and financial services company

Various leadership roles, including head of investment banking in Asia, head of corporate finance for Europe, and member of worldwide investment banking operating committee

Other Public Company Boards

Levi Strauss & Co. (July 2013 to present)
Banner Corporation (October 2015 to December 2016)

Nonprofit/Other Boards

Americans for Oxford, Inc.

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Esther Lee
Age: 63

Independent Director
Since: 2013

Committees:
NGCRC (Chair)

   

Skills and Qualifications

Esther Lee brings to the Company significant executive and marketing expertise. Her marketing expertise has been focused on developing customer strategies to drive growth, driving customer-centric innovation and business transformation, and building solutions in consumer engagement. As a senior executive, she has helped shape business strategy and operating models, define and drive company purpose and corporate culture, and build high-performing teams. Her significant executive and marketing expertise enable her to provide valuable contributions to the Company’s business strategies.

Experience Highlights

MetLife Inc., an insurance, annuities and employee benefits company

Executive vice president – global chief marketing officer (January 2015 to June 2021)

AT&T Corporation, a global telecommunications company

Senior vice president – brand marketing, advertising and sponsorships

Euro RSCG Worldwide, a French advertising agency

Chief executive officer of North America and president of global brands

The Coca Cola Company, a global beverage company

Global chief creative officer

Earlier in her career, Lee worked in several leadership positions in the advertising industry, including as co-founder of DiNoto Lee, where she worked with several consumer packaged goods companies, including Procter & Gamble, Unilever and Nestle.

Other Public Company Boards

Pearson plc (February 2022 to present)

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

A.D. David
Mackay
Age: 67

Independent Director
Since: 2016

Committees:
Audit
MDCC

   

Skills and Qualifications

David Mackay brings significant strategic leadership and operational experience to the Board. His extensive consumer products background and his international experience allow him to contribute valuable insights regarding the Company’s industry, operations and international businesses. In addition, his previous leadership roles provide him with expertise in executive compensation and succession planning matters.

Experience Highlights

The Kellogg Company, a food and manufacturing company

President and chief executive officer (December 2006 to January 2011)
President and chief operating officer (September 2003 to December 2006)
Executive vice president (November 2000 to September 2003)
Senior vice president and President of Kellogg USA (July 2000 to November 2000)
Served in various leadership positions, including at Kellogg Australia and Kellogg United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

Sara Lee Corporation, a food and manufacturing company

Managing director, Australia

Mars, Incorporated, a multinational confections company

Various positions

Other Public Company Boards

Fortune Brands Home and Security, Inc. (September 2011 to present)
Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (December 2012 to March 2016)

Nonprofit/Other Boards

FSHD Global Research Foundation Ltd.
Facio Therapies
Tropic Sport LLC

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Paul Parker
Age: 59

Independent Director
Since: 2020

Committees:
Audit

   

Skills and Qualifications

Paul Parker brings deep strategic expertise and financial experience to the Board based on 35 years working in the banking and finance industries, as well as his experience leading strategy, corporate development and sustainability efforts for a major multinational public company. His extensive experience in investment banking and expertise in mergers and acquisitions enable him to provide important insights to the Company on strategy and growth.

Experience Highlights

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a global supplier of scientific instrumentation, clinical trials and pharmaceutical development and manufacturing services

Senior vice president, strategy and corporate development (April 2020 to present)
Responsible for corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, integration management, corporate social responsibility and government relations

Goldman Sachs & Co., an investment bank and financial services company

Co-chairman of global mergers and acquisitions group (August 2014 to March 2020)
Served on the firm’s partnership committee and investment banking senior leadership council

Barclays PLC, an investment bank and financial services company

Chairman and head of global mergers and acquisitions, member of executive committee for investment banking division and Americas management committee
Head of global corporate finance

Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., an investment bank and financial services company

Chairman and head of global mergers and acquisitions
Head of U.S. mergers and acquisitions and member of executive committee for investment banking division

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Stephanie
Plaines
Age: 55

Independent Director
Since: 2022

Committees:
Audit

   

Skills and Qualifications

Stephanie Plaines brings extensive financial and accounting expertise gained from over 30 years of financial experience, including as chief financial officer of a publicly traded company. Her executive leadership experience across a wide variety of consumer, e-commerce and financial services companies also enables her to contribute unique insights to Clorox on strategy and growth. She also has experience with transformation agendas and leveraging consumer and data insights to drive growth, which provides valuable perspective for the Company’s brand-building, marketing and digital transformation efforts.

Experience Highlights

J. C. Penney, a department store chain

Chief financial officer (August 2022 to present)

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc., a global real estate services company

Chief financial officer (March 2019 to November 2020)

Starbucks Corporation, a global chain of coffee houses

Chief financial officer of U.S. retail division (April 2017 to December 2018)

Walmart, Inc. and Sam’s Club, a chain of department stores and retail warehouse clubs

Chief financial officer of e-commerce business

Koninklijke Ahold N.V., a retail and wholesale company

Chief financial officer of Stop & Shop division
Vice president of finance – business planning and performance for Ahold USA
Vice president of group treasury for Ahold Delhaize

Catalina Marketing, a media company

Head of international finance

PepsiCo, Inc., a global beverage company

Worked in global planning and analysis for Tropicana business and in corporate development

Plaines started her career in investment banking and mergers and acquisitions at UBS.

Other Public Company Boards

KKR Acquisition Holdings I Corp. (January 2022 to present)
Nielsen Holdings plc (April 2021 to present).

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Linda Rendle
Age: 44

Director Since: 2020

   

Skills and Qualifications

Linda Rendle’s long tenure at the Company and deep understanding of the consumer packaged goods industry, the Company’s businesses and her instrumental role in developing the Company’s IGNITE strategy enable her to provide valuable contributions with respect to strategy, growth and long-range plans. Additionally, her tenure and leadership across many of the Company’s business units provides her with a diverse perspective on global sales, product innovation and business strategy.

Experience Highlights

The Clorox Company

Chief executive officer (September 2020 to present)
President (May 2020 to September 2020)
Executive vice president – Cleaning, international, strategy and operations (July 2019 to May 2020)
Executive vice president – strategy and operations (January 2019 to July 2019)
Executive vice president – Cleaning, Professional Products and strategy (June 2018 to January 2019)
Senior vice president and general manager – Cleaning and Professional Products (April 2017 to May 2018)
Senior vice president and general manager – Cleaning (August 2016 to April 2017)
Vice president and general manager – Home Care
Vice president of sales – Cleaning
Various positions in sales planning and supply chain

Earlier in her career, Rendle worked for Procter & Gamble, where she held several positions in sales management.

Other Public Company Boards

Visa Inc. (November 2020 to present)

Nonprofit/Other Boards

Vice chair of The Consumer Brands Association
                                  

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Matthew J.
Shattock
Independent Chair
Age: 60

Independent Director
Since: 2018

Committees:
NGCRC

   

Skills and Qualifications

Matthew J. Shattock brings significant operational and executive leadership experience in the consumer packaged goods industry to the Board. His current and prior leadership roles, including overseeing the successful growth, integration and strategic transformation of a global spirits company as CEO, enable him to provide valuable insights to the Company’s business. Shattock has a strong track record of driving growth through innovation, brand communication and operational excellence.

Experience Highlights

Beam Suntory Inc., a global premium spirits company

Non-executive chairman of the board (April 2019 to December 2020)
Chairman and chief executive officer (April 2014 to April 2019)
President and chief executive officer, Beam, Inc. (October 2011 to April 2014)
President and chief executive officer, Beam Global Spirits and Wine, Inc. (March 2009 to October 2011)

During his tenure, Shattock led the company’s successful growth strategy transformation and subsequent integration of the Beam and Suntory spirits businesses following Beam’s acquisition by Suntory in 2014.

Cadbury plc, an international confectionary manufacturer

Regional president, where he led its businesses first in The Americas and then in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region

Unilever plc, an international manufacturer of food, home care and personal care products

Chief operating officer, Unilever Best Foods North America
Various leadership roles

Other Public Company Boards

VF Corporation (February 2013 to present)
Chairman of Domino’s Pizza Group plc (UK) (March 2020 to present).

Nonprofit/Other Boards

Cooler Screens Inc.
Tropicale Foods Inc.
Reliefband Technologies LLC
Kendra Scott Design, Inc.
The Boys and Girls Club of Lake County, Illinois

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Kathryn Tesija
Age: 59

Independent Director
Since: 2020

Committees:
MDCC
NGCRC

   

Skills and Qualifications

Kathryn Tesija brings to Clorox large-scale global merchandising and supply chain experience as well as operational and strategic planning expertise. Her tenure as a retail industry executive allows her to provide insights into customer and consumer behavior. This experience, together with her expertise in digital, innovation and marketing, allows her to provide valuable perspective on the Company’s strategic priorities to innovate brand and shopping experiences.

Experience Highlights

Target Corporation, a department store chain

Strategic advisor (July 2015 to March 2016)
Executive vice president and chief merchandising and supply chain officer (October 2012 to July 2015)
Oversaw all functions of product design and development, sourcing, merchandising, presentation, inventory management, operations, and global supply chain for Target.com and nearly 1,800 retail stores.
Executive vice president, merchandising (May 2008 to September 2012)
Numerous positions of responsibility, including director of merchandise planning and senior vice president, merchandising

Other Public Company Boards

Woolworths Group Limited (May 2016 to present)
Verizon Communications (December 2012 to May 2020)

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Russell J.
Weiner
Age: 54

Independent Director
Since: 2017

Committees:
MDCC

   

Skills and Qualifications

Russell J. Weiner’s executive leadership experience in the food and consumer packaged goods industries enables him to contribute his deep knowledge of brand building, marketing, operations and consumer insights. His experience in digital innovation allows him to offer valuable contributions to the Company as it transforms data into insights to build personalized brands and enhance consumer shopping experiences.

Experience Highlights

Domino’s Pizza, Inc., a restaurant chain

Chief executive officer (May 2022 to present)
President of Domino’s U.S. (July 2020 to April 2022)
Chief operating officer (July 2018 to April 2022)
President of the Americas (July 2018 to June 2020)
President of Domino’s USA (September 2014 to June 2018)
Executive vice president, chief marketing officer

PepsiCo, Inc., a global beverage company

Vice president of marketing, Colas at Pepsi-Cola North America
Various leadership roles in marketing and brand management

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Christopher J.
Williams
Age: 64

Independent Director
Since: 2015

Committees:
Audit (Chair)

   

Skills and Qualifications

Christopher Williams brings a wealth of financial, accounting, and strategic expertise to the Board with his years of experience in investment banking and finance, and as the former chair of the audit committee of a Fortune 100 company. He also contributes important executive management and leadership experience as the chairman and chief executive officer of an investment management firm. As a current and former director of several public and private companies, he brings a valuable perspective for the Company’s strategy and operations as well as extensive customer insights.

Experience Highlights

Siebert, Williams, Shank & Co., LLC, an investment banking and financial services company, formed from the merger of The Williams Capital Group, L.P. and Williams Capital Management, LLC, with Siebert Cisneros Shank

Chairman (November 2019 to present)

The Williams Capital Group, L.P. and Williams Capital Management, LLC, an investment banking and financial services firm

Chairman and chief executive officer (1994 to 2019)

Jeffries & Company, an investment bank

Managed derivatives and structured finance division

Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., an investment bank and financial services company

Managed groups in corporate debt capital markets and derivatives structuring and trading

Other Public Company Boards

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (September 2016 to present)
Union Pacific Corporation (November 2019 to present)
Caesars Entertainment Corporation (April 2008 to March 2019)
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (June 2004 to June 2014).

Nonprofit/Other Boards:

Cox Enterprises Inc.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors


Shareholder Engagement

We maintain active, year-round engagement with our shareholders. We aim to engage with shareholders representing at least one-third of our total shares outstanding, on an annual basis.

Who meets with shareholders       How we interact with shareholders
Corporate Secretary and ESG team
Investor Relations team
NGCRC chair
Independent chair
Management, including CEO
In-person or virtual meetings
Investor conferences
Annual shareholder meeting
Shareholder proposals
Written correspondence with investors throughout the year

These interactions enable two-way dialogue between our shareholders and the Company and provide a forum for our Board members and leadership to listen to our shareholders’ perspectives, answer any questions and engage in dialogue on any feedback they may have. These engagements also inform and improve our disclosures, decision-making and commitments. The Board also considers shareholder feedback from these meetings in its deliberations and decision-making.

The table below sets forth recent changes we made after considering shareholder feedback, along with market standards and emerging best practices, in conjunction with our strategic and business priorities.

Executive compensation Diversity disclosures

Updated executive compensation clawback policy

Allows for recoupment of incentive compensation granted to current and former executive officers if the executive engages in conduct that is materially detrimental to Clorox, or in the event of a financial restatement.

Expanded the factors considered in executive compensation award determinations

For fiscal year 2022 and onwards, certain ESG-related goals from our IGNITE scorecard will be factored into the MDCC’s evaluation of each executive’s performance for their annual incentive awards.

Expanded our disclosures regarding diversity and inclusion

Our EEO-1 information is available on the Company’s website at thecloroxcompany.com/company/inclusion-diversity/.

We also further enhanced our disclosures by including representation data by Clorox job category starting in our 2021 Integrated Annual Report.

Third-party board and director evaluator

ESG Data Hub

Starting this fiscal year 2023, we plan to utilize a third-party facilitator periodically for our board and director evaluations in line with best practice, in order to add external perspective and insight to our evaluation process.

In response to shareholder feedback, this year, we launched the ESG Data Hub which will provide a centralized, more user-friendly information source to our stakeholders. The ESG Data Hub can be found at https://clorox.metrio.net/.


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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Climate action

We recently unveiled our climate action plan with a roadmap to achieving our science-based targets (SBTs) and net-zero commitments by 2050.

In September 2021, we announced our SBTs as part of our climate strategy, which will put the Company on a path to net zero emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2050.

Shareholder Recommendations and Nominations of Director Candidates

Shareholders may recommend possible director candidates by sending the candidate’s biographical and business experience information (similar to that required to be disclosed under applicable SEC rules and regulations) to The Clorox Company, c/o Corporate Secretary, 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-1888. The NGCRC evaluates all candidates for the Board in the same manner, including those recommended by shareholders.

In addition, The Clorox Company Amended and Restated Bylaws (the Bylaws) permit a shareholder or group of up to 20 shareholders who have owned at least 3% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock for at least three years to submit director nominees (up to 20% of the Board) for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy used in connection with the Annual Meeting. Notice of the nomination must be timely, and the shareholder and the nominee must satisfy the requirements specified in the Bylaws. Shareholders who wish to nominate directors for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials or directly at an annual meeting of shareholders in accordance with the procedures in our Bylaws should follow the instructions under the Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2023 Annual Meeting section of this proxy statement.

Director Communications

Shareholders and interested parties may direct communications to individual directors, including the independent chair, to a Board committee, to the independent directors as a group, or to the Board as a whole, by addressing the communications to the appropriate party and sending them to The Clorox Company, c/o Corporate Secretary, 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-1888. The Corporate Secretary will review these communications and will forward any communications that they determine bears substantively on the business, management, or governance of the Company.


Director Candidate Evaluation and Nomination

The NGCRC engages in continuous Board succession planning and evaluation of Board composition, working closely with our Board in determining the skills, experiences, and characteristics desired for the Board as a whole and for its individual members, and also screening and recommending candidates for nomination by the full Board.

While the Board has not established any specific minimum qualifications that a potential nominee must possess, director candidates, including incumbent directors, are assessed based on criteria established by the NGCRC in light of the Company’s long-term strategy, the skills and experience currently represented on the Board, legislative and regulatory developments, corporate governance trends, and any specific needs identified in the NGCRC’s evaluation of Board composition.

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Criteria include:

Broad-based leadership and relevant business skills and experiences
Prominence and reputation in their professions
Global business and social perspective
Ability to effectively represent the long-term interests of our shareholders and other stakeholders
Ability to devote sufficient time to the Company’s affairs
Personal integrity and judgment
Diversity of thought, background and experience

The Board’s approach to refreshment is robust, combining experience and continuity with fresh perspectives. The Board strongly believes that its composition should include longer-tenured directors who have institutional memory and have worked with different CEOs and management teams, middle-tenured directors, and newer directors.

The NGCRC focuses on achieving the right balance of director experience, diversity and tenure in evaluating new director candidates and current directors for nomination. Further, the NGCRC carefully considers the ability of incumbent directors to continue to contribute to the Board and the Company’s evolving needs, as part of the renomination process.

The Governance Guidelines also provide that non-management directors whose personal circumstances change in a manner that affects their ability to contribute to the Company, including a change in their principal position, primary job responsibilities, or personal circumstances, must offer their resignation for the Board’s consideration, to ensure that current directors are still qualified and have the capacity to perform their duties as a director, in light of other commitments.

The Board also adopted a Board Diversity Policy during fiscal year 2020, which requires the NGCRC and any search firm they utilize to include diverse candidates who meet the Board membership criteria set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines (Governance Guidelines) in any director candidate pool. See Board Diversity Policy below for more information.

Director Skills & Experience

The following graphic summarizes the experience and skills composition of the Board, with additional information in our director biographies in the Our Director Nominees section of this proxy statement. These attributes have been specifically identified by the NGCRC as being important in creating a diverse and well-rounded Board.

    

BRAND-BUILDING/MARKETING EXPERIENCE

Contributes important perspectives on fueling growth, one of the core strategic choices of our IGNITE strategy.

         

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Supports key strategic decision-making in international markets, and helps us market and sell to our diverse consumer base.

             

CPG/RELEVANT INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

Provides guidance on the Company’s strategy and position in our industry, in addition to providing market insights.

OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Contributes insight into strategy, operations and market insights that can help deliver cost savings and fuel growth


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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

    

CYBERSECURITY/IT KNOWLEDGE

Supports effective oversight and guidance of our cyber and data privacy risk management programs.

         

REGULATORY/SCIENTIFIC/R&D EXPERIENCE

Provides insight into navigating regulatory environments both in the U.S. and globally, especially in health and wellness and other relevant regulated sectors

             

ESG EXPERIENCE

Provides insights and perspective in executing against our ESG priorities, while also mitigating risks and creating value for all stakeholders.

RETAIL/CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Provides insight into navigating regulatory environments both in the U.S. and globally, especially in health and wellness and other relevant regulated sectors

             

INNOVATION/DIGITAL KNOWLEDGE

Contributes perspectives on the disruptive forces in our industry (including digital, social media, e-commerce) and the development and execution of our business strategy, including with respect to innovation

RISK MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

Supports the Board in oversight of the various risks facing the Company, including implementation of mechanisms and policies to mitigate and manage those risks.

             

PRODUCT/SUPPLY CHAIN EXPERIENCE

Provides insights into these critical areas in helping us continue to successfully develop and manufacture products to satisfy consumer demand and preferences.

SIGNIFICANT M&A/FINANCIAL/ ACCOUNTING EXPERTISE

Provides perspective on the Company’s strategic transactions; ability to oversee the Company’s financial reporting and compliance.

             

HUMAN CAPITAL/CULTURE EXPERIENCE

Provides valuable perspective in talent acquisition, development and retention and fostering a corporate culture that reflects our values and encourages IDEA.

Director Continuing Education and New Director Orientation

To enhance and expand on the key skills and experiences relevant to the Company’s industry, we provide our directors with continuing education and presentations developed by both internal and external expert speakers. In addition to the regular ESG updates it reviews at each meeting, the NGCRC led a deep-dive session with the full Board on multiple ESG topics presented by management, our external advisers and ESG consultants. Topics included the evolving nature of stakeholder capitalism and interests from our multiple stakeholder groups, emerging proxy voting trends, Clorox’s approach to its ESG materiality assessment and how that informs its strategic priorities and reporting, among other areas.

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Additionally, we encourage our directors to participate in external continuing director education programs. New directors also participate in comprehensive orientation sessions that provide them with a thorough understanding of their fiduciary duties as well as a robust overview of the Company’s business and strategies, which allows new directors to begin making contributions to the Board at the start of their service.

Diverse Backgrounds & Experiences

Our director nominees represent diverse perspectives and experiences, and we regularly assess our Board to ensure that we have a mix of tenures balancing fresh perspectives with institutional memory of longer-tenured directors who have seen issues arise over time and have worked with different CEOs and management teams.

Average Director Tenure

4.5 Years

      3 Directors 6 Directors 3 Directors      
      0-2 years 3-6 years 7+ years      

*

As of the Annual Meeting

As highlighted in our Governance Guidelines, the Board values diversity and recognizes the importance of having unique and complementary backgrounds and perspectives in the boardroom. The Board also actively seeks refreshment of the Board with directors who can provide diverse perspectives and add unique value through skills highly relevant to our corporate strategy.

     

The Company and the Board both have a long-standing commitment to inclusion and diversity -increasing representation across the company and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be their true self and do their best work—which, we believe, helps the Company attract and retain the best talent and also helps lead to a better business strategy and execution. The Board endeavors to bring together the following attributes that reflect the Company’s diverse stakeholders.


Diverse skills and perspectives
Professional experience
Age
Race
Ethnicity
Gender
Sexual identity and orientation
Cultural backgrounds

The NGCRC assesses the effectiveness of these efforts by examining the overall composition of the Board, assessing how individual director candidates, including incumbent directors, can contribute to the overall success of the Board, and reviewing individual, committee, and Board evaluation results.

Clorox’s commitment to inclusion and diversity also forms a key part of our IGNITE strategy. As of June 30, 2022, people of color represent 42% of our employees and 32% of our managers in the US, and women represent 36% of our employees and 47% of our managers globally. We are committed to inclusion and diversity because we fundamentally believe that diversity leads to better outcomes for our business. We have also seen the value of diversity during times of uncertainty when different ways of thinking enable us to be nimble, creative, and step up to meet challenges.

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Board Diversity Policy

The Board regards diversity as an important consideration for determining the optimal Board composition and adopted a Board diversity policy during fiscal year 2020, formalizing and reinforcing the NGCRC’s long-existing practice of considering diversity as an important factor in the director selection process in accordance with our Board membership criteria.

The NGCRC has oversight of the implementation and delivery of the Board Diversity Policy, which guides and helps drive the Board’s commitment to actively seek out diverse director candidates. This policy requires that women and people of color who meet the Board membership criteria set forth in our Governance Guidelines are included in director candidate pools. The policy recognizes that in considering director candidates for the Board, the NGCRC considers many forms of diversity and considers whether the diversity of the Board is appropriately reflective of the diversity of the Company’s stakeholders.

The Board believes this policy supports the Company’s commitment to inclusion and diversity and its ability to adapt to ever-changing business and policy environments.


Board Leadership Structure

The Board believes it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders for the Board to have flexibility in determining the Board leadership structure of the Company. As part of our ongoing, proactive efforts to implement effective corporate governance practices, the NGCRC regularly reviews the leadership structure of the Board, taking into account the Company and its needs, legislative and regulatory developments, and corporate governance trends, among other things. Accordingly, over the years, the Board has had a variety of leadership structures.

Independent Chair

      Independent Committee Chairs
 

Matthew J. Shattock

 

Esther Lee

NGCRC Chair

Christopher J. Williams

Audit Committee Chair

Spencer C. Fleischer

MDCC Chair

Currently, we have separate board chair and CEO roles, which we believe aids in the Board’s oversight of management, supported by strong independent committee chairs. Matthew Shattock has served as independent chair since February 2021 and brings strong board and executive leadership experience to the role having previously served as a non-executive board chair and as a former public company CEO.

Responsibilities of the independent chair

Presides at all meetings of the Board and all executive sessions of independent directors;

Has the authority to call additional meetings of the independent directors;

Reviews and approves Board meeting materials and advises the CEO and other members of management accordingly;

Reviews and approves meeting agendas and schedules to ensure sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;


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Available for consultation and direct communication with major shareholders, if requested; and

Monitors and evaluates the CEO’s performance, along with the members of the MDCC and the other independent directors.

While the independent chair facilitates the Board’s oversight of management, promotes communication between management and our Board, and leads our Board’s consideration of key governance matters, Linda Rendle, as our CEO, is responsible for developing and overseeing the Company’s business strategy, as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the Company and the Company’s relationships with stakeholders.

The Board believes that this structure promotes effective governance and that the leadership structure described above is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, in light of current circumstances.


Annual Board and Director Evaluation Process

In addition to regularly reviewing its leadership structure, the Board, the Board committees and each individual director conduct an annual self-assessment of their performance, a process that is overseen by the NGCRC. In fiscal year 2023, the evaluation will utilize a third-party facilitator in line with best practices to gain additional external perspective and insight.

Each director
considers self-
and board assessment
questions and any
peer feedback.

The NGCRC
chair (or a third-
party facilitator,
periodically) meets
with each director
to discuss their
feedback.

The NGCRC Chair
(or third-party
facilitator, in
conjunction with
the NGCRC Chair)
summarizes
the results and
any related
recommendations.

The Board reviews
and discusses the
findings and any
recommendations.

In these discussions, directors have the opportunity to provide feedback on a number of issues designed to assess Board performance and effectiveness, including Board composition, structure, adequacy of information received, appropriate oversight, and accountability, as well as provide peer feedback.

Each Board committee also conducts a separate self-evaluation that is designed to assess committee performance and effectiveness.

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

This multi-step evaluation process generates robust comments and discussion at all levels of the Board, and these evaluations have led to new and evolved practices designed to increase Board effectiveness and efficiency, including, for example:

Board meeting format and materials

Adjusting the Board meeting format to facilitate continued deep engagement on key strategic areas
Revising the format and focus of Board materials

Board and committee engagement

Increased engagement of committees in certain topics to facilitate deeper engagement, with periodic reporting to the full Board
Providing additional Company and industry updates to the Board between board meetings to increase connectivity to the Company

Board meeting agenda items

Adding regular cyber and data security updates to each quarterly Audit Committee meeting agenda, starting a few years ago
Providing additional updates on key strategic topics, including the Company’s digital transformation and portfolio review
Adding new topics or devoting more time to particular topics of interest
Incorporating external speakers when helpful and appropriate

Vote Required

The Company’s Bylaws require each director to be elected by a majority of the votes cast with respect to such director in uncontested elections—the number of shares voted FOR a director must exceed the number of shares voted AGAINST that director.

The people designated in the proxy and voting instruction card intend to vote your shares represented by proxy FOR the election of each of these nominees, unless you include instructions to the contrary. In the event any director nominee is unable to serve or for good cause will not serve, the individuals named as proxies may vote for a substitute nominee recommended by the Board, or the Board may reduce the size of the Board or leave a vacancy.

Under the Company’s Bylaws, any director who fails to be elected by a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election must tender their resignation to the Board. The NGCRC would then make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken. The Board would act on the NGCRC’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and the rationale behind it within 90 days from the date the election results are certified. A director who tenders their resignation would not participate in the Board’s decision.


Board’s Recommendation

The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR each of the Board’s 12 nominees for director listed above. The Board believes that each nominee listed above is highly qualified and has the background, skills, experience, and attributes that qualify each nominee to serve as a director of the Company. See each nominee’s biographical information and the Director Nomination and Evaluation section above for more information. The Board’s recommendation is based on its carefully considered judgment that the background, skills, experience, and attributes of the nominees make them the best candidates to serve on the Board.


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The Clorox Company Governance Guidelines

The Board has adopted Governance Guidelines to reflect the Board’s views and the Company’s policies regarding significant corporate governance matters, which the Board believes are best practice. The Governance Guidelines present a framework for the governance of the Company by setting forth the Board’s and the Board committees’ responsibilities, qualifications, and operational matters and describing key matters. The NGCRC reviews the Governance Guidelines on an annual basis and recommends changes to the Board based on current corporate governance best practices.

The Governance Guidelines can be found in the Corporate Governance section on the Company’s website at thecloroxcompany.com/company/corporate-governance/governance-guidelines/, and are available in print to any shareholder who requests them from The Clorox Company, c/o Corporate Secretary, 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-1888.


Board Oversight of Risk Management and Culture

While the Company’s management is responsible for the day-to-day risk management process, the Board has ultimate responsibility for the oversight of the Company’s risk management, shaping effective corporate governance, and setting the right tone for integrity, ethics and culture, for the benefit of the Company’s stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and customers. This is in line with the Company’s purpose of championing people to be well and thrive every single day. The Board exercises direct oversight of strategic risks to the Company and the risk management process to ensure that it is properly designed, well-functioning and consistent with our overall corporate strategy, and also delegates certain risk areas to each of the Board committees.

Risk Oversight by Board Committees

As part of executing its risk oversight responsibility, the Board delegates specific oversight duties to each Board committee based on expertise, as set forth below. These committees report on risk exposure on and have oversight over these delegated areas during its regular reports to the full Board to facilitate proper risk oversight by the full Board.

Audit Committee

Integrity of the financial statements
Accounting and financial reporting matters and controls, including the independent and internal auditors
Risk management policies, compliance relating to accounting and financial reporting matters
Data privacy, cybersecurity and IT risks

NGCRC

Corporate governance practices, director nominations, and Board, committee, director and peer evaluations
Supports the Board in reviewing, monitoring and engaging with management on climate change and environmental policies, programs, goals and progress
ESG program, including corporate citizenship, charitable giving, political participation, issue advocacy and lobbying
Shareholder engagement
Compliance and ethics program

MDCC

Management development, retention and succession planning processes below the CEO level
Individual performance, including ESG achievements, and compensation for executive officers and various benefit plans for the Company as a whole
The Company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, programs and key metrics

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Oversight of Key Risks

Culture

To aid its responsibility for oversight of the Company’s corporate culture, the Board receives information through a number of channels, including:

updates from the chief people officer and the chief diversity and social impact officer on data and metrics from periodic pulse surveys and IDEA updates,

our annual employee engagement survey which gauges employee perception of the Company as a place to work as well as their sense of inclusion,

the activities of our employee resource groups,

Company and industry updates between board meetings,

updates from the chief legal officer on any significant compliance, discrimination and harassment complaints.

As part of their oversight, the Board also provides guidance to management regarding significant cultural challenges facing the Company and also evaluates management’s efforts to align corporate culture with the Company’s values and strategy.

Executive Compensation

The MDCC periodically reviews the Company’s compensation policies and programs to ensure our compensation design offers performance incentives to employees and executives, while mitigating excessive risk-taking. The overall executive compensation program contains various provisions to mitigate against excessive risk-taking, including:

Balancing cash compensation under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) and equity compensation;

Capping the payouts under our incentive plans, which protect against executives taking short-term actions to maximize bonuses that are not supportive of long-term objectives;

Using weighted financial metrics under the Annual Incentive Plan intended to discourage revenue generation at the expense of profitability and profitable growth, and vice-versa;

Using different financial metrics under our Annual Incentive Plan and long-term performance shares;

Including clawback provisions that allow the recapture of compensation paid to current and former executives, including in the event of a restatement of the Company’s financial statements or if the individual engages in conduct materially detrimental to the Company, which serve as a deterrent to inappropriate risk-taking activities; and

Implementing and enforcing stock ownership guidelines that require executive officers to accumulate meaningful levels of equity ownership in the Company, which align executives’ short-and long-term interests with those of the Company’s shareholders.

Based on its review and the analysis provided by its independent compensation consultant, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (FW Cook), the MDCC has determined that the risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices for its employees, including executive officers, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

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Enterprise Risk Management

The Company has instituted a robust, comprehensive enterprise risk management program, which involves Board oversight, and an Enterprise Risk Management Steering Committee (ERM Committee), which consists of a cross-functional team of senior leaders and key executives. The ERM Committee oversees the annual key risk identification process, which identifies the top risks that the Company faces with respect to its business, operations, strategy, and other factors, including cybersecurity and climate-related risks, as well as key mitigation strategies and risk owners. Our management discusses identified risks and risk mitigation and management efforts with the Board on an annual basis, at minimum, and typically in connection with the Board’s annual strategy meeting.

     

Reporting Protocol and Crisis Management

The Company also has formalized governance structure and reporting channel policies that require management to notify the Board of, among other things, any instances of significant threatened or actual litigation, significant governmental or regulatory inquiry or proceeding, and any events or occurrences that could materially impact the Company’s reputation, including any cybersecurity-related issues that could involve the significant misappropriation of personal or sensitive/valuable Company data, or that may have significant operational, financial, legal or reputational impacts. This reporting protocol is a key component of the Board’s oversight of the Company’s crisis management program.

Cybersecurity Risk Management and Preparedness

The Company’s cyber preparedness team is led by our chief information and enterprise analytics officer and overseen by our information security officer. Some components of our cybersecurity risk management program:

Leverages various frameworks from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for managing cybersecurity risks.
Seeks to employ cybersecurity best practices, including implementing new technologies to proactively monitor new vulnerabilities and reduce risk, enhancing governance, risk and compliance management, maintaining security policies and standards, and continuously updating our response planning and protocols.
Cybersecurity insurance policy to cover the costs relating to a data breach.
Program maturity assessment performed every two years by our internal audit function.
Regular phishing and cyber hygiene training for all employees who have access to company email and connected devices.
Management consults regularly with external specialists and advisors on enhancements and opportunities for regular and continued strengthening of our cyber practices and policies.

The Audit Committee is responsible for oversight of data privacy, cybersecurity and IT risks. In order to fulfill its duties, the Audit Committee receives regular updates from our chief information and enterprise analytics officer, information security officer and CLO, including quarterly updates on topics related to information security and cyber risks and readiness. The Audit Committee includes directors with knowledge, skills and experience in data security, privacy, IT governance, and cyber risk.

Security and cybersecurity risks are presented to the full Board at least annually as part of the Board’s oversight of enterprise risk management.

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ESG Governance

Clorox’s ESG governance starts at the top—with robust oversight of our ESG strategy from the Board and implementation of our strategy through a cross-functional approach that allows us to effectively execute against our ESG priorities and drive long-term growth for our stakeholders. In line with our commitment to continuously strengthen our governance practices, we continue to evolve our ESG governance to ensure we are taking into account stakeholder expectations while executing against our IGNITE strategy.

ESG Governance Structure

Board of Directors

Responsible for overseeing the Company’s ESG strategy and risks and ensuring ESG priorities are integrated into long-term strategy
Receives regular updates and engages on key ESG topics
Ongoing director education on ESG matters from internal and external experts and stakeholders

ESG Executive Committee

Oversees execution against our ESG priorities and ensures that our ESG work is integrated into our business units

ESG Core Team

Senior cross-functional management team that helps to define and execute on our ESG priorities and guides periodic ESG strategy enhancements

Sustainability Center

Cross-functional working team that defines, drives and tracks progress against environmental goals and strategy, including Clorox’s climate stewardship ambitions and performance

ESG Disclosure Committee

Cross-functional team that meets at least quarterly to review and discuss ESG reporting and disclosures, monitors current and emerging ESG disclosure trends and best practices, and evaluates the effectiveness of ESG disclosure controls and procedures

Enterprise Risk Management Steering Committee

Overseen by the chief financial officer and chief legal officer
Proactively identifies, assesses, prioritizes, and continuously manages enterprise-wide risks, including climate risk, and updates the Board at least bi-annually on key ERM updates

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Recent Enhancements to ESG Governance

In recent years, we have made a number of enhancements to further evolve governance of the Company’s ESG progress and activities.

Board committee charters. In fiscal year 2022, we refreshed our Board committee charters to provide further clarity on each committee’s roles and responsibilities around ESG oversight and to ensure coordinated coverage of ESG issues across the Board and committees. Although the NGCRC has historically overseen the Company’s sustainability policies, the NGCRC charter now explicitly includes oversight of the Company’s climate change and environmental policies, programs, goals and progress. The MDCC’s scope and responsibilities were similarly expanded to explicitly include oversight of the Company’s consideration of ESG matters in its compensation programs, as well as its key human capital policies and practices below the executive level. See the Board Committees section of this proxy statement for more information about each Board committee’s scope, responsibilities and duties.

Director ESG education and ESG shareholder engagement. In fiscal year 2022, our directors had opportunities to continue to deepen their knowledge base on ESG topics relevant to the company. In addition to the regular ESG updates it reviews at each meeting, the NGCRC led a deep-dive session with the full Board on multiple ESG topics presented by management, our external advisers and ESG consultants. Topics included the evolving nature of stakeholder capitalism and interests from our multiple stakeholder groups, emerging proxy voting trends, and Clorox’s approach to its ESG materiality assessment and how that informs its strategic priorities and reporting, among other areas. As part of this discussion, we invited one of the Company’s largest shareholders to join the meeting and engage in a dialogue to share its perspective on emerging ESG topics of relevance to issuers like Clorox and perspective on board oversight of these issues. We also have regular in-depth discussions regarding our ESG priorities and progress with our shareholders during our annual as well as ad hoc shareholder engagement opportunities. See the Shareholder Engagement section of this proxy statement for more information.

Launch of ESG Data Hub. This past year, in response to stakeholder interest in easily accessible ESG data, we launched our ESG Data Hub. We believe that this new data hub resource will foster simpler, more transparent, and centralized access to our ESG information for our stakeholders.

Formation of ESG Disclosure Committee. In fiscal year 2022, we also formed a cross-functional ESG Disclosure Committee to enhance the processes around review of our ESG reporting and disclosures, including our SEC filings, and monitoring of regulatory changes, as well as trends and best practices in ESG disclosure and reporting, including ESG disclosure controls and procedures. The committee meets at least quarterly and includes participants from our legal, internal audit, corporate communications, finance, financial reporting controls and human resources functions, as well as executives who have oversight of ESG matters.


Board Meeting Attendance

The Board held eight meetings during fiscal year 2022. All incumbent directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and committees of which they were members during fiscal year 2022 during the period in which they served on the Board. All members of the Board are expected to attend the Annual Meeting. Each of the 10 members of the Board at the time of the Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders attended that meeting.

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Director Independence

Under the Governance Guidelines, the Board must consist of a substantial majority of independent directors. The Board determines, in the exercise of its business judgment, in light of all facts and circumstances, whether individual Board members are independent, as defined by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and in accordance with the director independence standards set forth in the Governance Guidelines. The Board makes an affirmative determination regarding the independence of each director annually, based upon the recommendation of the NGCRC.

The Board has determined that each of our directors (during fiscal year 2022, including Dr. Richard H. Carmona) and director nominees is independent under the NYSE listing standards and the independence standards set forth in the Governance Guidelines, except for Linda Rendle since she is an employee of the Company.

100%

of our director nominees is
Independent
(excluding Linda Rendle)

Amy L. Banse
Julia Denman
Spencer C. Fleischer
Esther Lee
A. D. David Mackay
Paul Parker
Stephanie Plaines
Matthew J. Shattock
Kathryn Tesija
Russell J. Weiner
Christopher J. Williams

The independent directors generally meet in executive session at each regularly scheduled Board meeting without the presence of management directors or employees of the Company to discuss various matters related to the oversight of the Company, the management of the Board’s affairs, and the CEO’s performance. The independent chair presides over the independent executive sessions.


Related Person Transaction and Conflict of Interest Policies and Procedures

The Company has a written policy regarding Audit Committee review and approval of any Interested Transactions. An “Interested Transaction” is any transaction, arrangement, or relationship or series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships (including any debt or guarantee of debt) in which:

the aggregate amount will or may be expected to exceed $120,000,
the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a participant, and
any executive officer, director or director nominee; beneficial owner of 5% or more of our stock; or any immediate family member of the foregoing individuals (each, a Related Person) has or will have an interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of an equity interest in another entity).

The policy also contains categories of preapproved Interested Transactions that the Board has identified as not having a significant potential for an actual or potential conflict of interest or improper benefit.

In reviewing any Interested Transaction, the Audit Committee will consider whether the Interested Transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the Related Person’s interest in the transaction. There have been no transactions considered to be an Interested Transaction (excluding any pre-approved transactions) since the beginning of the Company’s 2022 fiscal year.

Additionally, the Company’s Code of Conduct prohibits its directors, officers, and employees from entering into transactions that are an actual or potential conflict of interest and is available on the Company’s website at thecloroxcompany.com/company/policies-and-practices/codes-of-conduct. The Governance Guidelines require the directors to adhere to the Code of Conduct.

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Code of Conduct

The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct, which sets forth the ethical and legal standards of behavior and business practices that are required of all our directors, executives and global employees and can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website, thecloroxcompany.com/company/policies-and-practices/codes-of-conduct, or can be obtained in print by contacting The Clorox Company, c/o Corporate Secretary, 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-1888.

We require that all Board members and employees complete training and certify compliance with the Code of Conduct annually. We also perform an annual audit of internal compliance with our Code of Conduct.

We also have established a separate Business Partner Code of Conduct outlining our standards and expectations of our suppliers and other business partners, which can also be found at thecloroxcompany.com/company/policies-and-practices/codes-of-conduct.


Board Committees

The Board has established three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the NGCRC, and the MDCC.

Each of these committees consists only of non-management directors whom the Board has determined are independent under the NYSE listing standards and the Board’s independence standards set forth in the Company’s Governance Guidelines. Directors who serve on the Audit Committee and the MDCC must meet additional, heightened independence and qualification criteria applicable to directors serving on these committees under the NYSE listing standards.

The charters for these committees are available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website at thecloroxcompany.com/company/corporate-governance/committee-charters, or in print by contacting The Clorox Company, c/o Corporate Secretary, 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-1888.

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Audit Committee

Met 9 times in FY2021.

Current Committee Members

Christopher J. Williams (Chair)
Amy L. Banse
Julia Denman
A.D. David Mackay
Paul Parker
Stephanie Plaines

Primary Responsibilities

The Audit Committee is the principal connection between the Board and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Among its other functions and duties, the Audit Committee oversees:

the integrity of the Company’s financial statements;
the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence, and performance;
the performance of the Company’s internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm;
the Company’s systems of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting that management has established;
the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to accounting and financial reporting matters, and data privacy, cybersecurity and IT risks;
the Company’s framework and guidelines with respect to risk assessment and risk management; and
the Company’s material financial policies and actions.

The Board has determined that, with respect to fiscal year 2022, there were three audit committee financial experts, as defined by SEC rules: Christopher J. Williams, A.D. David Mackay and Paul Parker, and each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate, as defined by NYSE rules.

For fiscal year 2023, there will be five audit committee financial experts: Christopher J.Williams, A.D. David Mackay, Paul Parker, Julia Denman and Stephanie Plaines.

Nominating, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee

Met 5 times in FY2021.

Current Committee Members

Esther Lee (Chair)
Richard H. Carmona
Matthew J. Shattock
Kathryn Tesija

Primary Responsibilities

The NGCRC has the functions and duties set forth in its charter, including:

identifying and recruiting individuals qualified to become Board members;
recommending individuals to be selected as director nominees;
reviewing and recommending to the Board changes in the Governance Guidelines and the Code of Conduct;
overseeing corporate responsibility (including corporate citizenship, charitable giving, political participation, issue advocacy and lobbying), governance of the Company’s ESG program,
shareholder and stakeholder engagement, and the Company’s compliance and ethics program.
performing a leadership role in shaping the Company’s corporate governance and overseeing director, Board and committee evaluations; and
supporting the Board in reviewing, monitoring and engaging with management on the development of climate change and environmental policies, programs, goals and progress.

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Management Development and Compensation Committee

Met 5 times in FY2021.

Current Committee Members

Spencer C. Fleischer (Chair)
Richard H. Carmona
A.D. David Mackay
Kathryn Tesija
Russell J. Weiner

The MDCC has the functions and duties set forth in its charter, including:

assisting the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to compensation of the CEO and other executive officers;
reviewing, approving and overseeing the Company’s compensation policies, plans and goals and objectives for the executive officers and directors;
overseeing the Company’s management development and succession planning processes below the CEO level;
review and discuss with management the Company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives programs and key metrics and review these matters with the Board at least annually; and
evaluating, making recommendations and taking appropriate action in response to the shareholders’ advisory “say on pay” vote.


Director Compensation

Only our non-employee directors receive compensation for their service as directors in the form of:

cash compensation, and
an annual grant of deferred stock units.

As part of its oversight of non-employee director compensation, the MDCC reviews the form and amount of compensation of non-employee directors at least annually to ensure that the Company’s non-employee directors are compensated appropriately relative to peer companies. During fiscal year 2022, the MDCC worked with FW Cook for data analysis, guidance and recommendations regarding compensation levels as compared to our compensation peer group as defined in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement, as well as trends and recent developments in the area of non-employee director compensation. Clorox generally aims to compensate non-employee directors at or near the median of the compensation peer group.

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation for each of the Company’s non-employee directors during fiscal year 2022.

Name       Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash
($)(2)
      Stock
Awards
($)(3)
      Total
($)
Amy L. Banse 103,000 157,000 260,000
Richard H. Carmona 103,000 157,000 260,000
Julia Denman 13,016 0 13,016
Spencer C. Fleischer 123,000 157,000 280,000
Esther Lee 118,000 157,000 275,000
A. D. David Mackay 103,000 157,000 260,000
Paul Parker 103,000 157,000 260,000
Stephanie Plaines 13,016 0 13,016
Matthew J. Shattock 278,000 157,000 435,000
Kathryn Tesija 103,000 157,000 260,000
Pamela Thomas-Graham(1) 38,905 39,250 78,155
Russell J. Weiner 103,000 157,000 260,000
Christopher J. Williams 128,000 157,000 285,000

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(1) Pamela Thomas-Graham retired from the Board effective November 17, 2021.
(2) The amounts reported in the “Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column reflect the total annual cash retainer and other cash compensation earned by each director in fiscal year 2022 and include amounts deferred into cash or deferred stock units and/or amounts issued in common stock in lieu of cash, as elected by the director. The annual cash retainer is paid to each director in quarterly installments.
(3) The amounts reported reflect the grant-date fair value for financial statement reporting purposes of the annual grant of deferred stock units. Deferred stock units are shares of the Company’s common stock that the director receives only upon terminating their service with the Company. Awards are granted on an annual basis at the end of each calendar year. Refer to Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating the grant-date fair value under applicable accounting guidance. As of June 30, 2022, the following directors had the indicated aggregate number of deferred stock units accumulated in their deferred accounts for all years of service as a director, which includes deferrals of cash compensation used to acquire deferred stock units, annual awards of deferred stock units made by the Company, and additional deferred stock units credited as a result of dividend equivalents earned with respect to the deferred stock units: Banse – 5,355; Carmona – 24,765; Fleischer – 11,216; Lee – 9,427; Mackay – 5,355; Parker – 932; Plaines – 92; Shattock – 7,108; Tesija – 2,622; Weiner – 8,466; and Williams – 12,509.

Cash Compensation

Directors receive cash compensation, which consists of:

annual cash retainer amounts, and
any special assignment fees.

The following table lists the various retainers paid for Board service and service in the positions set forth below during fiscal year 2022.

Annual director retainer       $103,000
Independent chair retainer 175,000
Committee chair retainers:
     Nominating, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee 15,000
     Audit Committee 25,000
     Management Development and Compensation Committee 20,000

Directors who serve as a Board member, independent chair, lead independent director, or committee chair for less than the full fiscal year receive pro-rated retainer amounts based on the number of days they served in such position during the fiscal year. In addition to the retainer amounts, each non-employee director is entitled to receive a fee of $2,500 per day for any special assignment requested by the Board. No special assignment fees were paid in fiscal year 2022.

Payment Elections. Under the Company’s Independent Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, a director may annually elect to receive all or a portion of their cash compensation in the form of cash, common stock, deferred cash, or deferred stock units.

Payment in Stock. Directors who elect to receive cash compensation amounts in the form of common stock are issued shares of common stock based on the fair market value of the common stock as determined by the closing price of the common stock on the last trading day of the quarter for which the fees were earned.

Elective Deferral Program: Deferred Cash. For directors who elect deferred cash, the amount deferred is credited to an unfunded cash account that is credited with interest at an annual interest rate equal to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.’s prime lending rate in effect on January 1 of each year. Upon termination of service as a director, the amounts credited to the director’s deferred cash account are paid out in five annual cash installments or in one lump-sum cash payment, as elected by the director.

Elective Deferral Program: Deferred Stock Units. For directors who elect deferred stock units, the amount deferred is credited to an unfunded account in the form of units equivalent to the fair market value of the common stock on the last trading day of the quarter for which the fees were earned. When dividends are declared, additional deferred stock units are allocated to the director’s deferred stock unit account

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in amounts equivalent to the dollar amount of common stock dividends paid by the Company divided by the fair market value of the common stock on the date the dividends are paid. Upon termination of service as a director, the amounts credited to the deferred stock unit account, which include any elective deferrals and the annual deferred stock unit grants described above, are paid out in shares of common stock in five annual installments or in one lump sum, as elected by the director. Deferred stock units may only be settled in shares of common stock.

Equity Compensation

Each non-employee director receives a majority of their annual compensation in the form of deferred stock units. Deferred stock units are shares of the Company’s common stock that the director receives only upon terminating their service with the Company. Each non-employee director receives an annual grant of deferred stock units. The aggregate value of the deferred stock unit award amount earned by a non-employee director serving for the full fiscal year 2022 was $157,000. Awards are made as of the last business day in the calendar year and represent payment for services provided during such calendar year.

The Company believes that the use of deferred stock units provides a stronger alignment between directors and the Company’s shareholders compared to outright stock ownership since directors have no ability to sell the deferred stock units while they remain on the Board. The Company has maintained the deferred stock unit program for its directors for over 20 years.

Directors who serve as non-employee Board members for less than the full calendar year receive pro-rated awards based on the number of full fiscal quarters they served as a non-employee Board member during the calendar year. Deferred stock units accrue dividend equivalents, and the balance of a director’s deferred stock unit account is paid out in common stock only following the director’s termination of service, as described in greater detail under Payment Elections above.

Fiscal Year 2023 Compensation Changes

As discussed above, the MDCC reviews the form and amount of compensation of non-employee directors at least once a year to ensure that the Company’s non-employee directors are being compensated appropriately relative to peer companies. The MDCC again reviewed non-employee director compensation in September 2022. As part of its review, the MDCC considered the data provided by FW Cook as well as its guidance and recommendations regarding compensation levels relative to our compensation peer group as well as trends and recent developments in the area of non-employee director compensation. After taking all of this information into account, the MDCC recommended, and the Board agreed, not to increase director compensation or make other changes to the director compensation program.

Stock Ownership Philosophy and Guidelines for Directors

The Board believes that the alignment of directors’ interests with those of shareholders is strengthened when Board members are also shareholders. The Board therefore requires that each non-employee director, within five years of first being elected, own common stock or deferred stock units that are settled only in common stock having a market value of at least five times their annual cash retainer. This program is designed to ensure that directors acquire a meaningful and significant ownership interest in the Company during their tenure on the Board. Furthermore, as directors must hold the deferred stock units until termination of their service on the Board, they have aligned interests and appropriate incentives to promote long-term value for shareholders during their service as a director. As of August 31, 2022, each non-employee director was in compliance with the guidelines, and in fact, the majority of our directors held common stock or deferred stock units with value far in excess of this amount.

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Executive Officers

Information about our Executive Officers

The names, ages, year first elected and current titles of each of the executive officers of the Company as of September 20, 2022, are set forth below. The Company made certain changes to its executive officers in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 as part of the streamlining of its operating model.

Name       Age       Year First
Elected
      Title
Linda Rendle 44 2016 Chief Executive Officer
Stacey Grier 59 2019 Executive Vice President – Chief Growth and Strategy Officer
Angela Hilt 50 2020 Executive Vice President – Chief Legal Officer
Kevin B. Jacobsen 56 2018 Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
Kirsten Marriner 50 2016 Executive Vice President – Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer
Eric Reynolds 52 2015 Executive Vice President – Chief Operating Officer

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Stock Ownership Information

Beneficial Ownership of Voting Securities

The following table shows the holdings of common stock (as of August 31, 2022, except as indicated below) by (i) any entity or person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) the named executive officers (NEOs) named in the Summary Compensation Table, and (iii) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.

As discussed in the Director Compensation section of this proxy statement, the majority of director compensation is delivered in the form of deferred stock units, which are paid out in common stock following a director’s termination of service. Because the directors cannot dispose of those shares while they serve on the Board, they are not reflected in this table. See footnote 2 below.

The address of each individual listed in the table below is 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612-1888.

Name of Beneficial Owner Amount and
Nature
of Beneficial
Ownership
(1)(2)
Percent
of Class(3)
The Vanguard Group, Inc.(4)
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
14,500,034 11.77
BlackRock, Inc.(5)
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
10,774,842 8.74
State Street Corporation(6)
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
8,240,920 6.69
Amy Banse(2)       0       *
Richard H. Carmona(2)(7) 0 *
Julia Denman 0 *
Rebecca Dunphey 20,513 *
Spencer C. Fleischer(2) 1,305 *
Kevin Jacobsen 92,218 *
Esther Lee(2) 0 *
A. D. David Mackay(2) 600 *
Kirsten Marriner 68,499 *
Paul Parker 251 *
Stephanie Plaines(2) 0 *
Linda Rendle 177,726 *
Eric Reynolds 114,829 *
Matthew J. Shattock(2) 0 *
Kathryn Tesija(2) 0 *
Russell J. Weiner(2) 0 *
Christopher J. Williams(2) 0 *
All directors and executive officers as a group (18 persons)(8) 510,191 *

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Stock Ownership Information

*

Does not exceed 1% of the outstanding shares.

(1)

Unless otherwise indicated, each beneficial owner listed has sole voting and dispositive power concerning the shares indicated. These totals include the following numbers of shares of common stock that such persons have the right to acquire through stock options exercisable within 60 days of August 31, 2022, or with respect to which such persons have shared voting or dispositive power: Mr. Jacobsen – 73,373 options and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 3,145 shares held in family trust; Ms. Marriner – 49,775 options; Ms. Rendle – 149,844 options; Mr. Reynolds – 101,257 options; and all directors and executive officers as a group – 413,075 options. The numbers in the table above do not include the following numbers of shares of common stock that the executive officers have the right to acquire at a later date that were deferred at the executive officers’ election: Mr. Jacobsen – 11,202; Ms. Rendle – 14,785; Mr. Reynolds 11,064 and all executive officers as a group – 37,051.

(2)

The numbers in the table above do not include the following numbers of shares of common stock that the non-management directors have the right to acquire upon the termination of their service as directors pursuant to deferred stock units granted under the Independent Directors’ Stock-Based Compensation Plan: Ms. Banse – 5,355; Dr. Carmona – 24,765; Mr. Fleischer – 11,216; Ms. Lee – 9,427; Mr. Mackay – 5,355; Mr. Parker – 932; Ms. Plaines – 92; Mr. Shattock – 7,108; Ms. Tesija – 2,622; Mr. Weiner – 8,446; and Mr. Williams – 12,509. Deferred stock units are shares of the Company’s common stock that the director receives only upon terminating their service with the Company. Please refer to the Director Compensation section of this proxy statement for further details on the deferred stock units held by non-management directors. The total financial commitment of each non-management director in the Company’s common stock is more fully appreciated if the number of shares of common stock listed above in the column entitled “Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership” is added to the number of deferred stock units set forth in this footnote.

(3)

On August 31, 2022, there were 123,238,543 shares of common stock outstanding.

(4)

Based on information contained in a report on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2022, The Vanguard Group reported, as of December 31, 2021, sole dispositive power with respect to 13,982,415 shares, shared voting power with respect to 206,184 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 517,619 shares.

(5)

Based on information contained in a report on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 1, 2022, BlackRock, Inc. reported, as of December 31, 2021, sole voting power with respect to 9,425,292 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all shares reported.

(6)

Based on information contained in a report on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2022, State Street Corporation reported, as of December 31, 2021, shared voting power with respect to 6,540,255 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 8,225,556 shares.

(7)

Richard Carmona is not being re-nominated for re-election in accordance with the Board’s retirement age policy and, therefore, will be retiring from the Board as of the date of the Annual Meeting.

(8)

Pursuant to Rule 3b-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), executive officers include the Company’s CEO and all executive vice presidents. This figure reflects ownership, as of August 31, 2022, except as indicated above, of the executive officers as of the date of this proxy statement, who are set forth in the Executive Officers section of this proxy statement.



Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC regulations require the Company’s directors, certain officers, and holders of more than 10% of the Company’s common stock to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with the SEC. The reporting directors, officers, and 10% shareholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely on its review of copies of such reports received and written representations from its directors and such covered officers, the Company believes that its directors and officers complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements during fiscal year 2022, with the exception of four late Form 4s to report one transaction each for Eric Reynolds, Matt Gregory, Tony Matta and Eric Schwartz, all of which were not reported in a timely manner due to an administrative oversight.



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Executive Compensation

Proposal 2:
Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

We are seeking a non-binding, advisory vote from our shareholders to approve the compensation of our NEOs that are listed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement. This proposal gives our shareholders the opportunity to express their views on the Company’s executive compensation and is commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” proposal. This vote is only advisory and will not be binding upon the Company or the Board. However, the MDCC, which is responsible for designing and administering the Company’s executive compensation program, values the opinions expressed by shareholders and encourages all shareholders to vote their shares on this matter.

As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement, which begins on page 45, the Company’s compensation programs are designed to align pay with performance, by delivering the majority of executive pay through “at-risk” incentive awards that help ensure realized pay is tied to attaining operation goals and sustainable appreciation in shareholder value. The Board urges you to consider the factors discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section when deciding how to vote on this Proposal 2.

At our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our shareholders overwhelmingly approved our executive compensation policies, with approximately 92% of votes cast in favor of our proposal. We value this positive endorsement by our shareholders and believe that the outcome signals our shareholders’ support of our compensation program, and we continued our general approach to compensation for fiscal year 2022. We provide our shareholders the opportunity to vote on the compensation of our NEOs every year and expect that the next vote on executive compensation will be at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


Board’s Recommendation

The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR the advisory vote to approve executive compensation. The Company is asking its shareholders to support the compensation of the NEOs as described in this proxy statement. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our NEOs in fiscal year 2022 and the philosophy, policies, and practices underlying that compensation, which are described in this proxy statement. The Board believes that the Company’s overall compensation process effectively implements its compensation philosophy and achieves its goals.

Accordingly, the Board recommends a vote FOR the adoption of the following advisory resolution, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the shareholders of The Clorox Company approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in The Clorox Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table, and the other related tables and disclosure.”

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Proposal 2: Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation


Vote Required

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter is required to approve this proposal.

This vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Board, or the MDCC. However, the Board and the MDCC value the opinions of the Company’s shareholders and, to the extent there is any significant vote against the NEOs’ compensation as disclosed in the proxy statement, the MDCC will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address shareholder concerns.

The people designated in the proxy and voting instruction card will vote your shares FOR approval unless you include instructions to the contrary.



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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Introduction

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) describes our executive compensation philosophy and program, the compensation decisions made under this program, and the specific factors we considered in making those decisions. This CD&A focuses on the compensation of our NEOs for fiscal year 2022, who were:

Name Title
Linda Rendle         Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Jacobsen Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Eric Reynolds Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Kirsten Marriner Executive Vice President and Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer
Rebecca Dunphey(1) Senior Vice President and General Manager – Specialty Division
(1) Ms. Dunphey was hired on March 21, 2022.


Table of Contents

Executive Summary       46
Overview 46
Our Company 46
Fiscal Year 2022 Business Highlights 47
Looking Ahead 48
Our Executive Compensation Program 48
Executive Compensation Philosophy 48
How We Make Compensation Decisions 49
Executive Compensation Governance 52
Executive Compensation Framework 55
Fiscal Year 2022 Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers 56
Base Salary 56
Annual Incentives 56
Long-Term Incentives 59
Retirement Plans 60
Post-Termination Compensation 61
Perquisites 62
The Management Development and Compensation Committee Report 62
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 62

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Executive Summary

Overview

Clorox continued to experience unprecedented business disruption in fiscal year 2022. In fiscal year 2022, Clorox navigated through unprecedented inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges, and multiple COVID-19 waves. We implemented a broad set of actions within our control to address these issues; however, those actions couldn’t overcome the magnitude of the headwinds we faced.
Our incentive plan results reflect company performance. Our significantly below-target payout on short-term incentives and below-target payout on long-term incentives align to the disappointing business outcomes in fiscal year 2022.
The company multiplier for our short-term incentive for fiscal year 2022 was 50%. This result reflected declines in fiscal year 2022 for all three of our underlying metrics: net sales, net earnings attributable to Clorox, and gross margin. Although a material portion of the basis for the company multiplier was attributable to forces outside Clorox’s control, the Management Development and Compensation Committee chose not to apply its discretion to increase the company multiplier.
Performance share units from our long-term incentive awards vesting in 2022 paid out at 89%. The performance-based award vesting in fiscal year 2022 was based on economic profit (EP) growth during fiscal years 2020 through 2022, covering one breakout year with extremely high EP growth, one year of lower-than-expected EP growth, and one year of below-threshold EP growth.
The Management Development and Compensation Committee continues to evolve our program. As we look ahead to fiscal year 2023, anticipating continued volatility and unpredictability, we remain committed to our philosophy of pay for performance. In consideration of target performance goals for fiscal year 2023 being set below historic Clorox norms due to the challenging operating environment, we applied a payout ceiling equal to 75% of target for performance share units if a threshold adjusted EPS level is not attained over the three-year performance period. The committee will continue to evaluate incentive plan changes based on the evolution of our competitive market and Clorox’s long-term transformational business plan.

Fiscal 2022 Net Sales

$7,107M

-3% from prior fiscal year

Fiscal 2022 Net Earnings Attributable to Clorox

$462M

-35% from prior fiscal year

Fiscal 2022 Gross Margin

35.8%

-780 basis points from prior fiscal year

Three-Year Total Shareholder Return1

-2.4%

Our Company

Clorox is a leading multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products with about 9,000 employees worldwide as of June 30, 2022. Clorox markets some of the most trusted and recognized consumer brand names, including our namesake bleach and cleaning products; Pine-Sol cleaners; Liquid-Plumr clog removers; Poett home care products; Fresh Step cat litter; Glad bags and wraps; Kingsford grilling products; Hidden Valley dressings, dips, seasonings, and sauces; Brita water-filtration products; Burt’s Bees natural personal care products; and RenewLife, Rainbow Light, Natural Vitality, and NeoCell vitamins, minerals and supplements. We also market industry-leading products and technologies for professional customers, including those sold under the CloroxPro and Clorox Healthcare brand names. More than 80% of our net sales are generated from brands that hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories.

____________________

1 Overall change in price per share, plus dividends, during the three fiscal years beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2022.

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Our ongoing IGNITE strategy accelerates innovation in key areas to drive growth and deliver value for both our shareholders and society. Specifically, IGNITE focuses on four strategic choices to achieve long-term, profitable growth: Fuel Growth, Innovate Experiences, Reimagine Work, and Evolve Portfolio. Integrated goals for ESG performance are focused in the areas of Healthy Lives, Clean World, and Thriving Communities. See Our IGNITE Strategy and Integrated ESG Pillars in this proxy statement for more information about IGNITE.

Fiscal Year 2022 Business Highlights

In fiscal year 2022, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continued to cause economic and societal disruptions as well as ongoing volatility. Significant supply chain challenges and, more recently, the conflict in Ukraine contributed to rising cost inflation and ongoing uncertainties in the marketplace.
In fiscal year 2022, our net sales decreased 3% and diluted EPS decreased 33% compared to the prior fiscal year in which there was elevated demand for essential household products, especially cleaning and disinfecting products, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other conditions factoring into the volatile environment included ongoing uncertainty related to the global pandemic, persistently high manufacturing and logistics costs, commodity costs, and the conflict in Ukraine, which further exacerbated supply chain challenges.
We continued our longtime commitment to providing value to shareholders through regular dividends. During fiscal year 2022, Clorox paid $571 million in dividends to shareholders. In July 2022, we announced an increase of 2% in our quarterly dividend, continuing our established trend of annual increases to the quarterly dividend for more than 20 consecutive years, and annual dividend payments for more than 50 consecutive years.
Guided by our IGNITE strategy, we remained focused on making significant investments in our strong brands and strategic digital capabilities to drive long-term value creation. These investments were made to support category growth and market share improvements. Clorox launched new products in 28 categories in fiscal year 2022, including Clorox disinfecting mists; Clorox multipurpose cleaner concentrate; Glad ForceFlexPlus trash bags in Cherry Blossom scent; Glad ForceFlexPlus with Clorox trash bags in Eucalyptus and Peppermint scent; Glad compostable drawstring bags (Canada); Glad to Be Green 50% ocean bound plastic recycled trash bags (Australia); Fresh Step Outstretch cat litter; Kingsford Signature Flavors charcoal, pellets and flavor boosters for charcoal and pellet grills; and Neocell collagen powders and gummies.
As announced in August 2021, a significant long-term investment in digital capabilities and productivity enhancements—our Digital Transformation—will continue to shape our outlook for fiscal year 2023 and beyond. Clorox is investing approximately $500 million over five years beginning in fiscal year 2022 on these operating and capital expenditures. Our Digital Transformation includes replacing our enterprise resource planning system and transitioning to a cloud-based platform as well as implementing a suite of other digital technologies to generate efficiencies and better position Clorox in supply chain, digital commerce, innovation, and brand building over the long term.
In international markets, Clorox delivered net sales growth in fiscal year 2022 behind ongoing consumer demand for cleaning and disinfecting products, as well as other household essentials including cat litter, bags and wraps, and water-filtration products. Our international business continues to play an important strategic role, with brands holding the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in the majority of categories and countries where we operate.
We continued to make progress on our ESG goals, which are integrated into the IGNITE strategy and throughout the business. Notably, to advance the Clean World pillar, we created an internal roadmap for our net zero and science-based targets, including engaging key business units and activating a plan to engage top suppliers to reduce emissions. Additionally, a second 12-year virtual power purchase agreement was announced, continuing Clorox’s commitment to 100% renewable electricity for our U.S. and Canadian operations. Efforts to reduce packaging waste advanced, including internal initiatives to deliver more recycle-ready materials and address post-consumer recycled content material cost and availability, as well as influence ongoing dialogue with the recycling industry through Clorox’s membership in the U.S. Plastics Pact. In support of the Thriving Communities pillar,

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  this year we launched an environmental justice initiative to provide better access to green spaces for underserved communities. Through the Healthy Parks Project, The Clorox Company Foundation plans to invest in community parks in support of Clorox’s purpose and ESG focus on the interconnectedness of environmental and social sustainability.
Clorox has been broadly recognized for our corporate responsibility efforts. This includes recognition in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index 2022 as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality; being listed on the 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, which tracks the performance of public companies committed to transparency in gender-data reporting; and inclusion on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies list.

Looking Ahead

In fiscal year 2023, we anticipate ongoing challenges that may impact our sales and margins, including continued uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, persistently high manufacturing, logistics, and commodity costs, continued effects from the conflict in Ukraine, evolving consumer behaviors, high levels of competition in select categories, a more competitive and evolving retail environment, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and an uncertain macroeconomic environment in the U.S. and in many international markets.

As announced in August 2022, we will be implementing a streamlined operating model beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 to advance our IGNITE strategy and as part of our response to these challenges. Our goal is to be closer to our consumers and customers so we can more effectively anticipate what’s coming and better meet their increasing expectations, understand the end-to-end implications of our choices, and execute better—all while reducing costs to be a more streamlined and efficient company. The changes are essential to position Clorox for long-term success.


Our Executive Compensation Program

Executive Compensation Philosophy

A core principle of our compensation philosophy is to align pay with performance. We do so by delivering the majority of executive pay through “at-risk” incentive awards that help ensure realized pay is tied to attainment of critical operational goals and sustainable appreciation in shareholder value. This approach is designed to accomplish the following:

Objective       How we achieve this
Pay for Performance  

We reward performance that drives achievement of Clorox’s short- and long-term goals and, ultimately, shareholder value.

     
Align Management and
Shareholder Interests
 

We provide long-term, equity-based incentives and encourage a culture of ownership with stock retention guidelines. We reward executive officers for sustained company performance as measured by operating results and total shareholder return.

     
Attract, Retain, and Motivate
Talented Executives
 

We maintain market-based pay targets and a program design that allows Clorox to be a magnet for high-performing executives.

     
Address Risk-Management
Considerations
 

We motivate our executives to create long-term shareholder value and discourage behavior that could lead to unnecessary or excessive risk-taking by providing a balance of fixed and at-risk pay, with short-term and long-term performance horizons, using a variety of metrics tied to key drivers of sustainable value creation.

     
Support Financial Efficiency  

We ensure that cash- and equity-based incentive payouts are appropriately driven by performance, and design awards to minimize unnecessary accounting charges.


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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

How We Make Compensation Decisions

Roles and Responsibilities in Setting Executive Compensation

Management
Development and
Compensation
Committee

     

The MDCC regularly reviews the design and implementation of our executive compensation program and reports on its discussions and actions to the Board. The MDCC oversees our executive compensation program; approves the performance goals and strategic objectives for our NEOs and evaluates results against those targets each year; determines and approves the compensation of our CEO (after consulting with the other independent members of the Board), our other NEOs, and other executives, including those covered by Section 16 of the Exchange Act; and approves the structure of overall incentive and equity-based plans.

The MDCC makes its determinations regarding executive compensation based on a variety of factors, including Clorox’s performance, individual executives’ performance, peer group data, and input and recommendations from the independent compensation consultant and management.

The MDCC evaluates individual performance based on the performance of the business or operations for which the executive is responsible, including the individual’s contribution to achieving ESG-related goals (as described in the Fiscal Year 2022 Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers section of this proxy statement), the individual’s skill set relative to industry peers, overall experience and time in the position, the critical nature of the individual’s role, difficulty of replacement, expected future contributions, readiness for promotion to a higher level, and role relative to that of other executives.

In determining the compensation package for each of our NEOs other than our CEO, the MDCC receives input and recommendations from our CEO and our Executive Vice President and Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer. NEOs do not have a role in the determination of their own compensation.

     

Board of Directors

 

The independent members of the Board undertake a thorough process to review our CEO’s annual performance, with each independent director providing candid feedback and observations that are then shared in aggregate with our CEO. The Board considers a variety of substantive factors it has identified as being most important for effective CEO performance, with a focus on strategy, people, and operations. The full Board discusses the evaluations of our CEO’s performance against these factors and then provides its input on CEO compensation to the MDCC.

The MDCC, after evaluating input from the Board and its independent compensation consultant, makes a final determination on our CEO’s compensation. Our CEO does not have a role in her own compensation determination other than participating in a discussion with the Board regarding her performance relative to specific targets and strategic objectives set at the beginning of the fiscal year, which the Board considers in both its compensation determination and when setting performance targets for the upcoming fiscal year.


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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Independent
Compensation
Consultant
     

The MDCC retains the services of an independent compensation consulting firm to assist it in the performance of its duties. During fiscal year 2022, the MDCC used the services of FW Cook. FW Cook’s work with the MDCC included data analysis, guidance, and recommendations on the following topics: compensation levels relative to our peers, market trends in incentive plan design, risk and reward structure of executive compensation plans, and other policies and practices, including the policies and views of third-party proxy advisory firms.

FW Cook has provided the MDCC with appropriate assurances and confirmation of its independent status in accordance with the MDCC’s charter and other considerations, including factors specified in the NYSE listing standards. The MDCC believes FW Cook has been independent throughout its service to the MDCC and that there is no conflict of interest between FW Cook or individuals at FW Cook and the MDCC, Clorox’s executive officers, or Clorox. FW Cook does not work for Clorox apart from its services to the MDCC.

                      

Chief Executive Officer

  Our CEO makes compensation recommendations to the MDCC for all executive officers other than herself. In making these recommendations, our CEO evaluates the performance of the executive officers and considers their responsibilities as well as the compensation analysis provided by the independent compensation consultant.

   
Other Members of
Management
  Senior human resources management provides analyses regarding competitive practices and pay ranges, compensation and benefit plans, policies and procedures for equity awards, perquisites, general compensation, and benefits philosophy. Senior human resources, legal, and finance executives attend non-executive sessions of the MDCC meetings to provide additional perspective and expertise.

Say-on-Pay Vote and Shareholder Engagement

At our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we asked our shareholders to approve, on an advisory basis, our fiscal year 2021 compensation awarded to our NEOs, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” vote. Our shareholders overwhelmingly approved the compensation to our NEOs, with approximately 92% of votes cast in favor of our proposal. We believe this outcome signals our shareholders’ support of our compensation program. We continued our general approach to compensation for fiscal year 2022, specifically our pay-for-performance philosophy and our efforts to attract, retain, and motivate our NEOs. We value the opinions of our shareholders and will continue to consider the results from advisory votes on executive compensation, as well as feedback received from our shareholders throughout the year, when making compensation decisions for our NEOs.

Use of Market Data

The MDCC uses a peer group of consumer products companies (the compensation peer group) to help determine competitive compensation rates for our executive officers, including the NEOs. The compensation peer group was selected by the MDCC, with input from FW Cook. The compensation peer group is used to evaluate both the levels of executive compensation and compensation practices within the consumer products industry.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The MDCC reviews the compensation peer group annually, and makes adjustments as needed, to ensure the companies included continue to meet relevant criteria. To determine the compensation peer group for each year, the MDCC considers companies that:

Hold leadership positions in branded consumer products.
Are of reasonably similar size based on market capitalization and revenue.
Compete with Clorox for executive talent.
Have executive positions similar in breadth, complexity, and scope of responsibility to those of Clorox.

For fiscal year 2022, the compensation peer group was composed of the following 18 companies:

Campbell Soup Company General Mills, Inc. McCormick & Company, Inc.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. The Hershey Company Newell Brands Inc.
Colgate-Palmolive Company Hormel Foods Corporation Post Holdings, Inc.
Conagra Brands, Inc. The J.M. Smucker Company Revlon, Inc.
Edgewell Personal Care Company Kellogg Company Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.

At the time of our peer group review in May 2022, Clorox was at the 34th percentile for revenue and 45th percentile for market capitalization compared with the compensation peer group in effect for the fiscal year 2022 compensation analysis.

Management engaged Aon Hewitt to obtain and aggregate compensation data for the compensation peer group in fiscal year 2022. This data was used to advise the MDCC on setting target compensation for our NEOs for fiscal year 2022. FW Cook reviewed this information and performed an independent compensation analysis of the compensation peer group data to advise the MDCC. Although each individual component of executive compensation is reviewed, our overall goal is to target total direct compensation competitive with the median of the compensation peer group. Other factors, such as an executive’s level of experience, may result in target total direct compensation for individual NEOs being set above or below this median range.

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Executive Compensation Governance

We are focused on creating an effective compensation program that successfully aligns our key strategic objectives with the interests of our shareholders. We believe our executive pay is reasonable and provides appropriate incentives to our executive officers to achieve our financial and strategic goals without encouraging them to take excessive risks in their business decisions. To reinforce this, we have adopted policies that guide our compensation practices as summarized below.

We Do…       We Do Not…
Vary our incentive plans: We use different metrics and performance horizons for the goals within our annual and long-term incentive plans.
Focus on financial measures relevant to shareholder value: We use economic profit as a rigorous long-term incentive metric and net sales, net earnings, and gross margin for our annual incentive metrics.
Require meaningful ownership: We apply stringent stock ownership and retention guidelines for all our executives.
Operate clawback provisions: Both our annual and long-term incentive plans include clawback provisions.
Use a double-trigger: Change-in-control provisions for all equity awards require both change in control and termination.
Engage with shareholders: We have ongoing discussions with key institutional investors, including on the topic of compensation.
Engage an independent consultant: The MDCC engages a consultant and assesses their independence annually.
Provide employment contracts: All executives are employed at will.
Reprice stock options: Any stock option re-pricing would require shareholder approval in advance.
Pay unearned dividends: No dividends or dividend equivalents are paid on unvested equity awards.
Pay tax gross-ups: No tax gross-ups are provided by Clorox to executives under any circumstances.
Provide excessive benefits or perquisites: Benefits and perquisites are limited, reflecting market benchmarks.
Permit hedging or pledging: Our policy prohibits hedging and pledging of Clorox stock.
Encourage inappropriate risk-taking: The MDCC and its independent consultant annually review incentive design for unintended consequences.

Tally Sheets. To help ensure our executive compensation design is aligned with our overall compensation philosophy of pay for performance and total compensation levels are appropriate, the MDCC annually reviews compensation tally sheets for each of our NEOs. These tally sheets outline current target total compensation, the potential wealth creation of long-term incentive awards granted to our officers under various potential stock prices, and the potential value of payouts under various termination scenarios. These tally sheets help provide the MDCC with a comprehensive understanding of all elements of our compensation program and enable the MDCC to consider changes to our compensation program, arrangements, and plans considering best practices and emerging trends.

Stock Award Granting Practices. Clorox grants long-term incentive awards each September at a regularly scheduled MDCC meeting, which typically occurs during the third week of the month. The meeting date is the effective grant date for the awards, and the exercise/grant price is equal to the closing price of our common stock on that date.

The MDCC may also occasionally grant equity-based awards at other times to recognize, retain, or recruit executive officers.

Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines. To maintain alignment of the interests of our executive officers and our shareholders, all executive officers are expected to build and maintain a significant level of direct stock ownership. Ownership levels may be achieved over time in a variety of ways, such as by retaining

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stock received upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of stock awards or by purchasing stock in the open market. At a minimum, executive officers are expected to establish and maintain direct ownership of common stock having a value equal to a multiple of each executive officer’s annual base salary: six times base salary for the CEO, three times base salary for NEOs and non-NEO members of the Clorox Executive Committee, and two times base salary for other executives. The following table reflects the guidelines and our NEOs’ ownership requirement status, as of September 19, 2022:

Name       Ownership Guideline
(Salary Multiple)
      Guideline Met
Linda Rendle(1) 6x No
Kevin Jacobsen 3x Yes
Eric Reynolds 3x Yes
Kirsten Marriner 3x Yes
Rebecca Dunphey(2) 3x No
(1) Ms. Rendle became subject to a higher ownership requirement upon her appointment as CEO effective September 14, 2020 (from three times to six times base salary).
(2) Ms. Dunphey was hired on March 21, 2022, and the ownership requirement of three times base salary became effective immediately.

Ownership levels are based on shares of common stock owned by the NEO or held pursuant to Clorox plans, including performance share units (PSUs) that have vested and been deferred for settlement. Unexercised stock options and units that have not vested due to time or performance restrictions are excluded from the ownership calculations.

Retention Requirements. Executive officers are required to retain a certain percentage of shares obtained upon either the exercise of stock options or the release of restrictions on PSUs and restricted stock units (RSUs). All executive officers are expected to retain 75% of net shares acquired after tax withholding until the minimum ownership level is met. After attaining the minimum ownership level, our CEO must retain 50% of net shares acquired after tax withholding until retirement or termination, and other executive officers must retain 25% of net shares acquired after tax withholding for one year after receipt.

Securities Trading Policy and Prohibition on Hedging and Pledging. To ensure alignment of the interests of our shareholders with all of our directors, officers, employees, and consultants, our Insider Trading Policy does not permit any director, officer, employee, or consultant of Clorox either (1) to trade in the stock or other securities of any company when aware of material nonpublic information about that company, including Clorox as well as any customers or suppliers of Clorox or firms with which Clorox may be negotiating a major transaction, or (2) to engage in short-term or speculative transactions or derivative transactions involving Clorox stock. This policy includes prohibitions on options trading and hedging and restrictions and cautions on pledging Clorox stock as collateral.

The Insider Trading Policy’s prohibition on engaging in hedging transactions in Clorox securities covers the purchase of a financial transaction instrument, or otherwise engaging in a transaction that hedges or offsets, or is designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the market value of Clorox’s equity securities that were granted as part of the individual’s compensation or that the individual holds directly or indirectly. The following transactions are expressly prohibited by this policy:

Short sales (selling Clorox securities you do not own).
Transactions involving publicly traded options or other derivatives whose value is tied to Clorox securities, including trading in or writing puts or calls on Clorox securities.
Pre-paid forward contracts.
Collars.

Directors, executive officers, the principal accounting officer, and 10% beneficial owners of Clorox common stock are also prohibited from borrowing against the value of any Clorox stock they own using a margin account or other pledge of Clorox stock as collateral.

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Trading of Clorox’s securities by directors, executive officers and certain other employees who are so designated from time to time (collectively, Insiders) is permitted only during announced trading periods or in accordance with a previously established trading plan that meets SEC requirements. At all times, including during announced trading periods, Insiders are required to obtain preclearance from our chief legal officer or corporate secretary prior to executing any transactions in Clorox securities, unless those sales occur in accordance with a previously established trading plan that meets SEC requirements.

Clawback Provisions. Effective February 9, 2021, the MDCC adopted a Clawback Policy related to incentive compensation granted, promised, or paid to certain current and former executive officers (and others as the MDCC may determine) on or after the effective date. Under the terms of the Clawback Policy:

In the event a covered individual engages in conduct materially detrimental to Clorox (including, but not limited to, the name, business interests, or corporate, brand, business, or other reputation of Clorox), the MDCC may recoup incentive compensation paid to such individual at any time up to three years after the end of the year in which it vested or was paid.
In the event of a restatement of Clorox financial statements, the MDCC may recoup incentive compensation paid to a covered individual during the three-year period preceding the announcement of the restatement that would not have been paid based upon the restated results if the covered individual’s fraud or intentional misconduct was a significant contributing factor to the restatement.

Certain of our existing compensation plans and agreements, including the AIP and our long-term incentive plan award agreements, contain a provision providing for clawback of the incentive compensation following a restatement of Clorox financial statements. The Clawback Policy incorporates such existing provisions without any material changes, to consolidate all clawback-related provisions into a single policy.

Tax Deductibility Limits on Executive Compensation. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) limits the federal income tax deductibility of compensation paid to our covered employees to $1 million per year. In setting executive compensation, the MDCC does not take this limit on deductibility into account.

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Executive Compensation Framework

A substantial portion of our target total direct compensation for our executives is variable, with 88% of compensation at risk for our CEO and 82% of compensation at risk on average for our other NEOs. Base salary is the only fixed component of direct compensation.

Component and Rationale       CEO
Proportion(1)
      NEO(2)
Proportion(1)
      Performance
Measures
      Performance
Period
      Characteristics

Base Salary

Fixed pay to attract and retain talent, based on role, level of responsibilities, and individual performance.

N/A
N/A Fixed cash

Annual Incentives

Variable pay to incent and recognize performance in areas of short-term strategic importance.

Annual net sales (50%)
Net earnings (30%)
Gross margin (20%)
Individual performance goals

One Year

Performance-based cash

Long-Term Incentives

Equity-based pay to incent and recognize performance in areas of long-term strategic importance, promote retention and stability, and align executives with shareholders.

Three-year annual economic profit growth rate
Variation in underlying stock price due to overall business results
Three Years PSUs, stock options, and RSUs
(1) Proportion represents the actual base salary, target annual incentive award, and grant date fair market value of actual long-term incentive awards granted in fiscal year 2022 (with PSUs measured at target). Percentages are rounded. Refer to the Summary Compensation Table for further details on actual compensation.
(2) Represents the average of all NEOs active on June 30, 2022, other than the CEO.

Additional elements of our executive compensation program include retirement plans, post-termination compensation, and perquisites as appropriate to support our executive compensation philosophy.

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Fiscal Year 2022 Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers

Base Salary

The MDCC generally seeks to establish base salaries for our NEOs competitive with the median of the compensation peer group. Salaries vary in relation to each executive’s specific role, level of experience, and performance over time. For fiscal year 2022, base salary changes within this target pay range were approved by the MDCC in September 2021 and went into effect in September 2021.

Name       FY 2022
Base Salary(1)
      Increase in
FY 2022(2)
Linda Rendle $ 1,125,000          4.7 %
Kevin Jacobsen $ 740,000 5.7 %
Eric Reynolds $ 740,000 5.7 %
Kirsten Marriner $ 650,000 4.0 %
Rebecca Dunphey(3) $ 600,000
(1) Annualized salary as of June 30, 2022.
(2) Increase relative to salary as of June 30, 2021.
(3) Salary upon hire, as of March 21, 2022.

Based on company performance during fiscal year 2022, management has proposed holding NEO salaries at their current level (with no increases for fiscal year 2023), and the MDCC has agreed. Instead of increases to guaranteed compensation, in fiscal year 2023 our NEOs’ opportunity for increased compensation will be focused on at-risk, performance-based pay from the short- and long-term incentive programs.

In addition to her annual salary, Ms. Dunphey received a one-time cash sign-on payment of $750,000 as part of her hire, subject to clawback upon resignation or termination for cause prior to completing one year of employment, to compensate for expected compensation she would otherwise have received in the short term from her former employer had she not terminated her employment there to join Clorox.

Annual Incentives

Clorox provides annual incentive awards to our NEOs under the AIP. Payouts under the AIP are based on the level of achievement of company performance goals set annually by the MDCC, subject to shareholder-approved maximums. These performance goals are tied to Board-approved corporate financial performance goals and individual objectives.

The AIP balances financial performance with the individual performance of each of our NEOs. The amounts paid under the AIP are based on the following factors:

(1) A target value for each NEO, which is base salary multiplied by an annual incentive target (Target Award).
(2) Clorox’s performance measured against pre-established corporate financial goals (Company Multiplier). The Company Multiplier can range from 0% to 200% based on an objective assessment of company performance versus goals established by the MDCC at the beginning of the year.
(3) Performance of the operations or functions under the NEO’s responsibility (Individual Multiplier). The Individual Multiplier can range from 0% to 150%. The Individual Multiplier is determined by the MDCC and typically has a narrow range, which makes its impact on the total payout significantly smaller than the Company Multiplier: Over the past three years, the range for Individual Multipliers for the NEOs was 90% to 115%, compared to 50% to 200% for the Company Multiplier during the same period.

Target Award. Each year, the MDCC sets an annual incentive target level for each NEO as a percentage of their base salary, based on an assessment of median short-term incentive targets in the compensation peer group and other factors such as individual experience. The annual incentive target level is typically set near the median of short-term incentive targets for comparable positions in the compensation peer group.

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Company Multiplier. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the MDCC sets financial goals for the AIP based on targets approved by the Board. At the end of the year, the MDCC reviews Clorox’s results against the goals set at the beginning of the year and approves the final Company Multiplier.

For fiscal year 2022, the MDCC established goals for net sales, net earnings, and gross margin to drive sustainable, profitable growth and short- and long-term total shareholder returns. This combination of metrics effectively balances a focus on both top-line and bottom-line performance. Consistent with our standard practice for over a decade, fiscal year 2022 targets for our AIP metrics were set equal to our Board-approved fiscal year 2022 budget. Setting targets equal to budget aligns the AIP with the Board’s approval of an appropriate expected outcome for the year and Clorox’s financial outlook as communicated to investors at the beginning of each fiscal year.

While fiscal year 2022 targets for all three AIP metrics were lower in absolute terms compared to fiscal year 2021 results, this was the due to an unprecedented year-over-year comparison, with fiscal year 2021 impacted by COVID-driven sales volumes, and uncertainty around the volatility of the business environment, including supply chain conditions and inflation. Our actions to rebuild share and mitigate cost inflation were expected to be incorporated by stages throughout the year, versus the steep and immediate impacts of inflation we experienced starting as the fiscal year opened.

Fiscal year 2022 financial goals for the AIP, the potential range of payouts for achieving those goals, and the actual results as determined by the MDCC were as follows:

2022 Annual Incentive Financial Goals
(in millions)
    Weight     Threshold
(0%)
    Target
(100%)
    Maximum
(200%)
    Actual(1)     Result(2)
Net Sales 50 % $ 6,693 $ 7,120 $ 7,547 $ 7,107 100 %
Net Earnings 30 % $ 543 $ 662 $ 782 $ 462 0 %
Gross Margin 20 % 36.3 % 40.3 % 44.3 % 35.8 % 0 %
Company Multiplier 50 %
(1) Results exclude the fiscal year 2022 net impact of the following items on net sales, net earnings, and gross margin: variance from budget in our Digital Transformation, foreign exchange, and accounting for equity-based compensation (based on Accounting Standards Update 2016-09). For fiscal year 2022, the impact of these exclusions was too small to affect the final payout.
(2) Due to the volatility of our business environment starting in FY20 and the resulting unpredictability of results, the funding curve for each of the three AIP metrics includes a flat slope around the target value (a “landing pad”) where results slightly above and below target result in 100% funding. For fiscal year 2022, the landing pads were plus or minus 1% variance versus target for Net Sales, plus or minus 2% variance versus target for Net Earnings, and plus or minus 50 basis points versus target for Gross Margin. Actual results for Net Sales were within the landing pad range for that metric, resulting in 100% funding.

Individual Multiplier. Consistent with our pay-for-performance philosophy, AIP payouts are determined by the Company Multiplier and an Individual Multiplier. Based on its evaluation of individual performance, the MDCC reviewed and approved the Individual Multiplier for each NEO to reflect the officer’s individual contributions in fiscal year 2022. In determining the multiplier for individual performance, the MDCC carefully evaluates several performance factors against objectives established at the beginning of the year. Individual performance for each of our NEOs is evaluated holistically and for 2022 included how each executive addressed continuing challenges posed by COVID-19; ESG-related achievements such as management of human capital including diversity and inclusion and management of environmental risks; contributions to company operations and strategy; and position-specific business outcomes.

Beginning in fiscal year 2022, as part of the holistic performance assessment of each member of the Clorox Executive Committee (including NEOs), the MDCC determined our executives’ annual performance will be assessed in part based on each executive’s contribution toward certain ESG-related metrics from our IGNITE scorecard for the applicable fiscal year. The IGNITE scorecard is an internal list of metrics (both ESG-related and otherwise) selected annually by the Board, reflecting areas we plan to prioritize during the year, and is intended to help align our near-term focus and facilitate incremental progress toward our long-term strategic objectives. The IGNITE scorecard measures progress toward objectives through quantitative and qualitative key performance indicators supporting our IGNITE strategy, and, while our IGNITE scorecard is not publicly available, our progress on many of these objectives is reported publicly

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on the Clorox Company ESG Data Hub. Clorox has integrated ESG into our IGNITE strategy because we believe in the strategic link between our societal impact and value creation. We strive to maintain top-third ESG leadership among our peer companies by driving continued progress against our goals while considering emerging stakeholder expectations. See Our IGNITE Strategy and Integrated ESG Pillars in this proxy statement for more information about IGNITE.

We hold ourselves accountable by ensuring ESG components of our IGNITE scorecard link to executive compensation. The full board assesses the company’s performance on the IGNITE scorecard, including our ESG accomplishments. At the beginning of fiscal year 2022, goals related to ESG metrics from the IGNITE scorecard relevant to each NEO’s role and responsibilities were embedded in each NEOs’ fiscal year 2022 priorities. Scorecard results, and the executive’s role in achieving such results, informed the MDCC’s assessment of individual performance and the Individual Multiplier for each executive. We expect the MDCC’s philosophy on the incorporation of ESG-related metrics into the assessment of individual performance will evolve over time as we consider ways to best align the compensation of our NEOs with our long-term goals.

A performance summary for each NEO for fiscal year 2022 is provided in the table below.

Name       Individual
Multiplier
      Performance Summary
Linda
Rendle
100% Linda provided strong leadership in a year of unprecedented inflation and volatility, taking a set of decisive actions to set up the company not only to rebuild margin over time but also strengthen its capabilities in the long run. Clorox delivered top line results that met expectations. While we generated profitability below expectations, we returned to margin expansion in the second half of the year as the benefit from price increases started to flow through. Despite the in-year challenges, Clorox maintained strategic focus on delivering its IGNITE strategy, including record-high results on its consumer value metric (CVM) and critical ESG-related progress, such as signing a second virtual power purchase agreement, gaining approval for science-based targets, achieving pay equity globally, and maintaining our superior safety track record.
Kevin
Jacobsen
100% Kevin guided the company through the most challenging inflationary period, facing historic volatility and cost increases. He created significant value through key actions that delivered accelerated free cash flow, including extending supplier payment terms and refinancing $1.1B outstanding debt and completing the sale of several properties. We delivered two quarters of sequential margin improvement driven by pricing and cost savings. Kevin oversaw the execution of another virtual power purchase agreement and serves as the executive sponsor for our HOLA employee resource group (ERG).
Eric
Reynolds
100% Eric led gains in operational performance, returning supply to deliver our best customer service levels since the pandemic began while driving gross margin improvement via cost savings, pricing, and supply chain rationalization. Retail execution also improved, with five straight quarters of increases in distribution points. Under his leadership, many of our business units launched sustainable innovation and we transitioned eight plants to Zero Waste to Landfill. Eric is leading Elevate, our $500 million digital and productivity transformation with progress and value delivery on track. He also serves as the chair of our I&D Committee and an executive sponsor for two ERGs.
Kirsten
Marriner
100% Kirsten continued to lead our people agenda, keeping people safe and well through optimized benefits (e.g., new flexible time off program, expanded health benefits, etc.). She championed the evolution of our inclusion and diversity agenda into inclusion, diversity, equity & allyship (IDEA) and recruited a new leader while delivering on our commitment to fair and equitable pay, resulting in continued achievement of pay equity globally. Kirsten has led one of the Elevate pillars, driving our future of work that includes our approach to hybrid work, talent, culture, and overall experience.
Rebecca
Dunphey
100% Becca joined Clorox at the end of Q3. The business results of her division were strong. Her early impact has been very positive including design and implementation of successful pricing, adjustment of business unit strategies in response to market conditions and adjusting commercial strategies to preserve sales in spite of severe new supply disruptions.

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Final AIP payouts. We funded the AIP at a 50% Company Multiplier, reflecting our achievement on each of the three performance metrics.

NEO       Base Salary       Annual
Incentive
Target
(% of Salary)
      Company
Multiplier
      Individual
Multiplier
      Final Annual
Incentive
Plan Payout
Linda Rendle $ 1,125,000            150 %          50 %       100 % $ 843,750
Kevin Jacobsen $ 740,000 90 % 50 % 100 % $ 333,000
Eric Reynolds $ 740,000 100 % 50 % 100 % $ 370,000
Kirsten Marriner $ 650,000 80 % 50 % 100 % $ 260,000
Rebecca Dunphey(1) $ 600,000 70 % 50 % 100 % $ 58,685
(1) Ms. Dunphey’s AIP payment for fiscal year 2022 is prorated based on her hire date of March 21, 2022.

Long-Term Incentives

We provide long-term, equity-based incentive compensation to our NEOs, which aligns Clorox performance and executive officer compensation with the interests of our shareholders. These incentive awards also support the achievement of our long-term corporate financial goals. Equity awards are granted under Clorox’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.

The MDCC annually reviews the costs of, and potential shareholder dilution attributable to, our long-term incentive program to ensure the overall program is financially efficient and aligned with those of our compensation peer group. The MDCC also seeks to calibrate the long-term incentive program design to drive performance and deliver awards that are competitive with the median of the compensation peer group. Actual long-term incentive award targets for individual NEOs may vary from the median based on a variety of factors, such as the NEO’s performance over time, individual experience, critical nature of their role, and expected future contributions.

Name       Target Value
Linda Rendle $ 6,100,000
Kevin Jacobsen $ 2,000,000
Eric Reynolds $ 2,300,000
Kirsten Marriner $ 1,300,000
Rebecca Dunphey(1) $ 2,500,000
(1) Represents a one-time RSU award of $2,500,000, reflecting primarily a buyout of existing equity awards Ms. Dunphey forfeited upon termination of her prior employment plus an inducement to join Clorox.

Like annual incentive awards, actual long-term incentive award payouts vary from the target based on how Clorox performs against pre-established targets. The value of payouts also varies based on changes in the market price of our common stock.

For fiscal year 2022, NEOs received 60% of the value of their total annual long-term incentive award granted in PSUs, 20% in stock options, and 20% in RSUs. This equity mix provides balance in the long-term incentive program, balancing retention value and alignment to peers’ weighting of equity types with reinforcement of long-term company performance.

From time to time, we grant additional time-based RSUs for special purposes for both executive and non-executive officers, such as in connection with a promotion or as a replacement for compensation forfeited by an externally recruited executive at a prior employer.

Performance share units. PSUs align the interests of our NEOs with the interests of our shareholders because the number of shares earned and the shares’ potential value are tied to the achievement of performance targets, as well as changes in Clorox stock price. PSUs pay out after a three-year performance period only if Clorox meets pre-established financial performance goals.

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The performance metric for the fiscal year 2022 awards, granted in September 2021, is EP growth during the performance period of July 2021 through June 2024. This metric directly supports our corporate strategy and long-term financial goals and correlates to stock price performance over the long term.

Solely for purposes of the PSU performance metric, EP is defined as earnings before interest and taxes, adjusted for non-cash restructuring charges, times one minus the tax rate, less capital charge. This internal calculation of EP for the PSU performance metric holds management accountable for asset impairments, aligning payouts with the impact of balance sheet-related decisions. It differs from, and therefore may not reconcile with, the external calculation of EP used in our press releases and SEC filings.

The EP target for the first year of the performance period was set as a base dollar value, with EP growth rate targets set for the second and third years. Performance against target (whether dollar value or growth rate) will be measured for each year, generating three annual payout percentages. The three annual payout percentages will be averaged to determine the final payout percentage for the fiscal year 2022 awards. The payout percentage ranges from 0%, if the threshold EP value or growth target is not achieved, to a maximum of 200% of the target number of shares.

For the fiscal year 2020 awards, granted in September 2019, the performance metric was EP growth during the performance period of July 2019 through June 2022. EP performance was measured relative to a three-year average annual growth rate target established at the beginning of the cycle and held constant throughout the three-year period. The MDCC approved payout levels tied to a 1.6% average annual EP growth target for the three-year performance period from July 2019 through June 2022.

In August 2022, the MDCC certified a final payout for the 2019 awards of 89% of target, based on the average of the annual payout percentages for the three fiscal years in the performance period.

Annual EP Growth Adjusted(1)
Actual EP
Growth
Payout
Performance share units Threshold
(0%)
Target
(100%)
Maximum
(200%)
FY20 Economic Profit Growth Rate     -13.4%       1.6%       9.1%       17.0%       200%
FY21 Economic Profit Growth Rate -13.4% 1.6% 9.1% -3.4% 66%
FY22 Economic Profit Growth Rate -13.4% 1.6% 9.1% -56.1% 0%
Three-Year Average Annual Economic Profit Growth Rate 1.6% 89%
(1)

In accordance with predetermined criteria established by the MDCC at the time initial awards were approved, annual growth rates were adjusted for the impacts of the following Events (as defined in the 2019 PSU award agreements): a fiscal year 2021 non-cash impairment charge in the Better Health Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements business and acquisition of a majority share in a joint venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in July 2020. For the three-year performance period ended June 30, 2022, the impact of other defined Events—a fiscal year 2021 non-cash charge related to investments and arrangements made with a Professional Products business unit supplier, the fiscal year 2021 net impact of an insurance settlement for hurricanes during fiscal year 2018, and the fiscal year 2021 closure of our Dominican Republic business—was too small to affect the final payout.

Stock options. Stock options align the interests of our NEOs with those of our shareholders because the options only have value if the price of Clorox stock increases after the stock options are granted. Stock options vest in 25% increments over a four-year period, beginning one year from the date of grant, and expire ten years from the date of grant.

Restricted stock units. RSUs align the interests of our NEOs with those of our shareholders because the value of RSUs increases or decreases as the price of Clorox stock changes. RSUs vest in 25% increments over a four-year period, beginning one year from the date of grant.

Retirement Plans

Our NEOs participate in the same tax-qualified retirement benefit programs available to all other United States-based salaried and hourly employees, plus an additional executive-only plan. Our retirement plans are designed to provide replacement income upon retirement and to be competitive with programs offered by our peers.

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Because the IRC limits the benefit value that may be contributed to and paid from a tax-qualified retirement plan, Clorox also provides our executive officers, including our NEOs, with additional retirement benefits intended to restore amounts that would otherwise be payable under our tax-qualified retirement plans if the IRC did not have limits on includable compensation and maximum benefits. We call these plans “restoration plans” because they restore total executive retirement benefits to the same percentage level provided to our salaried employees who are not limited by IRC restrictions.

Below are brief descriptions of each of our retirement programs. Each of our NEOs participates in these retirement programs, except for the Clorox Company Pension Plan.

The Clorox Company Pension Plan. The Clorox Company Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) is a cash balance pension plan that was frozen effective June 30, 2011. This freeze did not affect benefits previously accrued under the Pension Plan, which remain fully funded.

In fiscal year 2023, we will begin to transition administration of the Pension Plan to an insurance company specializing in pension fund management. All benefits earned under the Pension Plan will be protected during this change, meaning it will not impact the value of individual plan participants’ benefits. This transition is regulated by the IRS through a standard pension plan termination process and typically takes 18 to 24 months.

The Clorox Company 401(k) Plan. After the Pension Plan was frozen in June 2011, the Clorox Company 401(k) Plan (the 401(k) Plan) became the primary retirement plan for Clorox. Clorox makes an annual fixed contribution of 6% of eligible pay and a matching contribution of up to 4% of eligible pay to eligible employees.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. Under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the NQDC), eligible employees may voluntarily defer receipt of up to 50% of base salary and up to 100% of their annual incentive awards. Deferred amounts can be invested in a manner that generally mirrors the funds available in the 401(k) Plan. The NQDC permits Clorox to contribute amounts that exceed the IRC compensation limits in the tax-qualified plan through a 401(k) restoration provision for those employees deferring at required levels in the plan.

Executive Retirement Plan. Only our executive officers participate in the Executive Retirement Plan (ERP). Under the ERP, Clorox makes an annual contribution of 5% of an eligible participant’s base salary and annual incentive award into the plan.

Further details about the provisions of the Pension Plan, NQDC, and ERP are provided in the Overview of Pension Benefits and the Overview of the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans sections below.

Post-Termination Compensation

Clorox has a severance plan (the Severance Plan) that provides our NEOs with post-termination payments if the NEOs’ employment is terminated by Clorox other than for cause. These payments are intended to provide a measure of financial security following the loss of employment, which is important to attract and retain executives. The severance benefits are designed to be competitive with the compensation peer group and external market practices.

Clorox also has an Executive Change in Control Severance Plan (the CIC Plan), which provides severance benefits to certain eligible executives of Clorox, including all NEOs, if their employment with Clorox is involuntarily terminated in connection with a change in control of Clorox. In addition to helping mitigate the financial impact associated with termination after a change in control, these benefits further align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our shareholders by providing incentives for retention, for business continuity purposes. Under the CIC Plan, NEOs are eligible for change in control severance benefits if their employment is terminated in connection with a change in control, either by Clorox without cause or by the NEO for good reason. See the Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control section for additional information.

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Perquisites

We provide our NEOs with other limited benefits competitive with the compensation peer group and consistent with our overall executive compensation program: an annual executive physical exam, reimbursement for health club membership, a company car or car allowance, paid parking at our headquarters, and financial planning services. These perquisites are market-competitive and beneficial to Clorox by enabling our NEOs to proactively manage their health, work more efficiently, and optimize the value received from our compensation and benefits programs.


The Management Development and Compensation Committee Report

As detailed in its charter, the MDCC of the Board oversees Clorox’s executive compensation program and policies. As part of this function, the MDCC discussed, and reviewed with management, the CD&A. Based on this review and discussion, we have recommended to the Board that the CD&A be included in the proxy statement.

THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE as of June 30, 2022

         
Spencer C.
Fleischer, Chair
Richard H. Carmona A. D. David Mackay Kathryn Tesija Russell J. Weiner


Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Dr. Carmona, Messrs. Fleischer, Mackay, and Weiner, and Ms. Tesija each served as a member of the MDCC during fiscal year 2022. None of the members was an officer or employee of Clorox or any of its subsidiaries during fiscal year 2022 or in any prior fiscal year. No executive officer of Clorox served on the Board or compensation committee of any other entity that has or had one or more executive officers who served as a member of the Board or MDCC during fiscal year 2022.

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE – FISCAL YEAR 2022

The following table sets forth the compensation earned, paid, or awarded to our NEOs for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020.

Name and
Principal Position
Year Salary
($)(1)
Bonus
($)(2)
Stock
Awards
($)(3)(4)
Option
Awards
($)(3)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(5)
Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)(6)
All Other
Compensation
($)(7)
Total
($)
Linda Rendle
Chief Executive
Officer
     2022      1,111,538           4,919,815      1,229,989      843,750      1,098      428,618      8,534,808
2021 1,006,250 3,999,753 1,000,180 1,526,132 833 366,161 7,899,309
2020 523,965 600,194 600,006 291,182 1,572 144,820 2,161,739
Kevin Jacobsen
Executive Vice
President and
Chief Financial
Officer
2022 729,231 1,599,869 399,996 333,000 231,809 3,293,904
2021 654,038 1,361,356 340,450 617,400 7,423 277,187 3,257,854
2020 609,615 699,930 700,059 1,020,000 5,999 154,644 3,190,247
 
 
Eric Reynolds
Executive Vice
President
and Chief
Operating Officer
2022    729,231 1,839,792 459,998 370,000 1,844 239,785 3,640,651
2021 700,000 1,679,713 420,084 720,300 2,245 286,907 3,809,250
2020 601,923 649,846 650,049 1,028,350 110,378 3,040,546
 
 

Kirsten Marriner
Executive Vice
President and
Chief People
and Corporate
Affairs Officer

2022 643,269 1,039,776 259,989 260,000 204,913 2,407,947
2021 587,885 959,958 240,048 489,992 250,310 2,528,192
 
 
 
 
Rebecca Dunphey
Senior Vice
President and
General Manager –
Specialty Division
2022 138,462 750,000 2,499,941 58,685 8,238 3,455,326
(1)

Reflects actual salary earned for fiscal years 2022, 2021, and 2020.

(2)

Ms. Dunphey received a one-time cash sign-on payment at hire to compensate for a portion of expected cash and equity compensation she would otherwise have received from her former employer had she not terminated her employment there to join Clorox.

(3)

The amounts reflected in these columns are the values determined under FASB ASC Topic 718 for the awards granted in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020, in accordance with the applicable accounting standard. The assumptions made in valuing stock awards and option awards reported in these columns are discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under subsection “Stock-Based Compensation”, and in Note 14, Stock-Based Compensation Plans, to the Clorox consolidated financial statements for the three years in the period ended June 30, 2022, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Additional information regarding the stock awards and option awards granted to our NEOs during fiscal year 2022 is set forth in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table.

(4)

The grant date fair value of the PSU awards reflected in this column is the target payout based on the probable outcome of the performance-based conditions, determined as of the grant date. The maximum potential payout of the PSU awards would be 200% of the target shares awarded on the grant date. The maximum value of the PSU award for 2022 determined as of the date of grant for each respective NEO is presented in the following table. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table for more information about the PSUs granted under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.


Linda
Rendle
Kevin
Jacobsen
Eric
Reynolds
Kirsten
Marriner
Rebecca
Dunphey
Maximum PSU Value       $ 7,379,804       $ 2,399,886       $ 2,759,852       $ 1,559,745      

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis Tables

(5)

Reflects annual incentive awards earned for fiscal years 2022, 2021, and 2020 and paid out in September 2022, September 2021, and September 2020, respectively, under the AIP. Information about the AIP is set forth in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis under “Annual Incentives”.

(6)

The amounts reflect the aggregate change in the present value of accumulated benefits during fiscal years 2022, 2021, and 2020 under the Pension Plan and the cash balance restoration provision of the NQDC. The Pension Plan and the cash balance restoration provision of the NQDC are frozen benefits. Refer to the Pension Benefits table for further information. Each plan amount in fiscal year 2022 is set forth in the following table:

Linda
Rendle
Kevin
Jacobsen
Eric
Reynolds
Kirsten
Marriner
Rebecca
Dunphey
The Pension Plan       $ 1,098           $ 2,899           $ 2,150            
Cash Balance Restoration -9,820 -306
Total  $ 1,098 $ -6,921 $ 1,844
(7)

The amounts shown in the All Other Compensation column represent (i) actual company contributions under the 401(k) Plan, (ii) nonqualified contributions under the NQDC and ERP, and (iii) perquisites provided to our NEOs:

Linda
Rendle
Kevin
Jacobsen
Eric
Reynolds
Kirsten
Marriner
Rebecca
Dunphey
The Clorox Company 401(k) Plan       $ 29,600       $ 28,411       $ 35,062       $ 31,638      
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan 363,207 170,320 185,884 139,263
Company-Paid Perquisites 35,811 33,078 18,840 34,012 8,238
Total $ 428,618   $ 231,809  $ 239,785  $ 204,913     $ 8,238

The following table sets forth the perquisites provided to our NEOs and the cost to Clorox for providing these perquisites during fiscal year 2022.

Linda
Rendle
Kevin
Jacobsen
Eric
Reynolds
Kirsten
Marriner
Rebecca
Dunphey
Executive Automobile Program       $ 13,200       $ 8,988       $ 13,200       $ 13,200       $ 3,300
Basic Financial Planning 16,971 16,971 12,853 4,578
Paid Parking at Oakland Headquarters 4,200 3,360 4,200 4,200
Health Club Allowance 1,440 1,440 1,440 1,440 360
Annual Executive Physical 2,319 2,319
Total $ 35,811     $ 33,078    $ 18,840  $ 34,012     $ 8,238

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis Tables

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS – FISCAL YEAR 2022

This table shows grants of plan-based awards to the NEOs during fiscal year 2022.

Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards


Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stock or
Units
(#)
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
  Grant
Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and
Option
Awards
($)
Name    Grant
Date
   Threshold
($)
   Target
($)
   Maximum
($)
   Threshold
(#)
   Target
(#)
   Maximum
(#)
  
Linda Rendle
Annual Incentive Plan(1) 1,687,500 5,062,500
Performance Share
Units(2)
9/21/2021 22,531 45,062 3,689,902
Restricted Stock Units(3) 9/21/2021 7,510 1,229,913
Stock Options(4) 9/21/2021 55,224 163.77 1,229,989
Kevin Jacobsen
Annual Incentive Plan(1) 666,000 1,998,000
Performance Share
Units(2)
9/21/2021 7,327 14,654 1,199,943
Restricted Stock Units(3) 9/21/2021 2,442 399,926
Stock Options(4) 9/21/2021 17,959 163.77 399,996
Eric Reynolds
Annual Incentive Plan(1) 740,000 2,220,000
Performance Share
Units(2)
9/21/2021 8,426 16,852 1,379,926
Restricted Stock Units(3) 9/21/2021 2,808 459,866
Stock Options(4) 9/21/2021 20,653 163.77 459,998
Kirsten Marriner
Annual Incentive Plan(1) 520,000 1,560,000
Performance Share
Units(2)
9/21/2021 4,762 9,524 779,873
Restricted Stock Units(3) 9/21/2021 1,587 259,903
Stock Options(4) 9/21/2021 11,673 163.77 259,989
Rebecca Dunphey
Annual Incentive Plan(1) 117,370 352,110
Performance Share
Units(2)
Restricted Stock Units(3) 3/21/2022 18,673 2,499,941
Stock Options(4)
(1) Represents estimated possible payouts of annual incentive awards for fiscal year 2022 under the AIP for each of our NEOs. The AIP is an annual cash incentive opportunity and, therefore, awards are earned in the year of grant. The target amounts represent the potential payout if both company performance, including financial and strategic metrics, and individual performance are at target levels. The maximum amount represents the maximum payout under the AIP using a Company Multiplier of 200% and an Individual Multiplier of 150% for each NEO. See the Summary Compensation Table for the actual payout amounts in fiscal year 2022 under the AIP. See “Annual Incentives” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for additional information about the AIP.
(2) Represents possible future payouts of Clorox common stock underlying PSUs awarded in fiscal year 2022 to each of our NEOs as part of their participation in the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. These awards will vest upon the achievement of performance measures based on economic profit growth over a three-year period, with the threshold, target, and maximum awards equal to 0%, 100%, and 200%, respectively, of the number of PSUs granted. If the minimum financial goals are not met at the end of the three-year period, no PSU awards will be paid out under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. See “Long-Term Incentives” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for additional information.
(3) Represents RSUs awarded to each of our NEOs under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. All RSUs vest in equal installments on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the grant date other than the one-time off-cycle award of 18,673 RSUs granted to Ms. Dunphey when she was hired as Senior Vice President and General Manager – Specialty Division, effective March 21, 2022, which vest 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date.
(4) Represents stock options awarded to each of our NEOs under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. All stock options vest in equal installments on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.

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Table of Contents

Compensation Discussion and Analysis Tables

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END – 2022

The following equity awards granted to our NEOs were outstanding as of the end of fiscal year 2022.

Option Awards Stock Awards
Name    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options-
Exercisable
(#)
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options-
Unexercisable
(#)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
   Option
Exercise
Price
($)
   Option
Expiration
Date
   Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
   Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
($)(1)
Linda Rendle
Stock Options(2) 2,935 84.45 9/17/2023
7,850 89.82 9/17/2024
12,360 111.60 9/15/2025
14,560 123.09 9/13/2026
20,470 135.57 9/12/2027
14,280 4,760 (3) 151.85 9/18/2028
5,199 1,733 (4) 154.88 1/7/2029
24,977 24,978 (5) 155.54 9/17/2029
8,079 24,237 (6) 212.38 9/22/2030
     55,224 (7) 163.77 9/21/2031
Performance Share
Units(2)
5,722 (8) 806,661
14,125 (9) 1,991,343
    22,531 (10) 3,176,420
Restricted Stock Units(2) 3,531 (11) 497,800
   7,510 (12) 1,058,760
Kevin Jacobsen                      
Stock Options(2) 2,458 135.57 9/12/2027
5,580 128.69 4/2/2028
21,840 7,280 (3) 151.85 9/18/2028
17,484 17,484 (5) 155.54 9/17/2029
2,750 8,250 (6) 212.38 9/22/2030
17,959 (7) 163.77 9/21/2031
Performance Share
Units(2)
4,005 (8) 564,625
4,808 (9) 677,832
7,327 (10) 1,032,960
Restricted Stock Units(2) 1,148 (11) 161,845
          2,442 (12) 344,273      
Eric Reynolds
Stock Options(2) 15,210 111.60 9/15/2025
15,470 123.09 9/13/2026
16,380 135.57 9/12/2027
10,080 3,360 (3) 151.85 9/18/2028
4,456 1,486 (4) 154.88 1/7/2029
16,235 16,235 (5) 155.54 9/17/2029
3,393 10,180 (6) 212.38 9/22/2030
20,653 (7) 163.77 9/21/2031
Performance Share
Units(2)
3,718 (8) 524,223
5,932 (9) 836,293
8,426 (10) 1,187,897
Restricted Stock Units(2) 1,431 (11) 201,742
          2,808 (12) 395,872

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis Tables

Option Awards Stock Awards
Name   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options-
Exercisable
(#)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options-
Unexercisable
(#)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
($)(1)
Kirsten Marriner                      
Stock Options(2) 6,143 135.57 9/12/2027
14,280 4,760 (3) 151.85 9/18/2028
11,864 11,864 (5) 155.54 9/17/2029
1,939 5,817 (6) 212.38 9/22/2030
        11,673 (7) 163.77 9/21/2031
Performance Share
Units(2)
2,717 (8) 383,067
3,390 (9) 477,922
       4,762 (10) 671,347
Restricted Stock Units(2) 848 (11) 119,551
                  1,587 (12) 223,735
Rebecca Dunphey
Restricted Stock Units(2) 18,673 (13) 2,632,520
(1) Represents the unvested “target” number of PSUs under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan multiplied by the closing price of our common stock on June 30, 2022, except as noted below in footnote (8). The ultimate value will depend on whether performance criteria are met and the value of our common stock on the actual vesting date.
(2) Awards were granted under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.
(3) Represents the unvested portion of stock options that vest in four equal installments beginning one year from the grant date of September 12, 2018.
(4) Represents the unvested portion of off-cycle stock options granted to Ms. Rendle and Mr. Reynolds when they were promoted to Executive Vice President, Strategy and Operations and Executive Vice President, Cleaning and Burt’s Bees, respectively, effective January 7, 2019. Options vest in four equal installments beginning one year from the grant date of January 7, 2019.
(5) Represents the unvested portion of stock options that vest in four equal installments beginning one year from the grant date of September 18, 2019.
(6) Represents the unvested portion of stock options that vest in four equal installments beginning one year from the grant date of September 22, 2020.
(7) Represents the unvested portion of stock options that vest in four equal installments beginning one year from the grant date of September 22, 2021.
(8) Represents the actual number of PSUs that were paid out under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. The awards have a three-year performance period (fiscal years 2020 through 2022). Performance is based on achievement of cumulative economic profit growth. After completion of fiscal year 2022, the Committee determined whether the performance measures had been achieved and based on the results, on August 11, 2022, the Committee approved the payout of this award at 89% of target.
(9) Represents the “target” number of PSUs that can be earned under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. The awards have a three-year performance period (fiscal years 2021 through 2023). Performance is based on achievement of economic profit growth goals. The Committee will determine whether the performance measures have been achieved after the completion of fiscal year 2023.
(10) Represents the “target” number of PSUs that can be earned under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. The awards have a three-year performance period (fiscal years 2022 through 2024). Performance is based on achievement of economic profit growth goals. The Committee will determine whether the performance measures have been achieved after the completion of fiscal year 2024.
(11) Represents unvested portion of RSUs that vest in four equal installments beginning one year from the grant date of September 22, 2020.
(12) Represents unvested portion of RSUs that vest in four equal installments beginning one year from the grant date of September 21, 2021.
(13) Represents unvested one-time off-cycle RSU award granted to Ms. Dunphey when she was hired as Senior Vice President and General Manager – Specialty Division, effective March 21, 2022. These RSUs vest 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis Tables

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED – FISCAL YEAR 2022

This table shows stock options exercised and stock vested for the NEOs during fiscal year 2022.

Option Awards Stock Awards
Name     Number of
Shares Acquired
on Exercise
(#)(1)
      Value
Realized on
Exercise
($)(2)
      Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
(#)(3)
      Value
Realized
on Vesting
($)(4)
Linda Rendle 1,697 146,230            5,176 (5) 755,384
Kevin Jacobsen 4,787 815,691
Eric Reynolds 3,535 (6) 510,987
Kirsten Marriner 3,116 530,573
Rebecca Dunphey
(1) The number of shares represents the exercise of nonqualified stock options granted in previous years under Clorox’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.
(2) The dollar value realized reflects the difference between the market price of Clorox common stock upon exercise and the stock option exercise price.
(3) The number of shares represents the vesting of RSUs, PSUs, and dividend equivalent units granted through participation in Clorox’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.
(4) The dollar value realized reflects the market value of the vested shares and dividend equivalent units based on the closing price of Clorox common stock on the vesting date. For deferred shares, the dollar value realized reflects the market value of the vested shares and dividend equivalent units based on the closing price of Clorox common stock on June 30, 2022.
(5) These shares have been deferred and will be distributed over five annual installments immediately after separation (subject to any required delay in payment due to IRC Section 409a).
(6) These shares have been deferred and will be distributed over five annual installments starting five years after the vesting date.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis Tables

PENSION BENEFITS – FISCAL YEAR 2022

Name(1)       Plan Name       Number of Years
of Credited
Service
(#)(2)
      Present Value
of Accumulated
Benefit
($)
      Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year
($)
Linda Rendle The Clorox Company Pension Plan(3) 19 54,533
Kevin Jacobsen The Clorox Company Pension Plan(3) 26 143,907
Cash Balance Restoration(4) 26 48,334
Eric Reynolds The Clorox Company Pension Plan(3) 23 10,6731
Cash Balance Restoration(4) 23 2,285
Kirsten Marriner The Clorox Company Pension Plan(3)
Rebecca Dunphey The Clorox Company Pension Plan(3)
(1) Only Messrs. Jacobsen and Reynolds participate in the cash balance restoration provision of the NQDC. Mses. Marriner and Dunphey do not participate in any of the pension plans.
(2) Number of years of credited service is rounded down to the nearest whole number.
(3) The Pension Plan was frozen effective June 30, 2011. Participants keep their accumulated pay credits and receive only quarterly interest credits after that date.
(4) The cash balance restoration provision in the NQDC was eliminated effective June 30, 2011, when the Pension Plan was frozen. Participants keep their accumulated pay credits but no contributions were made under this provision after June 30, 2011.

Overview of Pension Benefits

Pension benefits may be paid to the NEOs under the Pension Plan or the cash balance restoration provision of the NQDC. Effective June 30, 2011, the Pension Plan and the cash balance restoration provision under the NQDC were frozen.

In fiscal year 2023, we will begin to transition administration of the Pension Plan to an insurance company specializing in pension fund management. All benefits earned under the Pension Plan will be protected during this change, meaning it will not impact the value of individual plan participants’ benefits. This transition is regulated by the IRS through a standard pension plan termination process and typically takes 18 to 24 months.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis Tables

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION – FISCAL YEAR 2022

The following table provides information regarding the accounts of the NEOs under the NQDC and ERP in fiscal year 2022.

Name       Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(1)
      Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)
      Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY
($)(3)
      Aggregate
Balance
at Last FYE
($)(4)(5)
Linda Rendle 105,507 363,207 -217,255 1,575,375
Kevin Jacobsen 644,367 170,320 -110,794 2,586,285
Eric Reynolds 190,768 185,884 -210,703 1,138,191
Kirsten Marriner 37,365 139,263 -139,455 803,744
Rebecca Dunphey 3,692 -138 3,554
(1) Amounts represent the annual base salary and incentive award that each executive deferred during fiscal year 2022. Deferred base salary is also reported in the Summary Compensation Table – Salary. Deferred annual incentive awards are also reported in the Summary Compensation Table – Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.
(2) Represents that portion of the 401(k) Plan company match and annual contribution of up to 10% of eligible compensation that is in excess of IRC compensation limits, pursuant to the 401(k) restoration provision of the NQDC and Clorox’s contribution under the ERP. These contributions are also reported in the Summary Compensation Table – All Other Compensation and are included under the caption “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan” in footnote (7) to the Summary Compensation Table.
(3) Earnings are based on an array of investment options that generally mirror the 401(k) Plan. Earnings vary based on participant investment elections.
(4) Reflects aggregate balances under the restoration provision of the NQDC and any deferred base salary and annual incentive awards as of the end of fiscal year 2022.
(5) The executive and registrant contribution total amounts in the table below are also reported as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table in the years indicated:

       Fiscal Year       Linda
Rendle
      Kevin
Jacobsen
      Eric
Reynolds
      Kirsten
Marriner
      Rebecca
Dunphey
2022 $ 468,714  $ 814,687 $ 376,651  $ 176,628    $ 3,692
2021 394,957 518,257 287,062 230,049
2020 $ 104,278 $ 98,548 $ 83,960

Overview of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Under the NQDC, participants may voluntarily defer the receipt of up to 50% of their base salary and up to 100% of their annual incentive award. In addition, the NQDC offers a 401(k) restoration provision for those who defer at a required level. All Clorox retirement contributions are made in the form of (i) a fixed 6% employer annual contribution and (ii) an employer match of up to 4% of pay into the 401(k) Plan, subject to IRC limits. Contributions on eligible compensation that exceed the IRC limits are contributed into a participant’s NQDC account under the 401(k) restoration provision.

Participants in the NQDC may elect to receive benefits from the NQDC either in a lump sum or up to 15 annual payments upon a qualifying payment event. Participants may choose from an array of investment crediting rates that generally mirror the investment fund options available in the 401(k) Plan. The NQDC uses the same benefit formulas, types of compensation to determine benefits, and vesting requirements as the 401(k) Plan. The responsibility to pay benefits under the NQDC is an unfunded and unsecured obligation of Clorox.

Executive Retirement Plan

Our executive officers are eligible for participation in the ERP. The ERP provides that Clorox will make an annual contribution of 5% of an eligible participant’s base salary plus annual incentive payment into the ERP. Clorox contributions vest over a three-year period and individuals are considered retirement-eligible under the ERP upon attainment of age 62 with 10 years of service with Clorox. An eligible participant may elect distribution in a lump sum or up to 15 annual installments upon a qualifying payment event.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis Tables

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL – FISCAL YEAR 2022

The following table reflects the estimated amount of compensation payable to each of our NEOs upon termination of the NEO’s employment under various scenarios. The amounts exclude earned amounts such as vested or accrued benefits.

The amounts shown are calculated using an assumed termination date of the last business day of fiscal year 2022 (June 30, 2022) and the closing price of our common stock on that date ($140.98). Although the calculations are intended to provide reasonable estimates of the potential compensation payable upon termination, they are based on assumptions outlined in the footnotes of the table and may not represent the actual amount the NEO would receive if an eligible termination event were to occur.

The table does not include compensation or benefits provided under plans or arrangements that are generally available to all salaried employees. Amounts reflected for change in control assume that each NEO is involuntarily terminated by Clorox without cause or voluntarily terminates for good reason within two years after a change in control.

Name and Benefits       Involuntary
Termination
Without Cause
($)
      Involuntary
Termination
After Change
In Control
($)
      Resignation or
Retirement
($)
Disability or
Death
($)
Linda Rendle      
Cash Payment 6,468,750 (1) 10,125,000 (2) (3) (4)
Stock Options 1,418,752 (5) 1,418,752 (6) 2,311,880 (7)
Restricted Stock Units 1,556,560 (8) 1,556,560 (8)
Performance Share Units 6,343,927 (9) 6,343,927 (10)
Retirement Plan Benefits
Health & Welfare Benefits 29,794 (11) 44,690 (12)
Financial Planning 16,500 (13)
Total Estimated Value 7,917,295 19,505,429 10,212,367
Kevin Jacobsen
Cash Payment 2,146,000 (14) 3,478,000 (15) (3) (4)
Stock Options 1,557,482 (5) 1,557,482 (6) 1,557,482 (5) 1,557,482 (7)
Restricted Stock Units 506,118 (16) 513,661 (8) 506,118 (16) 506,118 (8)
Performance Share Units 1,519,834 (17) 2,464,190 (9) 1,519,834 (17) 2,464,190 (10)
Retirement Plan Benefits
Health & Welfare Benefits 28,809 (11) 28,809 (12)
Financial Planning 16,500 (13)
Total Estimated Value   5,758,243 8,058,641   3,583,434 4,527,790
Eric Reynolds
Cash Payment         2,220,000 (14)       3,700,000 (15)       (3)       (4)
Stock Options 2,453,639 (5) 2,453,639 (6)   2,453,639 (5) 2,453,639 (7)
Restricted Stock Units 597,614 (16) 604,910 (8) 597,614 (16) 597,614 (8)
Performance Share Units 1,635,024 (17) 2,741,028 (9) 1,635,024 (17) 2,741,028 (10)
Retirement Plan Benefits
Health & Welfare Benefits 10,726 (11) 10,726 (12)
Financial Planning 16,500 (13)
Total Estimated Value 6,917,004 9,526,803 4,686,278 5,792,282

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis Tables

Name and Benefits       Involuntary
Termination
Without Cause
($)
      Involuntary
Termination
After Change
In Control
($)
      Resignation or
Retirement
($)
Disability or
Death
($)
Kirsten Marriner
Cash Payment 1,690,000 (14) 2,860,000 (15) (3) (4)
Stock Options 33,234 (5) 33,234 (6) 411,016 (7)
Restricted Stock Units 343,216 (8) 343,286 (8)
Performance Share Units 1,660,701 (9) 1,660,701 (10)
Retirement Plan Benefits
Health & Welfare Benefits 28,809 (11) 28,809 (12)
Financial Planning 16,500 (13)
Total Estimated Value 1,752,042 4,942,459 2,415,003
Rebecca Dunphey
Cash Payment 1,515,000 (14) 2,460,000 (15) (3) (4)
Stock Options (5) (6) (7)
Restricted Stock Units 2,632,520 (8) 2,632,520 (8)
Performance Share Units (9) (10)
Retirement Plan Benefits
Health & Welfare Benefits (11) (12)
Financial Planning 16,500 (13)
Total Estimated Value 1,515,000 5,109,020 2,632,520
(1)

This amount reflects two times Ms. Rendle’s current base salary plus two times 75% of her target AIP award. In addition, the amount includes 100% of her current year target AIP award, pro-rated to the date of termination.

(2)

This amount represents three times Ms. Rendle’s current base salary, plus three times her target AIP award, plus her current-year AIP award, pro-rated to the date of termination, subject to the excise tax cut back provision in the CIC Plan.

(3)

Messrs. Jacobsen and Reynolds are eligible for retirement, including a pro-rata AIP award upon retirement. Mses. Rendle, Marriner, and Dunphey are not eligible for retirement, nor for a pro-rata annual incentive award upon retirement. However, all AIP-eligible employees active as of June 30, 2022 are eligible to receive an annual incentive award for the full fiscal year. This means, based on the assumed termination date of June 30, 2022, no employee would be eligible for a pro-rata AIP award, regardless of retirement eligibility.

(4)

NEOs whose termination is the result of disability or death are eligible to receive a pro-rata AIP award through the date of termination. However, all AIP-eligible employees active as of June 30, 2022 are eligible to receive an annual incentive award for the full fiscal year. This means, based on the assumed termination date of June 30, 2022, no employee would be eligible for a pro-rata AIP award, regardless of retirement status.

(5)

For Messrs. Jacobsen and Reynolds, who are retirement-eligible, this amount represents the expected value of the accelerated vesting of all outstanding stock options, and assumes a five-year expected life or the remaining original term, whichever is shorter. For Mses. Rendle, Marriner, and Dunphey, this amount represents the intrinsic value of vested stock options at termination, based on the provision that non-retirement eligible executives exercise stock options within 90 days of termination, calculated as the difference between the June 30, 2022 closing Clorox common stock price of $140.98 and the exercise price for each option.

(6)

For Messrs. Jacobsen and Reynolds, who are retirement-eligible, this amount represents the expected value of the accelerated vesting of all outstanding stock options, and assumes a five-year expected life or the remaining original term, whichever is shorter. For Mses. Rendle, Marriner, and Dunphey, this amount represents the intrinsic value of the accelerated vesting of all outstanding stock options, based on the provision that non-retirement eligible executives exercise stock options within 90 days of termination, calculated as the difference between the June 30, 2022 closing Clorox common stock price of $140.98 and the exercise price for each option.

(7)

For Messrs. Jacobsen and Reynolds, who are retirement-eligible, this amount represents the expected value of the accelerated vesting of all outstanding stock options upon the NEO’s termination of employment due to disability or death, and assumes a five-year expected life or the remaining original term, whichever is shorter. For Mses. Rendle, Marriner, and Dunphey, this amount represents the expected value of the accelerated vesting of all outstanding stock options, based on the provision that non-retirement eligible executives exercise stock options within one year of death or disability, calculated as the difference between the June 30, 2022 closing Clorox common stock price of $140.98 and the exercise price for each option.

(8)

This amount represents the value of the accelerated vesting of RSUs upon change in control, death, or disability.

(9)

PSUs will vest based on actual performance through the date of the change in control. This amount assumes a prorated target payout and is valued at the closing price of Clorox common stock on June 30, 2022 of $140.98.


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(10)

This amount represents the value of the accelerated vesting of PSUs upon a death or disability, assuming a target payout and valued at the closing price of Clorox common stock on June 30, 2022 of $140.98. Upon termination for death or disability, the entire PSU award will vest immediately. The actual payout will be determined after the end of the performance period, based on actual performance.

(11)

This amount represents the estimated cost to Clorox of providing welfare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, for the two-year period following termination.

(12)

This amount represents the estimated cost to Clorox of providing welfare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, for the two-year period (three-year period for Ms. Rendle) following a qualifying termination after a change in control.

(13)

This amount represents the cost of providing financial planning for the year of termination.

(14)

This amount reflects two times the NEO’s current base salary. In addition, for Messrs. Jacobsen and Reynolds, who are eligible for retirement, this amount includes 100% of their current year target AIP award, pro-rated to the date of termination. For Mses. Rendle, Marriner, and Dunphey, this amount includes 75% of their current year’s target AIP award, pro-rated to the date of termination.

(15)

This amount represents two times the NEO’s current base salary, plus two times the target AIP award, subject to the excise tax cut back provision in the CIC Plan. For Messrs. Jacobsen and Reynolds, who are eligible for retirement, this amount also includes 100% of their current year target AIP award, pro-rated to the date of termination. For Mses. Rendle, Marriner, and Dunphey, this amount includes the target AIP award, pro-rated to the date of termination.

(16)

Messrs. Jacobsen and Reynolds are retirement-eligible and all unvested RSUs held longer than six months will continue to vest after termination. This amount represents the expected value of the continued vesting of such RSUs.

(17)

Messrs. Jacobsen and Reynolds are eligible for retirement and are entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of all PSUs for the September 2018, 2019, and 2020 awards. This value represents the full vesting of eligible shares from the September 2019 award, since they would have completed the entire performance period as of the assumed termination date of June 30, 2022, and the pro-rata vesting of the eligible shares from the September 2020 and 2021 awards, assuming a target payout and valued at the closing price of Clorox common stock on June 30, 2022 of $140.98. The actual payout of the shares will not be determined until the end of the performance period. NEOs who are not retirement-eligible forfeit shares upon termination under these scenarios.

Potential Payments Upon Termination

Severance Plan

Under the terms of the Severance Plan, our NEOs are eligible to receive benefits if their employment is terminated by Clorox without cause, other than in connection with a change in control. No benefits are payable under the terms of the Severance Plan if Clorox terminates the employment of the NEO for cause or if the NEO voluntarily resigns.

Regardless of the nature of any NEO’s termination, NEOs retain amounts earned over the course of their employment prior to the termination event, such as balances under the NQDC, vested and accrued retirement benefits, and previously vested stock options, except as outlined below under Termination for Misconduct. For further information about amounts previously earned, see the Summary Compensation Table and Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End, Option Exercises and Stock Vested, Pension Benefits, and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation tables.

Under the Severance Plan, each NEO agrees to return and not to use or disclose proprietary information of Clorox and, for two years following any such termination, the NEO is prohibited from soliciting for employment any employee of Clorox.

Termination benefits under the Severance Plan for our NEOs are as follows:

Involuntary Termination Without Cause. If Clorox terminates the employment of a NEO other than the CEO without cause, the Severance Plan entitles the NEO to receive a lump-sum severance payment after termination equal to two times the NEO’s then-current base salary. In the case of the CEO, the severance amount is equal to the sum of (i) two times the CEO’s base salary and (ii) two times the CEO’s target annual short-term incentive for that fiscal year, multiplied by 75%.

Under the Severance Plan, NEOs other than the CEO are also entitled to an amount equal to 75% of their AIP awards for the fiscal year in which they are terminated, prorated to the date of termination. The CEO is entitled to an amount equal to 100% of her AIP award for the fiscal year in which she was terminated, prorated to her date of termination. In each case, the AIP award calculation uses the actual Company Multiplier for the fiscal year in which the executive is terminated and is paid after the end of the fiscal year at the same time AIP awards are paid to active employees.

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NEOs who are retirement-eligible under the terms of the AIP are eligible for either the treatment under the Severance Plan (75% for NEOs or 100% for the CEO) or retirement treatment (an Individual Multiplier determined at the discretion of Clorox) for purposes of the AIP award payout. The MDCC decides which treatment to apply; in either case, the AIP award payout would remain prorated to the date of termination.

The Severance Plan provides NEOs with a lump-sum cash payment in lieu of continued participation in our medical, vision, and dental insurance programs. The cash payment represents the value of the monthly employer contribution toward those benefits in which the NEO was enrolled at termination, times 24 months. In addition, NEOs will be eligible to participate in any combination of our medical, vision, and dental plans offered to former employees who retire at age 55 or older, on the same terms as such other former employees, provided the NEO has completed at least 10 years of service. Where applicable, this coverage continues until the NEO turns age 65. Thereafter, the NEO may participate in our general retiree health plan as it may exist in the future, if otherwise eligible. If the NEO will be age 55 or older and will have completed at least 10 years of service at the end of, and including, the two-year period following termination, the NEO will be deemed to be age 55 and to have 10 years of service under any pre-65 retiree health plan.

Under Clorox’s policy applicable to all employees, a NEOs who is at least age 55 with 10 years of service or who has 20 years of service regardless of age on the date of termination is eligible to receive retirement-related benefits under the long-term incentive program. Beginning with the fiscal year 2021 awards, granted in September 2020, stock options held for at least six months will vest in full in accordance with the original vesting schedule and remain exercisable for five years following the NEO’s retirement or until the expiration date, whichever is sooner. PSUs will be paid out on a pro-rata basis at the end of the relevant performance period based on the actual level of performance achieved during that period. Beginning with the fiscal year 2021 awards, granted in September 2020, RSUs held for at least six months will vest in full in accordance with the original vesting schedule.

Severance-related benefits are provided only if the NEO executes a general release prepared by Clorox.

Termination Due to Retirement. Under Clorox’s policy applicable to all employees, upon retirement, NEOs are eligible for a pro-rata portion of the AIP award for the fiscal year in which their retirement occurs. Based on the provisions of the respective plans, they also will be eligible to receive ERP and other benefits under applicable Clorox retirement plans, including our general retiree health plan as it may exist in the future, if otherwise eligible.

In addition to the amounts that the NEO has earned or accrued over the course of their employment under our qualified and nonqualified plans, under Clorox’s policy applicable to all employees, a NEO who is at least age 55 with 10 years of service or who has 20 years of service regardless of age on the date of termination is eligible to receive retirement-related benefits under the long-term incentive program. Beginning with the fiscal year 2021 awards, granted in September 2020, stock options held for at least six months will vest in full in accordance with the original vesting schedule and remain exercisable for five years following the NEO’s retirement or until the expiration date, whichever is sooner. PSUs will be paid out on a pro-rata basis at the end of the relevant performance period based on the actual level of performance achieved during that period. Beginning with the fiscal year 2021 awards, granted in September 2020, RSUs held for at least six months will vest in full in accordance with the original vesting schedule.

Termination Due to Disability or Death. If a NEO begins to receive benefits under our long-term disability plan, Clorox may terminate the NEO’s employment at any time, in which case the NEO will receive a pro-rata portion of the AIP award and a pro-rata portion of the NEO’s 6% annual contribution to the 401(k) plan for the fiscal year of termination. Stock options will vest in full, and all vested options will remain exercisable for an additional year following the NEO’s disability or until the expiration date, whichever is earlier, and all PSUs will be paid out at the end of the relevant performance period based on the actual level of performance achieved during that period.

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Under Clorox’s policy applicable to all employees, if a NEO’s employment is terminated due to death, the NEO’s beneficiary or estate is entitled to (i) a pro-rata portion of the NEO’s actual AIP award for the fiscal year of death, (ii) a pro-rata portion of the NEO’s 6% annual contribution to the 401(k) plan for the fiscal year of death, and (iii) benefits pursuant to our life insurance plan. Stock options and RSUs will vest in full, and all vested options remain exercisable for an additional year following the NEO’s death or until the expiration date, whichever is earlier, and all PSUs will be paid out at the end of the relevant performance period based on the actual level of performance achieved during that period.

Termination for Misconduct. Clorox may terminate a NEO’s employment for misconduct at any time without notice. Upon the NEO’s termination for misconduct, the NEO is not entitled to any AIP award for the fiscal year in which their termination for misconduct occurs. “Misconduct” under the Severance Plan means any act or omission of the NEO through which the NEO: (i) willfully neglects significant duties he or she is required to perform or willfully violates a material Clorox policy, and, after being warned in writing, continues to neglect such duties or continues to violate the specified Clorox policy; (ii) commits a material act of dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation or other act of moral turpitude; (iii) acts (or omits to act) with gross negligence in the course of employment; (iv) fails to obey a lawful direction of the Board or, for NEOs other than the CEO, a corporate officer to whom he or she reports, directly or indirectly; or (v) acts in any other manner inconsistent with Clorox’s best interests and values.

All outstanding stock options and RSUs awards are forfeited upon a termination for misconduct. In addition, any retirement-related benefits a NEO would normally receive related to PSUs are also forfeited upon a termination for misconduct.

Voluntary Termination. A NEO may resign from employment at any time. Upon a NEO’s voluntary resignation, the NEO is not entitled to any AIP award for the fiscal year of termination. All unvested outstanding stock options, RSUs, and PSUs are forfeited upon voluntary termination.

Potential Payments Upon Change in Control

Executive Change in Control Severance Plan

Under the CIC Plan, executives are eligible for change in control severance benefits, subject to the execution of a waiver and release, if they are terminated without cause or resign for good reason as defined under the CIC Plan during (i) the two-year period following a change in control or (ii) a period of up to one year prior to the change in control in limited circumstances where the executive’s termination is directly related to or in anticipation of a change in control.

The severance benefits under the CIC Plan include (i) a lump-sum severance payment equal to two times—or, in the case of the CEO, three times—the sum of (a) the executive’s base salary and (b) average AIP award for the three completed fiscal years prior to termination, (ii) a lump-sum amount equal to the difference between the actuarial equivalent of the benefit the NEO would have been entitled to receive if their employment had continued until the second anniversary of the date of termination and the actuarial equivalent of the aggregate benefits paid or payable as of the date of termination under the qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, (iii) a payment equal to the cost of applicable healthcare benefits for a maximum of two—or, in the case of the CEO, three—years following a severance-qualifying termination, (iv) continued financial planning services for the year of termination, (v) vesting of all outstanding equity awards granted prior to the change in control, and (vi) an amount equal to the average AIP award for the three completed fiscal years preceding termination prorated for the number of days employed in the fiscal year during which termination occurred.

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In addition, the CIC Plan provides for an excise tax cutback such that the excise tax under Sections 280G and 4999 of the IRC would not apply, unless the executive would receive a greater amount of severance benefits on an after-tax basis without a cutback, in which case the cutback would not apply. The CIC Plan permits the MDCC to make changes to the CIC Plan that are adverse to covered executives with 12 months’ advance notice. If a change in control of Clorox occurs during that 12-month period, then such changes would not become effective. Each participant under the CIC Plan is subject to certain restrictive covenants including confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions and a non-solicitation and non-diversion of business provision during the term of their employment and for two years thereafter.

“Cause” is generally defined as (i) willful and continued failure to substantially perform duties upon written demand or (ii) willfully engaging in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to Clorox. A termination for cause requires a vote of 75% of the Board at a meeting after notice to the executive has been given and the executive has had an opportunity to be heard.

“Good Reason” is generally defined as (i) an assignment of duties inconsistent in any material respects with the executive officer’s position (including offices and reporting requirements), authority, duties, or responsibilities (ii) any failure to substantially comply with, or any reduction by Clorox in, any of the material provisions of compensation plans, programs, agreements, or arrangements as in effect immediately prior to the change in control, including any material reduction in base salary, cash incentive compensation target opportunity, equity compensation opportunity in the aggregate, or employee benefits or perquisites in the aggregate, (iii) relocation of principal place of employment that increases the executive officer’s commuting distance by more than 35 miles, (iv) termination of employment by Clorox other than as expressly permitted by the CIC Plan, or (v) failure of a successor company to assume the CIC Plan.

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Fiscal Year 2022 CEO Pay Ratio

Under rules adopted by the SEC under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the Dodd-Frank Act), we are required to disclose the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the annual total compensation of our median compensated employee. We calculated annual total compensation for that employee using the same methodology we use for our NEOs as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table in this proxy statement.

Total compensation for our median compensated employee was $63,866.
Our CEO to median compensated employee pay ratio is 134:1.

The pay ratio reported here is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules.

To identify our median compensated employee for purposes of this disclosure, we first determined the pool of all individuals employed by us, other than the CEO, on June 30, 2022. Subsequently, we reviewed the total cash compensation earned by each such individual during fiscal year 2022. All employees (full-time, part-time, and temporary) other than the CEO were included in this analysis. We did not make any assumptions, adjustments, or estimates with respect to total cash compensation and no exclusions were used during this process. Finally, we selected as our median compensated employee the individual whose total cash compensation for fiscal year 2022 was closest to the median total cash compensation of the entire pool.

The SEC’s rules for identifying the median compensated employee and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices. As a result, the pay ratio reported by other companies, including our compensation peer group, may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported above, as other companies have different employee populations and compensation practices and may use different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their own pay ratios.

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets out the number of shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights, the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights, and the number of securities available for future issuance under equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2022.

[a]

[b]

[c]

Plan category

Number of
securities to
be issued
upon exercise
of outstanding
options,
warrants,
and rights
(in thousands)

Weighted-average
exercise price
per share of
outstanding
options, warrants,
and rights

Number of
securities
remaining
for future
issuance under
non-qualified
stock-based
compensation
programs
(excluding
securities
reflected in
column [a])
(in thousands)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders       5,068                              $ 144       4,320
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
Total 5,068 $ 144 4,320

Column [a] includes the following outstanding equity-based awards (in thousands):

4,198 stock options
313 performance shares and deferred shares
145 deferred stock units for non-employee directors
412 restricted stock awards

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Audit Committee Matters


Proposal 3:
Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee has the authority to appoint, retain, compensate, and oversee the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and the Company’s shareholders must ratify the Audit Committee’s selection and appointment. The Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP (EY) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. EY has been engaged since February 15, 2003.


Board’s Recommendation

The Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. While we are not required by law to obtain such ratification from our shareholders, the Board believes it is good practice to do so. The Audit Committee and the Board believe that the continued retention of EY as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Representatives of EY are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make a statement should they desire to do so.


Vote Required

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter is required to ratify the appointment of EY. If shareholders fail to ratify the appointment of EY, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment.

The people designated in the proxy and voting instruction card will vote your shares represented by proxy FOR ratification unless you include instructions to the contrary.



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Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee assists the Board in its oversight of corporate governance by overseeing the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing, and financial reporting practices of the Company.

The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, retention, compensation, and oversight of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, including the review of their qualifications, independence and performance, and approval of the audit fee. In this regard, the Audit Committee appointed EY to audit the Company’s financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2022, and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2022. EY has served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm since February 2003. The Audit Committee considered several factors in selecting EY as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended June 30, 2021, including the firm’s independence and internal quality controls, the overall depth of talent, their experience with the Company’s industry, and their familiarity with the Company’s businesses and internal control over financial reporting. In determining whether to reappoint EY as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2023, the Audit Committee again took those factors into consideration along with its evaluation of the past performance of EY and determined that the continued retention of EY as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is in the Company’s best interests.

The Audit Committee has a policy that requires it to consider and approve, in advance, any audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. Among the assurance and related services provided by EY in fiscal year 2022, EY has issued reports on its review of certain corporate responsibility and sustainability metrics and information provided in the Company’s 2022 Integrated Annual Report. The Audit Committee obtained from EY the written disclosures and the letter required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence of the auditors and discussed with the auditors their independence. In evaluating EY’s independence, the Audit Committee considered whether the firm’s provision of any non-audit services impaired or compromised the firm’s independence and concluded that they did not.

Further, in conjunction with the mandated rotation of the auditing firm’s coordinating partner, the Audit Committee and its chairperson oversee and are directly involved in the selection of EY’s new coordinating partner. The Audit Committee periodically considers rotation of the registered independent public accounting firm.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee meets regularly with management and EY to discuss, prior to their release to the public, the Company’s financial statements and earnings releases and, as appropriate, other Company public communications containing Company financial information or performance measures. The Audit Committee’s meetings with the independent registered public accounting firm, which are both with and without management present, include discussions about the results of the independent registered public accounting firm’s examinations and evaluations of the quality of the Company’s financial statements and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

In this regard, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. This review included a discussion of the quality and the acceptability of the Company’s financial reporting and system of internal controls, including the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements, reasonableness of significant contingency accruals, reserves, allowances and other judgments, critical accounting policies and estimates, and risk assessment. In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the scope and plans for their audit, the audited financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the independent registered public accounting firm’s judgments as to the quality and acceptability of the

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Audit Committee Report

Company’s financial reporting, EY’s discussion about critical audit matters in its report on the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates, the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and such other matters as are required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB and SEC.

Based upon the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, for filing with the SEC.

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE as of June 30, 2022

Christopher J. Williams,
Chair
Amy L. Banse A.D. David Mackay Paul Parker

Fees of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The table below includes fees related to fiscal years 2022 and 2021 of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, EY:

2022 2021
Audit Fees(1)       $ 5,425,000       $ 5,751,000
Audit-Related Fees(2) 184,000 149,000
Tax Fees(3) 187,000 182,000
All Other Fees(4) 3,000 3,000
Total $ 5,799,000 $ 6,085,000
(1)

Consists of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, included in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and for review of the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q during those fiscal years.

(2)

Consists of fees for assurance and related services (including sustainability assurance, the Company’s employee benefit plans and other attestation services) not included in the Audit Fees listed above.

(3)

Consists of fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021. These services included advisory services on tax matters and review services for foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

(4)

Consists of fees for all other services not included in the three categories set forth above and are primarily related to subscriptions to online content for fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021.

The Audit Committee has established a policy that requires it to approve all services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm before services are provided. The Audit Committee has pre-approved the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm for audit services, and certain specified audit-related services and tax services within defined limits. The Audit Committee has not pre-approved engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm for any other non-audit services.


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Information About the Virtual Annual Meeting

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of The Clorox Company, a Delaware corporation, for use at the Annual Meeting, to be held at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

The Annual Meeting will be virtual and held online via live webcast at meetnow.global/MXNXWKW. Please refer to the Attending the Virtual Annual Meeting section of this proxy statement for more information about procedures for attending the virtual Annual Meeting. There will not be an option to attend the meeting in person.

For purposes of the following sections, you are a registered shareholder if your shares are registered in your name with Computershare, and you are a beneficial owner if you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other holder of record.


Delivery of Proxy Materials

Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC, we are furnishing proxy materials to our shareholders primarily over the Internet. We believe that this process expedites shareholders’ receipt of these materials, lowers the costs of our Annual Meeting and reduces the environmental impact of mailing printed copies. Accordingly, on or about October 5, 2022, we began mailing the Notice to our shareholders (other than those shareholders who previously requested electronic or paper delivery of communications from us), informing them that our Proxy Statement, 2022 Integrated Annual Report – Executive Summary, and voting instructions are available on the Internet as of the same date.

As a shareholder, you may access these materials and vote your shares via the Internet or by telephone. You may also request that a printed copy of the proxy materials be sent to you. You will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request one in the manner described in the Notice.

The Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, and 2022 Integrated Annual Report – Executive Summary are available at www.edocumentview.com/CLX.

Electronic Delivery of Proxy Materials

We encourage our shareholders to enroll in voluntary e-delivery of future proxy materials. We believe that this process expedites shareholders’ receipt of these materials, lowers the costs of our Annual Meeting and reduces the environmental impact of mailing printed copies.

Registered shareholders

     

Visit computershare.com and log into your account to enroll.

 

Beneficial owner

Please follow the instructions provided to you by your broker, bank, trustee or nominee.


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Information About the Virtual Annual Meeting


Voting Information

Who Is Entitled to Vote

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on September 23, 2022 (the Record Date) are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On that date, there were 123,355,706 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Holders of common stock as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to one vote per share on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders.

How to Vote Before the Annual Meeting

Registered shareholders

     

You may vote via the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions on your proxy card, voting instruction form or Notice or (if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials) by completing and returning a proxy card or voting instruction form by mail.

 

Beneficial owner

You must follow your broker, bank or other holder of record’s instructions to vote.

How to Vote During the Annual Meeting

You may vote your shares at the Annual Meeting if you attend the meeting virtually and vote electronically during the Annual Meeting.

Registered shareholders

     

You will need the 15-digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card (if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials), or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. If you vote by proxy and also attend the Annual Meeting, you do not need to vote again at the Annual Meeting unless you wish to change your vote.

 

Beneficial owner

You may need register with Computershare by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 11, 2022 to gain access to the Annual Meeting and to vote your shares or ask questions during the Annual Meeting. Please see the Attending the Virtual Annual Meeting section on pg 88 of the proxy statement for more information.

Voting Shares Held in the Clorox 401(k) Plan

401(k) plan participants

     

You will receive a voting instruction card to direct Vanguard, as trustee of our 401(k) plan, how to vote the shares attributable to your individual account. Vanguard will vote shares as instructed by participants prior to 12:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 14, 2022. If you do not provide voting directions to Vanguard by that time, the shares attributable to your account will not be voted. Shares held in our 401(k) plan cannot be voted electronically during the Annual Meeting – please ensure that you complete the voting instruction card to direct the 401(k) plan trustee how to vote the shares attributable to your account prior to 12:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 14, 2022.


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Information About the Virtual Annual Meeting

How to Revoke Your Proxy or Change Your Vote

Registered shareholders

     

You may change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting by taking any of the following actions:

submitting written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of the Company;
voting again electronically by telephone or via the Internet or by submitting another proxy card with a later date; or
participating in the Annual Meeting and voting your shares electronically during the Annual Meeting.
 

Beneficial owner

You must follow the instructions of your bank, broker or other nominee to revoke your voting instructions.

Effect of Not Providing Voting Instructions to Your Broker

Beneficial owner

     

You have the right to direct your bank or broker how to vote your shares, and it is required to vote those shares in accordance with your instructions. Under applicable NYSE rules, if you do not give instructions to your bank or brokerage firm, it will have discretion to vote your shares on “routine” matters, but it will not be permitted to vote your shares on “non-routine” matters. In the case of a non-routine matter, your shares will be considered “broker non-votes” on that proposal.

Proposal 3 (Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm) is the only routine matter on the agenda at this year’s Annual Meeting. Thus, the broker is entitled to vote your shares on Proposal 3 even if you do not provide voting instructions to your broker. The broker is not entitled to vote your shares on Proposal 1 or 2 without your instructions.

Quorum

We must have a “quorum” to conduct the Annual Meeting. A quorum is a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes (described above) will be counted for the purpose of determining a quorum.

Votes Required; Effect of Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

Proposal 1 (Election of Directors). A director nominee will be elected if he or she receives a majority of the votes cast in person or represented by proxy. A majority of the votes cast means that the number of shares voted FOR a director must exceed the number of shares voted AGAINST that director. An abstention or a broker non-vote on Proposal 1 will not have any effect on the election of directors and will not be counted in determining the number of votes cast. Your broker is not entitled to vote your shares on Proposal 1 unless you provide voting instructions.

Proposals 2 (Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation) and 3 (Ratification of Independent Public Accounting Firm). Approval of each of Proposals 2 and 3 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect and will not be counted, with respect to Proposal 2. We expect there will be no broker non-votes with respect to Proposal 3, since brokers have discretionary voting authority with respect to this proposal.

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Information About the Virtual Annual Meeting

Board’s Recommendations

The Board recommends that you vote:

FOR the election of each of the 12 nominees for director named in this proxy statement (Proposal 1);
FOR the proposal to approve (on an advisory basis) the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (Proposal 2); and
FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 (Proposal 3).

Other Matters

Management of the Company is not aware of any matters other than those described in this proxy statement that may be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration, the proxy holders will have discretion to vote for you on those matters.

Counting Votes; Vote Results

Votes will be counted by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., our inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting. We will report final results in a filing with the SEC on Form 8-K, which will be filed within four business days following the Annual Meeting.


Form 10-K, Financial Statements, and Integrated Annual Report – Executive Summary

The following portions of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, are attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting; Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm; Consolidated Financial Statements; and Reconciliation of Economic Profit. The Company’s Form 10-K has been filed with the SEC and posted on the Company’s website and a copy may be obtained, without charge, by calling Clorox Investor Relations at (510) 271-7767 toll-free or by contacting The Clorox Company, c/o Corporate Secretary, 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-1888. The 2022 Integrated Annual Report – Executive Summary is available with the proxy statement at edocumentview.com/CLX.


Solicitation of Proxies

We will pay for the entire cost of soliciting proxies on behalf of the Company. We will also reimburse brokers, banks, and other agents for the cost of forwarding the Company’s proxy materials to beneficial owners. Our directors and employees may also solicit proxies in person, by telephone, via the Internet, or by other means of communication, for which they will not be paid any additional compensation. We have retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated (Innisfree) to assist in soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting at an estimated cost of $20,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses and have agreed to indemnify Innisfree against certain liabilities arising out of or in connection with their engagement.

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Information About the Virtual Annual Meeting


Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2023 Annual Meeting

Shareholder Proposals for Inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting

In the event that a shareholder wishes to have a proposal considered for presentation at the 2023 Annual Meeting and included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy used in connection with such meeting pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 14a-8, the proposal must be received by the Company’s Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on June 7, 2023. Any such proposal must comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8.

Director Nominations for Inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting

The Board has adopted proxy access, which allows a shareholder or group of up to 20 shareholders who have owned at least 3% of the Company’s common stock for at least three years to submit director nominees (up to 20% of the Board) for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials if the shareholder or group provides timely written notice of such nomination and the shareholder or group, and the nominee(s) satisfy the requirements specified in the Company’s Bylaws. To be timely for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials, notice must be received by the Corporate Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company no earlier than the close of business on May 8, 2023, and no later than the close of business on June 7, 2023. The notice must contain the information required by the Company’s Bylaws, and the shareholder or group and its nominee(s) must comply with the information and other requirements in our Bylaws relating to the inclusion of shareholder nominees in the Company’s proxy materials.

Other Proposals and Director Nominations for Presentation at the 2023 Annual Meeting

Our Bylaws also establish an advance notice procedure for shareholders who wish to present a proposal, including the nomination of directors, before an annual meeting of shareholders but do not intend for the proposal to be included in our proxy statement. Under our Bylaws, if a shareholder, rather than seeking to include a proposal or director nomination in the proxy statement as discussed above, seeks to nominate a director or propose other business for consideration at that meeting, notice must be received by the Corporate Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the close of business on the 90th day or earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. To be timely for the 2023 Annual Meeting, the notice must be received by the Corporate Secretary on any date beginning no earlier than the close of business on July 19, 2023, and ending no later than the close of business on August 18, 2023. However, in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days, or delayed by more than 60 days from such anniversary date, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. The notice must contain the information required by the Company’s Bylaws. If a shareholder does not meet these deadlines, or does not satisfy the requirements of Rule 14a-4 of the Exchange Act, the persons named as proxies will be allowed to use their discretionary voting authority when and if the matter is raised at the annual meeting.

In addition to satisfying the requirements of the Bylaws, including the earlier notice deadlines set out above and therein, to comply with universal proxy rules, shareholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must also provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-10 of the Exchange Act, no later than September 17, 2023.

All notices of proposals or nominations, as applicable, must be addressed to The Clorox Company, c/o Corporate Secretary, 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-1888.

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Information About the Virtual Annual Meeting


Eliminating Duplicative Proxy Materials

A single Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will be delivered to shareholders who share an address, unless otherwise requested. If you share an address with another shareholder, have received only one set of proxy materials and wish to receive a separate copy, or if you are currently receiving multiple copies of the proxy materials at the same address and wish to receive a single copy in the future:

Registered shareholders

Contact Computershare to make your request.9

Computershare Investor Services
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
Shareholders may call toll-free at (800) 756-8200

     

Beneficial owners

Contact your bank, broker, or other holder of record to make your request.


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Attending the Virtual Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time, via live webcast at meetnow.global/MXNXWKW.

To attend the Annual Meeting, you must be a shareholder of the Company as of the close of business on the Record Date and have a 15-digit control number to access the virtual Annual Meeting. Please see more detailed information below.

You are a registered shareholder if your shares are registered in your name with Computershare. You are a beneficial owner if you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other holder of record.

How to access and participate in the Annual Meeting online

     

Registered shareholders

1.

Visit the Annual Meeting website at meetnow.global/MXNXWKW.

Please note that you may not use the Internet Explorer browser to access the meeting, as it is no longer supported.

2.

Enter the 15-digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card (if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials), or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.

Beneficial owners

You have two options to be able to attend the Annual Meeting.

1.

Register in advance of the Annual Meeting
To register, you will need to send your name, email address and an image of proof of your proxy power (i.e., a legal proxy) reflecting your Clorox shareholding to Computershare at legalproxy@computershare.com, with the subject line, “Legal Proxy.” Such requests must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 11, 2022.

To attend the Annual Meeting, visit the Annual Meeting website at meetnow.global/MXNXWKW and enter the unique control number provided to you by Computershare.

2.

Register at the Annual Meeting
You may not need to pre-register with Computershare and may, instead, be able to use the control number received with your voting instruction form from your bank, broker or other holder or record.
Please note, however, that this option is provided as a convenience to beneficial owners only, and there is no guarantee this option will be available to you.

To attend the Annual Meeting, visit the Annual Meeting website at meetnow.global/MXNXWKW and enter the control received with your voting instruction form from your bank, broker or other holder or record. We encourage you to access the Annual Meeting website prior to the Annual Meeting date, to confirm that you are able to attend the Annual Meeting without pre-registering with Computershare.

You may begin to log into the meeting platform beginning at 8:30 a.m. Pacific time on November 16, 2022. The meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time on November 16, 2022.


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Attending the Virtual Annual Meeting

How to examine our shareholder list during the Annual Meeting

     

Follow the instructions provided on the meeting website during the Annual Meeting to examine the shareholder list. Only those participants who log on by using their unique control number will be able to examine the list.

For help with technical difficulties during the Annual Meeting

Call Computershare Investor Services at (800) 756-8200 (U.S. toll-free) for assistance. If you need additional shareholder support, please email investorrelations@clorox.com or call (510) 271-7767 for assistance.
Please note that you may not use the Internet Explorer browser to access the meeting, as it is no longer supported.

Any additional questions

Email Clorox Investor Relations at investorrelations@clorox.com or call (510) 271-7767.



Submitting Questions for the Virtual Annual Meeting

We are committed to ensuring, to the extent possible, that shareholders will be afforded the ability to participate at the virtual meeting similarly to how they would participate at an in-person meeting. The question and answer session will include questions submitted in advance of and submitted live during the Annual Meeting.

How to submit questions before the Annual Meeting

     

Questions may be submitted prior to the Annual Meeting at the meeting website (meetnow.global/MXNXWKW). To submit a question in advance of the Annual Meeting, you must have the 15-digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card (if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials), or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.

How to submit questions during the Annual Meeting

Questions may be submitted during the Annual Meeting by logging into the meeting website (meetnow.global/MXNXWKW) and will be addressed during the Q&A portion of the Annual Meeting. You may only submit a question if you have the 15-digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card (if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials), or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.

If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” (you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other holder of record), you may need to register in advance to obtain a unique control number. See the How to access and participate in the Annual Meeting online section above for more information.

Questions pertinent to meeting matters that comply with the meeting rules of conduct will be answered during the meeting, subject to time constraints. However, we reserve the right to exclude questions that are not pertinent to meeting matters, irrelevant to the business of the Company, derogatory or in bad taste, or relate to pending or threatened litigation, personal grievances or are otherwise inappropriate. Questions that are substantially similar may be grouped and answered once to avoid repetition. If there are any questions pertinent to meeting matters that cannot be answered during the meeting due to time constraints, management will post answers to all questions on the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at investors.thecloroxcompany.com as soon as practicable after the meeting. If there are matters of individual concern to a shareholder and not of general concern to all shareholders, shareholders are encouraged to contact us separately after the Annual Meeting through the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at investors.thecloroxcompany.com.

A replay of the Annual Meeting will be made available at investors.thecloroxcompany.com as soon as practicable after the meeting.

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Appendix A

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Clorox Company
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is designed to provide a reader of The Clorox Company’s (the Company or Clorox) financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect future results. In certain instances, parenthetical references are made to relevant sections of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to direct the reader to a further detailed discussion. This section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following sections are included herein:

Executive Overview
Results of Operations
Financial Position and Liquidity
Contingencies
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Critical Accounting Estimates
Summary of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Clorox is a leading multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products with fiscal year 2022 net sales of $7,107 and approximately 9,000 employees worldwide as of June 30, 2022. Clorox sells its products primarily through mass retailers, grocery outlets, warehouse clubs, dollar stores, home hardware centers, drug, pet and military stores, third-party and owned e-commerce channels and distributors. Clorox markets some of the most trusted and recognized consumer brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products; Pine-Sol cleaners; Liquid-Plumr clog removers; Poett home care products; Fresh Step cat litter; Glad bags and wraps; Kingsford grilling products; Hidden Valley dressings, dips, seasonings and sauces; Brita water-filtration products; Burt’s Bees natural personal care products; and RenewLife, Rainbow Light, Natural Vitality and NeoCell vitamins, minerals and supplements. The Company also markets industry-leading products and technologies for professional customers, including those sold under the CloroxPro and Clorox Healthcare brand names. The Company has operations in more than 25 countries or territories and sells its products in more than 100 markets.

The Company primarily markets its leading brands in midsized categories considered to be financially attractive. Most of the Company’s products compete with other nationally advertised brands within each category and with “private label” brands.

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Appendix A

The Company operates through strategic business units (SBUs) that are also the Company’s operating segments. These SBUs are then aggregated into four reportable segments: Health and Wellness, Household, Lifestyle and International. These four reportable segments consist of the following:

Health and Wellness consists of cleaning products, professional products and vitamins, minerals and supplements mainly marketed and sold in the U.S. Products within this segment include cleaning products such as laundry additives and home care products, primarily under the Clorox, Clorox2, Scentiva, Pine-Sol, Liquid-Plumr, Tilex and Formula 409 brands; professional cleaning and disinfecting products under the CloroxPro and Clorox Healthcare brands; professional food service products under the Hidden Valley brand; and vitamins, minerals and supplements under the RenewLife, Natural Vitality, NeoCell and Rainbow Light brands.
  
Household consists of bags and wraps, grilling products and cat litter marketed and sold in the U.S. Products within this segment include bags and wraps under the Glad brand; grilling products under the Kingsford brand; and cat litter primarily under the Fresh Step and Scoop Away brands.
  
Lifestyle consists of food, natural personal care products and water-filtration products marketed and sold in the U.S. Products within this segment include dressings, dips, seasonings and sauces, primarily under the Hidden Valley brand; natural personal care products under the Burt’s Bees brand; and water-filtration products under the Brita brand.
  
International consists of products sold outside the U.S. Products within this segment include laundry additives; home care products; water-filtration products; digestive health products; grilling products; cat litter; food; bags and wraps; natural personal care products; and professional cleaning and disinfecting products marketed primarily under the Clorox, Ayudin, Clorinda, Poett, Pine-Sol, Glad, Brita, RenewLife, Ever Clean and Burt’s Bees brands.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This Executive Overview, the succeeding sections of MD&A and Exhibit 99.2 may include certain financial measures that are not defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). These measures, which are referred to as non-GAAP measures, are listed below:

Free cash flow and free cash flow as a percentage of net sales. Free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operations less capital expenditures.
  
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin (the ratio of EBIT to net sales)
  
Economic profit (EP) is defined by the Company as earnings before income taxes, excluding certain U.S. GAAP items (such as asset impairments, charges related to digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment, significant losses/(gains) related to acquisitions and other non-recurring or unusual items) and interest expense; less income taxes (calculated based on the Company’s effective tax rate excluding the identified U.S. GAAP items), and less after tax profit attributable to noncontrolling interests, and less a capital charge (calculated as average capital employed multiplied by a cost of capital rate).
  
Organic sales growth / (decrease) is defined as net sales growth excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate changes and any acquisitions and divestitures.

For a discussion of these measures and the reasons management believes they are useful to investors, refer to “Summary of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. To the extent applicable, this MD&A and Exhibit 99.2 include reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

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Appendix A

Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Highlights

A detailed discussion of strategic goals, key initiatives and results of operations is included below. Key fiscal year 2022 financial results are summarized as follows:

The Company’s fiscal year 2022 net sales decreased by 3% to $7,107 from $7,341 in fiscal year 2021, reflecting lower shipments primarily in the Health and Wellness reportable segment. The variance between volume and net sales was primarily due to the impact of favorable price mix, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates.
   
Gross margin decreased by 780 basis points to 35.8% in fiscal year 2022 from 43.6% in fiscal year 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by higher manufacturing and logistics costs, increased commodity costs and unfavorable mix, partially offset by the benefit of price increases and cost savings.
   
The Company reported earnings before income taxes of $607 in fiscal year 2022, compared to $900 in fiscal year 2021. The Company reported earnings attributable to Clorox of $462 in fiscal year 2022, compared to $710 in fiscal year 2021.
   
The Company delivered diluted net earnings per share (EPS) of $3.73 in fiscal year 2022, a decrease of approximately 33%, or $1.85, from fiscal year 2021 diluted net EPS of $5.58. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross margin and the one-time, noncash remeasurement gain recognized on the previously held equity interest in the Saudi joint venture in the prior period, partially offset by the noncash impairment charges on assets held by the Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) business in the prior period.
   
EP decreased by 58% to $282 in fiscal year 2022, compared to $672 in fiscal year 2021 (refer to the reconciliation of EP to earnings before income taxes in Exhibit 99.2).
   
The Company’s net cash provided by operations was $786 in fiscal year 2022, compared to $1,276 in fiscal year 2021. Free cash flow was $535 or 7.5% of net sales in fiscal year 2022, compared to $945 or 12.9% of net sales in fiscal year 2021 (refer to the reconciliation of net cash provided by operations to free cash flow in “ Financial Position and Liquidity - Investing - Free Cash Flow”).
   
The Company paid $571 in cash dividends to stockholders in fiscal year 2022, compared to $558 in cash dividends in fiscal year 2021. In July 2022, the Company announced an increase of 2% in its quarterly cash dividend from the prior year.

Strategic Goals and Initiatives

As announced in 2019, the IGNITE strategy is intended to accelerate innovation in key areas of the business to drive growth and deliver value for both the Company’s shareholders and society. Specifically, IGNITE focuses on four strategic choices to deliver purpose-driven growth: Fuel Growth, Innovate Experiences, Reimagine Work and Evolve Portfolio. Performance goals within the environmental, social and governance pillars of Healthy Lives, Clean Planet and Thriving Communities, all underpinned by strong governance also are integrated into the strategy. The Company’s long-term financial goals reflected in IGNITE include annual net sales growth of 3% to 5% — increased from 2% to 4% in 2021 — annual EBIT margin expansion of 25 to 50 basis points and annual free cash flow of 11% to 13%.

Additionally, in fiscal year 2021 the Company announced a strategic investment of approximately $500 over a five-year period for digital capabilities and productivity enhancements. This investment, which began in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, includes replacement of the Company’s enterprise resource planning system and transitioning to a cloud-based platform as well as the implementation of a suite of other digital technologies. This investment will generate efficiencies and better position the Company in supply chain, digital commerce, innovation, brand building and more over the long term.

Continues on next page
 

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Appendix A

Recent Events Affecting the Company

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the effects of the on-going novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continued to cause economic and social disruptions. These disruptions led to ongoing uncertainties, heightened by the conflict in Ukraine that began in the back half of the fiscal year.

Demand for many of the products across the Company’s portfolio remained elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, but moderated versus the previous fiscal year. An inflationary environment marked by higher manufacturing and logistics costs as well as increased commodity costs is expected to continue into fiscal year 2023. While we did not experience significant disruptions in our operations during fiscal year 2022, the risks of future negative impacts due to transportation, logistical or supply constraints and higher commodity costs for certain raw materials remain present, and the Company continues to experience corresponding incremental costs and gross margin pressures.

Throughout fiscal year 2022, our focus has been on addressing supply-chain disruptions and volatility in commodity costs and foreign exchange markets and countering inflationary pressures through pricing actions and cost-cutting measures.

The extent of COVID-19’s effect on the Company’s operational and financial performance in the future will depend on future developments, including the duration, spread, intensity and phase of the pandemic in different countries, the emergence of COVID-19 variants and the effectiveness of vaccines against these variants, the Company’s continued ability to manufacture and distribute its products, any future government actions affecting consumers, our business operations, including any vaccine mandates, or the economy in general, and effectiveness of global vaccines. Additionally, the impact of certain geopolitical events, specifically the conflict in Ukraine, and continued inflationary pressures have increased global economic and political uncertainty due to the uncertainty around the duration and resolution of the conflict and potential economic and global supply chain disruptions. All of these factors are difficult to predict considering the rapidly evolving landscape as the Company continues to expect a variable operating environment going forward.

For further discussion of the possible impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent events on our business, financial conditions and results of operations, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless otherwise noted, MD&A compares results of operations from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2021, with percentage and basis point calculations based on rounded numbers, except for per share data and the effective tax rate. Discussions of fiscal year 2020 items and year-to-year comparisons between fiscal years 2021 and 2020 that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

      2022       2021       % Change
2022
to
2021
Net sales $      7,107 $      7,341 (3)%

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Appendix A

Year Ended June 30, 2022
Percentage change versus the year-ago period
Reported
(GAAP) Net
Sales
Growth /
(Decrease)
Reported
Volume
Acquisitions
&
Divestitures
Foreign
Exchange
Impact
Price/Mix/
Other
(1)
Organic
Sales
Growth /
(Decrease)
(Non-
GAAP)
(2)
Organic
Volume
 
(3)
Health and Wellness               (10 )%             (9 )%                  — %               — %               (1 )%              (10 )%               (9 )%
Household (3 ) 3 (3 )
Lifestyle 3 2 1 3 2
International 2 (1 ) (4 ) 7 6 (1 )
Total (3 )% (5 )% % (1 )% 3 % (2 )% (5 )%

(1) This represents the net impact on net sales growth / (decrease) from pricing actions, mix and other factors.

(2) Organic sales growth / (decrease) is defined as net sales growth / (decrease) excluding the effect of any acquisitions and divestitures and foreign exchange rate changes. See “Summary of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of organic sales growth / (decrease) to net sales growth / (decrease), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

(3) Organic volume represents volume excluding the effect of any acquisitions and divestitures.

Net sales in fiscal year 2022 decreased by 3%, reflecting lower shipments primarily in the Health and Wellness reportable segment. Volume decreased by 5% versus the prior period. The variance between volume and net sales was primarily due to the impact of favorable price mix, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates.

2022 2021 %
Change
2022
to
2021
Gross profit       $ 2,545       $ 3,199            (20 )%
Gross margin 35.8 % 43.6 %

Gross margin decreased by 780 basis points in fiscal year 2022 from 43.6% to 35.8%. The decrease was primarily driven by higher manufacturing and logistics costs, increased commodity costs and unfavorable mix, partially offset by the benefit of price increases and cost savings.

Expenses

% Change % of Net sales
2022 2021 2022
to
2021
2022 2021
Selling and administrative expenses       $     954       $     1,004       (5 )%       13.4 %       13.7 %
Advertising costs 709 790 (10 ) 10.0 10.8
Research and development costs 132 149         (11 ) 1.9 2.0

Selling and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, decreased by 30 basis points in fiscal year 2022. The dollar decrease in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to lower nonqualified deferred compensation plan expense, lower incentive compensation expense and the benefit from cost savings, partially offset by the Company’s digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investments.

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Advertising costs, as a percentage of net sales, decreased by 80 basis points in fiscal year 2022. The dollar decrease was primarily due to higher spend in the prior period and the Company returning to historical levels of spend in the current period. The Company’s U.S. retail advertising spend as a percentage of net sales was 10% for fiscal year 2022 and 12% for fiscal year 2021, respectively.

Research and development costs, as a percentage of net sales, were essentially flat in the current period as compared to the prior period. The Company continues to invest behind product innovation and cost savings.

Goodwill, trademark and other asset impairments, Interest expense, Other expense (income), net, and the effective tax rate on earnings

      2022       2021
Goodwill, trademark and other asset impairments $ $ 329
Interest expense 106 99
Other expense (income), net 37 (72 )
Effective tax rate on earnings     22.4%     20.1%

Goodwill, trademark and other asset impairments of $329 in the prior fiscal year reflect non-cash impairment charges related to goodwill, trademarks, and other assets held by the VMS business (included within the Health and Wellness segment). See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the impairments recorded.

Interest expense was $106 and $99 in fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2021, respectively. The increase in the current period interest expense was primarily due to a loss on the early extinguishment of debt. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the loss on the early extinguishment of debt recorded.

Other expense (income), net was $37 and ($72) in fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2021, respectively. The variance was due to the one-time, non-cash remeasurement gain recognized from the Company’s previously held equity interest in the Saudi joint venture in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 (see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and the loss in the current period from revaluation of the Company’s trust assets related to its nonqualified deferred compensations plans.

The effective tax rate on earnings (losses) was 22.4% and 20.1% in fiscal year 2022 and 2021, respectively. The lower tax rate in fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2022 was driven by higher excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation in the prior year.

Diluted net earnings per share

            % Change
2022
to
  2022       2021 2021
Diluted net EPS $     3.73 $     5.58 (33)%

Diluted net earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 1.85, or 33%, in fiscal year 2022, primarily due to lower gross margin and the one-time, noncash remeasurement gain recognized on the previously held equity interest in the Saudi joint venture in the prior period, partially offset by the noncash impairment charges on assets held by the VMS business in the prior period.

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SEGMENT RESULTS

The following presents the results of the Company’s reportable segments and certain unallocated costs reflected in Corporate (see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of segment results to consolidated results):

Health and Wellness

                  % Change
2022
to
2022 2021 2021
Net sales $     2,690 $     2,980          (10 )%
Earnings before income taxes 300 305 (2 )

Fiscal year 2022 versus fiscal year 2021: Volume, net sales and earnings before income taxes decreased by 9%, 10% and 2%, respectively, during fiscal year 2022. The volume and net sales decreases were primarily due to lower shipments in the Professional Products portfolio due to higher COVID-19 related demand in the prior period. The decrease in earnings before income taxes in the current period was primarily due to lower net sales, higher manufacturing and logistics costs and unfavorable commodity costs, partially offset by the non-cash impairment charges on assets held by the VMS business in the prior period, and lower advertising spending, selling and administrative expenses and cost savings in the current period.

Household

                  % Change
2022
to
2022 2021 2021
Net sales $     1,984 $     1,981

%
Earnings before income taxes 234 375            (38 )

Fiscal year 2022 versus fiscal year 2021: Volume and earnings before income taxes decreased by 3% and 38%, respectively, and net sales were flat during fiscal year 2022. The volume decrease was primarily driven by lower shipments in Grilling due to higher demand in the prior period and impacts from pricing actions in the current period. The decrease in earnings before income taxes was mainly due to unfavorable commodity costs and higher manufacturing and logistics costs, partially offset by cost saving efforts and the benefits from pricing and lower trade spending.

Lifestyle

                  % Change
2022
to
2022 2021 2021
Net sales $     1,253 $     1,218 3 %
Earnings before income taxes 280 320           (13 )

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Fiscal year 2022 versus fiscal year 2021: Volume and net sales increased by 2% and 3%, respectively, while earnings before income taxes decreased by 13% during fiscal year 2022. The volume and net sales increases were primarily driven by higher shipments of Brita water-filtration products due to expanded distribution and merchandising support and Natural Personal Care products primarily due to innovation and strong consumption. The decrease in earnings before income taxes was primarily due to unfavorable commodity costs and higher manufacturing and logistics costs, partially offset by net sales growth.

International

% Change
2022
to
      2022       2021       2021
Net sales $     1,180 $     1,162 2 %
Earnings before income taxes 97 201              (52 )

Fiscal year 2022 versus fiscal year 2021: Volume and earnings before income taxes decreased by 1% and 52%, respectively, and net sales increased by 2% during fiscal year 2022. The variance between volume and net sales was mainly due to the benefit of price increases, partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange rates. The decrease in earnings before income taxes was primarily due to the one-time, noncash remeasurement gain recognized on the previously held equity interest in the Saudi joint venture recognized in the prior period and unfavorable commodity costs and higher manufacturing and logistics costs, partially offset by net sales growth all in the current period.

Argentina

The business environment in Argentina continues to be challenging due to significant volatility in Argentina’s currency, high inflation, economic recession, impacts of COVID-19 and temporary price controls. The Company operates in Argentina through certain wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Clorox Argentina”). Clorox Argentina manufactures products at two plants that it owns and operates across Argentina.

Effective July 1, 2018, under the requirements of U.S. GAAP, Argentina was designated as a highly inflationary economy, and as a result, the U.S. dollar replaced the Argentine peso as the functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries in Argentina. Consequently, gains and losses from non-U.S. dollar denominated monetary assets and liabilities of Clorox Argentina are recognized in Other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statement of earnings.

As of September 2019, the government of Argentina reinstated foreign exchange controls in response to further declines in the value of the Argentine peso, limiting the Company’s ability to convert Argentine pesos to U.S. dollars and transfer U.S. dollars outside of Argentina. As of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the net asset position, excluding goodwill, of Clorox Argentina was $45 and $48, respectively. Of these net assets, cash balances were approximately $15 and $11 as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Net sales from Clorox Argentina represented approximately 2% of the Company’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021.

Volatility in the exchange rate is expected to continue, which, along with competition, changes in the retail, labor and macro-economic environment, and implemented and future additional legal limitations instituted to restrict foreign exchange transactions, as well as government price controls, could have an adverse impact on Clorox Argentina’s liquidity, net sales, net earnings, cash flows and net monetary asset position. The Company is closely monitoring developments in Argentina and continues to take steps intended to mitigate the adverse conditions, but there can be no assurances that these actions will be able to mitigate these conditions as they may occur.

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Corporate

                  % Change
2022
to
  2022 2021 2021
Losses before income taxes $     (304 ) $     (301 )               1 %

Corporate includes certain non-allocated administrative costs, interest income, interest expense and various other non-operating income and expenses. Beginning in fiscal year 2022, losses before income taxes for Corporate include expenses related to the Company's digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment.

Fiscal year 2022 versus fiscal year 2021: Losses before income taxes were essentially flat due to increased investments in the Company’s digital capabilities and productivity enhancements, offset by lower employee incentive compensation expenses.

FINANCIAL POSITION AND LIQUIDITY

Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial position and liquidity describes its consolidated operating, investing and financing activities from operations.

The Company’s cash position includes amounts held by foreign subsidiaries and, as a result, the repatriation of certain cash balances from some of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries could result in additional tax costs. However, these cash balances are generally available without legal restriction to fund local business operations. In addition, a portion of the Company’s cash balance is held in U.S. dollars by foreign subsidiaries, whose functional currency is their local currency. Such U.S. dollar balances are reported on the foreign subsidiaries’ books, in their functional currency, with the impact from foreign currency exchange rate differences recorded in Other (income) expense, net.

The Company’s financial condition and liquidity remained strong as of June 30, 2022. The following table summarizes cash activities for the years ended June 30:

      2022       2021
Net cash provided by operations $ 786 $ 1,276
Net cash used for investing activities     (229 ) (452 )
Net cash used for financing activities (689 )     (1,391 )

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operations was $786 in fiscal year 2022, compared with $1,276 in fiscal year 2021. The year-over-year decrease was driven by lower cash earnings and an increase in working capital, partially offset by lower tax payments and cash received from the settlement of interest rate derivative contracts in the current period. The increase in working capital was due to lower Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the current period driven by lower spend and timing of payments, higher receivables due to the timing of sales in the current period and increased collections in the prior period, partially offset by higher inventory builds in the prior period to improve product availability.

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Payment Terms Extension and Supply Chain Financing

The Company initiated the extension of its payment terms with its suppliers in the second half of fiscal year 2020 in order to improve working capital as part of and to fund the IGNITE strategy and in keeping with evolving market practices. The Company’s current payment terms do not exceed 120 days in keeping with industry standards. The Company’s operating cash flows are directly impacted as a result of the extension of the payment terms with the suppliers.

As part of those ongoing efforts, the Company has arranged for a global financial institution to offer a voluntary supply chain finance (SCF) program for the benefit of the Company’s suppliers. Leveraging the Company’s credit rating, the SCF program enables suppliers to directly contract with the financial institution to receive payment from the financial institution prior to the payment terms between the Company and the supplier, by selling the Company’s payables to the financial institution. The participation in the program is at the sole discretion of the supplier and the Company has no economic interest in a supplier's decision to enter into the agreement and has no direct financial relationship with the financial institution, as it relates to the SCF program. Once a supplier elects to participate in the SCF program and reaches an agreement with the financial institution, the supplier elects which individual Company invoices to sell to the financial institution. The terms of the Company’s payment obligations are not impacted by a supplier’s participation in the program and as such, the SCF program has no direct impact on the Company’s balance sheets, cash flows or liquidity. No guarantees are provided by the Company or any of our subsidiaries under the SCF program. There would not be an expected material impact to the Company’s liquidity or capital resources if the financial institution or a supplier terminated the SCF arrangement.

All outstanding amounts related to suppliers participating in SCF are recorded within Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the associated payments are included in operating activities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the amount due to suppliers participating in SCF and included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities was $211 and $152, respectively. While the Company does not have direct access to information on, or influence over, which invoices a participating supplier elects to sell to the financial institution, the Company expects that the majority of these amounts have been sold to the financial institution.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was $229 in fiscal year 2022, as compared to $452 in fiscal year 2021. The year-over-year decrease was mainly due to the acquisition of additional interest in the Company’s Saudi joint venture in the prior period and lower capital spending in the current period.

Capital expenditures were $251 and $331 in fiscal years 2022 and 2021, respectively. Capital expenditures as a percentage of net sales was 3.5% and 4.5% for fiscal years 2022 and 2021, respectively. The current year-over-year decrease was due to higher spending in the prior period on capital projects to expand production capacity.

Free cash flow

      2022       2021
Net cash provided by operations $ 786 $     1,276
Less: capital expenditures     (251 ) (331 )
Free cash flow $ 535 $ 945
Free cash flow as a percentage of net sales 7.5 % 12.9 %

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Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities was $689 in fiscal year 2022, compared with $1,391 in fiscal year 2021. The year-over-year decrease was mainly due to lower treasury stock purchases, partially offset by reduced proceeds from employee stock option exercises and net cash outflows from borrowings in the current period.

Current period financing activities include repayment of $300 of the Company’s senior notes with an annual fixed interest rate of 3.80% that became due in November 2021 and were repaid using commercial paper borrowings and repayment of $600 of the Company’s senior notes with an annual fixed interest rate of 3.05% due in September 2022 and $500 of senior notes with an annual fixed interest rate of 3.50% due in December 2024 that were redeemed prior to maturity using the proceeds from the May 2022 debt issuance of $1,100.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

The Company’s current liabilities may periodically exceed current assets as a result of the Company’s debt management policies, including the Company’s use of commercial paper borrowings which fluctuates depending on the amount and timing of operating and investing cash flows and payments for shareholder transactions such as dividends. In addition, the Company’s cash generated from operations has decreased recently primarily due to higher manufacturing and logistics costs and unfavorable commodity costs. The Company continues to take actions to address some of the effects of such cost increases, which include implementing price increases, driving cost savings and optimizing the Company’s supply chain.

Global financial markets have experienced a significant increase in volatility due to heightened uncertainty over the adverse economic impact caused by the COVID-19 outbreak and other geopolitical circumstances. Notwithstanding potential unforeseen adverse market conditions and as part of the Company’s regular assessment of its cash needs, the Company believes it will have the funds necessary to support our short- and long-term liquidity and operating needs based on our anticipated ability to generate positive cash flows from operations in the future, access to capital markets enabled by our strong short-term and long-term credit ratings, and current borrowing availability.

The Company may consider other transactions that require the issuance of additional long- and/or short-term debt or other securities to finance acquisitions, repurchase stock, refinance debt or fund other activities for general business purposes. Such transactions could require funds in excess of the Company’s current cash levels and available credit lines, and the Company’s access to or cost of such additional funds could be adversely affected by any decrease in credit ratings, which were the following as of June 30:

2022 2021
      Short-term     Long-term     Short-term     Long-term
Standard and Poor’s A-2 BBB+ A-2 A-
Moody’s P-2 Baa1 P-2 Baa1

Credit Arrangements

On March 25, 2022, the Company entered into a new $1,200 revolving credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) that matures in March 2027. The Credit Agreement replaced a prior $1,200 revolving credit agreement (the prior Credit Agreement) in place since November 2019. The Credit Agreement also changed the interest rate benchmark used as a reference rate for certain borrowings under the Credit Agreement from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR). The Company did not incur any termination fees or penalties in connection with entering the new Credit Agreement, which was considered a debt modification. There were no borrowings under

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either the new Credit Agreement or the prior Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and the Company believes that borrowings under the new Credit Agreement are and will continue to be available for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement includes certain restrictive covenants and limitations. The primary restrictive covenant is a minimum ratio of 4.0, calculated as total earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other similar non-cash charges and certain other items (Consolidated EBITDA) to total interest expense for the trailing four quarters (Interest Coverage ratio), as defined and described in the Credit Agreement.

The Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants and limitations in the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2022, and anticipates being in compliance with all restrictive covenants for the foreseeable future.

As of June 30, 2022, the Company maintained $34 of foreign and other credit lines, of which $4 was outstanding and the remainder of $30 was available for borrowing.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company maintained $35 of foreign and other credit lines, of which $5 was outstanding and the remainder of $30 was available for borrowing.

Short-term Borrowings

The Company’s notes and loans payable primarily consist of U.S. commercial paper issued by the parent company and any borrowings under the Credit Agreement. These short-term borrowings have stated maturities of less than one year and provide supplemental funding for supporting operations. The level of U.S. commercial paper borrowings generally fluctuates depending upon the amount and timing of operating cash flows and payments for items such as dividends, income taxes, stock repurchases and pension contributions. The average balance of short-term borrowings outstanding was $233 and $0 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Long-term Borrowings

In May 2022, the Company issued $1,100 in senior notes, including $500 of senior notes with an annual fixed interest rate of 4.40% payable semi-annually in May and November, final maturity in May 2029 that carry an effective rate of 3.89% (May 2029 senior notes), which includes the impact from the settlement of interest rate contracts in May 2022, and $600 of senior notes with an annual fixed rate of 4.60%, payable semi-annually in May and November, final maturity in May 2032 that carry an effective rate of 3.25% (May 2032 senior notes), which includes the impact from the settlement of interest rate contracts in May 2022. The notes rank equally with all of the Company’s existing senior indebtedness. Proceeds from the senior notes were used to redeem prior to maturity $600 of senior notes with an annual fixed interest rate of 3.05% due in September 2022 and $500 of senior notes with an annual fixed interest rate of 3.50% due in December 2024, which were redeemed in June 2022 and for general corporate purposes. In connection with the redemption prior to maturity of the $500 of senior notes due in December 2024, the Company recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $13, which is included in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings, representing the difference paid in cash between the redemption price and the carrying amount of the debt extinguished of $5 and the accelerated amortization of losses on settlement of interest rate contracts and issuance costs associated with the debt extinguished of $8.

In November 2021, $300 of the Company’s senior notes with annual fixed interest rate of 3.80% became due and were repaid using commercial paper borrowings.

Stock Repurchases and Dividend Payments

As of June 30, 2022, the Company had two stock repurchase programs: an open-market purchase program with an authorized aggregate purchase amount of up to $2,000, which has no expiration date and was authorized by the Board of Directors in May 2018, and a program to offset the anticipated impact of dilution related to stock-based awards (the Evergreen Program), which has no authorization

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limit on the dollar amount and no expiration date. During the twelve months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company purchased 152 thousand and 4,758 thousand shares of common stock at a cost of $25 and $905, respectively.

Dividends per share and total dividends paid to Clorox stockholders were as follows during the fiscal years ended June 30:

      2022     2021
Dividends per share declared $      3.48 $      4.49
Dividends per share paid 4.64 4.44
Total dividends paid 571 558

On July 12, 2022, the Company declared a 2% increase in the quarterly dividend, from $1.16 to $1.18 per share, payable on August 12, 2022 to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 27, 2022.

On June 2, 2021, the Company declared a 5% increase in the quarterly dividend, from $1.11 to $1.16 per share, payable on August 13, 2021 to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 28, 2021.

Material Cash Requirements

The following table summarizes the Company’s current and long-term material cash requirements as of June 30, 2022, which we intend to fund primarily with operating cash flows:

      2023     2024     2025     2026     2027     Thereafter     Total
Long-term debt maturities including
interest payments
$      90 $      90 $      90 $      90 $      90 $      2,737 $      3,187
Notes and loans payable 265 1 1 1 1 269
Purchase obligations (1) 186 127 73 35 12 23 456
Operating and finance leases 87 83 70 57 46 103 446
Payments related to nonqualified
retirement income and retirement health
care plans (2)
15 15 14 15 14 62 135
Venture Agreement terminal obligation (3) 635 635
Total $ 643 $ 316 $ 248 $ 833 $ 163 $ 2,925 $ 5,128
(1) Purchase obligations are defined as purchase agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that contain specified or determinable significant terms, including quantity, price and the approximate timing of the transaction. For purchase obligations subject to variable price and/or quantity provisions, an estimate of the price and/or quantity has been made. Examples of the Company’s purchase obligations include contracts to purchase raw materials, commitments to contract manufacturers, commitments for information technology and related services, advertising contracts, capital expenditure agreements, software acquisition and license commitments and service contracts. The raw material contracts included above are entered into during the regular course of business based on expectations of future purchases. Many of these raw material contracts are flexible to allow for changes in the Company’s business and related requirements. If such changes were to occur, the Company believes its exposure could differ from the amounts listed above. Any amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are excluded from the table above, as they are short-term in nature and expected to be paid within one year.

(2)

These amounts represent expected payments through 2032. Based on the accounting rules for nonqualified retirement income and retirement health care plans, the liabilities reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets differ from these expected future payments (see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

(3)

The Company has a venture agreement with The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) for the Company’s Glad bags and wraps business (the Venture Agreement). As of June 30, 2022, P&G had a 20% interest in the venture. Upon termination of the agreement in January 2026, the Company is required to purchase P&G’s 20% interest for cash at fair value as established by predetermined valuation procedures. Refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

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As announced in fiscal year 2021 and with investments beginning in fiscal year 2022, Clorox plans to invest approximately $500 million over a five year period in its digital capabilities and for productivity enhancements. The above table includes contracted spend related to these investments within Purchase obligations, which are expected to be funded through cash generated from operations.

CONTINGENCIES

A summary of contingencies is contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a multinational company, the Company is exposed to the impact of changes in commodity prices, foreign currency fluctuations, interest-rate risk and other types of market risk.

In the normal course of business, where available at a reasonable cost, the Company manages its exposure to market risk using contractual agreements and a variety of derivative instruments. The Company’s objective in managing its exposure to market risk is to limit the impact of fluctuations on earnings and cash flow through the use of derivative instruments, including over-the-counter swaps, forward purchase contracts and exchange-traded futures contracts. Over-the-counter derivative contracts are entered into for non-trading purposes with major credit-worthy institutions, thereby decreasing the risk of credit loss.

The Company uses different methodologies, when necessary, to estimate the fair value of its derivative contracts. The estimated fair values of the majority of the Company’s contracts are based on quoted market prices, exchange-traded market prices or broker price quotations, and represent the estimated amounts that the Company would pay or receive to terminate the contracts.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of derivatives and hedging policies and fair value measurements.

Sensitivity Analysis for Derivative Contracts

For fiscal years 2022 and 2021, the Company’s exposure to market risk was estimated using sensitivity analyses, which illustrates the change in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument assuming hypothetical changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange rates or interest rates. The results of the sensitivity analyses for commodity, foreign currency and interest rate derivative contracts are summarized below. Actual changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange rates or interest rates may differ from the hypothetical changes, and any changes in the fair value of the contracts, real or hypothetical, would be partly to fully offset by an inverse change in the value of the underlying hedged items.

The changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets with an offset to Net earnings or Other comprehensive (loss) income, depending on whether or not, for accounting purposes, the derivative is designated and qualified as an accounting hedge. For those derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments, the Company must designate the hedging instrument either as a fair value hedge or as a cash flow hedge. The Company designates its commodity swaps and futures contracts for forecasted purchases of raw materials, foreign currency forward contracts for forecasted purchases of inventory, and interest rate contracts for forecasted interest payments as cash flow hedges. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no hedging instruments designated as fair value hedges. In the event the Company has contracts not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, the Company recognizes the changes in the fair value of these contracts in the consolidated statement of earnings.

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Commodity Price Risk

The Company is exposed to changes in the price of commodities used as raw materials in the manufacturing of its products. The Company uses various strategies, where available at a reasonable cost to manage cost exposures on certain raw material purchases with the objective of obtaining more predictable costs for these commodities, including long-term commodity purchase contracts and commodity derivative contracts. During fiscal years 2022 and 2021, the Company had derivative contracts related to raw material exposures for soybean oil used for the Food business and jet fuel used for the Grilling business.

Based on a hypothetical decrease or increase of 10% in these commodity prices as of June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2021, the estimated fair value of the Company’s then-existing commodity derivative contracts would decrease or increase by $3 and $4, respectively, with the corresponding impact included in Other comprehensive (loss) income.

Foreign Currency Risk

The Company seeks to minimize the impact of certain foreign currency fluctuations by hedging transactional exposures related to inventory purchases with foreign currency forward contracts. Based on a hypothetical decrease of 10% in the value of the U.S. dollar as of June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, the estimated fair value of the Company’s then-existing foreign currency derivative contracts would decrease by $3 and $8, respectively, with the corresponding impact included in Other comprehensive (loss) income. Based on a hypothetical increase of 10% in the value of the U.S. dollar as of June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, the estimated fair value of the Company’s then-existing foreign currency derivative contracts would increase by $3 and $6, respectively.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company can be exposed to interest rate volatility with regard to short-term borrowings, using commercial paper or under the Credit Agreement, in addition to potential changes in interest rates relating to anticipated future issuances of long-term debt. Weighted average interest rates for short-term borrowings using commercial paper were 0.48% during fiscal year 2022. The Company had no material exposure to interest rate volatility through any short-term borrowing arrangements during fiscal year 2021. Assuming average commercial paper borrowing levels during fiscal year 2022, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates or a decrease in interest rates to zero would increase or decrease interest expense from short-term borrowings by approximately $2 and $1, respectively.

The Company can also be exposed to interest rate volatility with regard to anticipated future issuances of debt. The Company utilizes interest rate contracts to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility related to movements in U.S. Treasury and swap rates. In May 2022, the Company’s interest rate contracts were settled upon issuance of $1,100 in senior notes. Therefore, as of June 30, 2022, the Company had no outstanding interest rate contracts. Based on a hypothetical increase or decrease of 100 basis points to relevant interest rates as of June 30, 2021, the estimated fair value of the Company’s existing interest rate contracts would have increased or decreased by $27 during fiscal year 2021, with the corresponding impact recorded in Other comprehensive (loss) income.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

A summary of all recently issued accounting standards is contained in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The methods, estimates and judgments the Company uses in applying its most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results the Company reports in its consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, a different financial presentation could result depending on the judgments, estimates or assumptions that are used. The most critical accounting estimates are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results, and require the Company to make the most difficult and subjective judgments, often estimating the outcome of future events that are inherently uncertain. The Company’s most critical accounting estimates are related to:

Revenue recognition;
  
The valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets;
  
Income taxes; and
  
The Venture Agreement terminal obligation.

The Company’s critical accounting estimates have been reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is contained in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue is primarily generated from the sale of finished products to customers. This revenue is reported net of certain variable consideration provided to customers, generally in the form of one-time and ongoing trade-promotion programs. These trade-promotion programs include shelf price reductions, in-store merchandising, consumer coupons and other trade-related activities. Amounts accrued for trade-promotions are based on various factors such as contractual terms and sales volumes, and also incorporate estimates that include customer participation rates, the rate at which customers will achieve program performance criteria, product availability and historical consumer redemption rates. The actual amounts remitted to customers for these activities may differ from the Company’s estimates, depending on how actual results of the programs compare to the estimates. If the Company’s trade promotion accrual estimates as of June 30, 2022 were to increase or decrease by 10%, the impact on net sales would be approximately $19.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company tests its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fiscal fourth quarter unless there are indications during a different interim period that these assets may have become impaired.

Goodwill

For fiscal year 2022, the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes were its individual SBUs. These reporting units, which are also the Company’s operating segments, are the level at which discrete financial information is available and reviewed by the manager of the respective operating segments. The respective operating segment managers, who have responsibility for operating decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance within their respective segments, do not review financial information for components that are below the operating segment level.

In its evaluation of goodwill impairment, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as the maturity and stability of the reporting unit, the magnitude of the excess fair value over the carrying value from a prior period’s impairment testing, other reporting unit operating results, micro and macroeconomic factors, as well as new events and circumstances impacting the operations at the reporting unit level. If the test indicates a potential for impairment, a quantitative test is performed. In the

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quantitative test, the Company compares the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the reporting unit.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires significant judgments, assumptions and estimates by management which are subject to uncertainty. The Company uses a discounted cash flow (DCF) method under the income approach for its quantitative test, as it believes that this approach is the most reliable indicator of the fair value of its businesses and the fair value of their future earnings and cash flows. Under this approach, the Company estimates the future cash flows of each reporting unit and discounts these cash flows at a rate of return that reflects their relative risk. The cash flows used in the DCF method are consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning, which gives consideration to actual business trends experienced and the long-term business strategy. The other key estimates and factors used in the DCF method include, but are not limited to, net sales and expense growth rates, commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, inflation and a terminal growth rate. Future changes in the judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in the impairment testing for goodwill could result in significantly different estimates of the fair values and future impairment charges.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, as a result of lower than expected actual and projected net sales growth and operating performance for the VMS reporting unit, a strategic review was initiated by management that resulted in updated financial and operational plans. These events were considered a triggering event requiring interim impairment assessments to be performed on the VMS reporting unit, indefinite-lived trademarks and other assets. Based on the outcome of these assessments, a $228 goodwill impairment charge was recorded during the third quarter of fiscal year 2021. The results of the fiscal year 2022 annual impairment review indicated that the VMS reporting unit has a heightened risk of future impairments if any assumptions, estimates or market factors unfavorably change in the future. For perspective, if the discount rate as of June 30, 2022 were to increase by 100 basis points, the change to the estimated fair value of the VMS reporting unit would have resulted in impairment charges of approximately $10. No triggering events or impairments for goodwill related to the VMS reporting unit were identified during fiscal year 2022. The VMS reporting unit had goodwill of $306 as of June 30, 2022. The Company is closely monitoring any events, circumstances or changes in this business that might imply a further reduction in the estimated fair value and may lead to additional goodwill impairment.

Except for the VMS reporting unit discussed above, no heightened risk of impairment of reporting units was identified. No impairments were identified in fiscal year 2022 as a result of the Company’s impairment review performed annually during the fourth quarter or during any other quarters of fiscal year 2022.

Trademarks and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

For trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors, such as the maturity and stability of the trademark or other intangible asset, the magnitude of the excess fair value over carrying value from a prior period’s impairment testing, other specific operating results, as well as new events and circumstances impacting the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the intangible asset. If the result of a qualitative test indicates that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired, a quantitative test is performed. When a quantitative test is performed, the estimated fair value of an asset is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of such asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value. The Company uses a DCF method under the relief from royalty income approach to estimate the fair value of its trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives. This approach requires significant judgments in determining the royalty rates and the assets’ estimated cash flows, including consideration of related net sales growth rates, as well as the appropriate discount and foreign exchange rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value. Future changes in such estimates or the use of alternative assumptions could result in significantly different estimates of the fair values.

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During the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, as a result of the interim impairment assessments performed on various VMS assets, an $86 impairment charge to indefinite-lived trademarks was recorded.

No heightened risk of impairment or impairments were identified in fiscal year 2022 as a result of the Company’s impairment review performed annually during the fourth quarter or during any other quarters of fiscal year 2022.

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

Finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. The Company’s impairment review requires significant judgment by management, including estimating the future success of product lines, future sales volumes, revenue and expense growth rates, alternative uses for the assets and proceeds from the disposal of the assets. The Company reviews business plans for possible impairment indicators. The risk of impairment is initially assessed based on an estimate of the undiscounted cash flows at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. The asset (or asset group) is not recoverable when the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset. When impairment is indicated, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the asset’s (or asset group’s) carrying value and its estimated fair value. Depending on the asset, estimated fair value may be determined either by use of a DCF method or, if available, by reference to estimated selling values of assets in similar condition. These approaches require significant judgments in determining the assumptions utilized in the DCF or the selection of comparable assets, as applicable. Future changes in such estimates or the use of alternative assumptions could result in significantly different estimates of the fair values.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, as a result of the interim impairment assessments performed on various VMS assets, a $14 impairment charge to finite-lived intangible assets was recorded. Additionally during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, an impairment charge of $14 was recorded related to other intangible assets with finite lives that were no longer expected to be recoverable due to a pending exit from a Professional Products SBU supplier relationship.

No significant impairments for finite-lived intangible assets were identified in fiscal year 2022.

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate is based on income by tax jurisdiction, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to the Company in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s effective tax rate and in evaluating its tax positions.

The Company maintains valuation allowances when it is likely that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s income tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company takes into account many factors, including the specific tax jurisdiction, both historical and projected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods and tax planning strategies. Many of the judgments made in adjusting valuation allowances involve assumptions and estimates that are highly subjective. Valuation allowances maintained by the Company relate mostly to deferred tax assets arising from the Company’s currently anticipated inability to use net operating losses and tax credits in certain foreign countries.

In addition to valuation allowances, the Company establishes uncertain tax positions when such tax positions do not meet certain recognition thresholds or measurement standards as defined by generally accepted accounting principles. These uncertain tax positions are adjusted as a result of changes in factors such as tax legislation, interpretations of laws by courts, rulings by tax authorities, new audit developments, changes in estimates and the expiration of the statute of limitations. Amounts

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for uncertain tax positions are adjusted in quarters when new information becomes available or when positions are effectively settled. Many of the judgments made in adjusting uncertain tax positions involve assumptions and estimates regarding audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements, which are often uncertain and subject to change.

Venture Agreement Terminal Obligation

The Company has a Venture Agreement with P&G for the Company’s Glad bags and wraps business. As of June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, P&G had a 20% interest in the venture. Upon termination of the agreement, currently set for January 2026, unless the parties agree to a further extension, the Company is required to purchase P&G’s 20% interest for cash at fair value as established by predetermined valuation procedures. The Company’s obligation to purchase P&G’s interest is reflected in Other liabilities. The difference between the estimated fair value and the amount recognized, and any future changes in the fair value of P&G’s interest, is charged to Cost of products sold in accordance with the effective interest method over the remaining life of the agreement. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Venture Agreement.

The estimated fair value of P&G’s interest may increase or decrease up until any such purchase by the Company of P&G’s interest. The Company uses the DCF method under the income approach to estimate the fair value of P&G’s interest. Under this approach, the Company estimates the future cash flows and discounts these cash flows at a rate of return that reflects its risk. The cash flows used are consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning, which gives consideration to actual business trends experienced and the long-term business strategy. The other key assumptions and estimates used include, but are not limited to, net sales and expense growth rates, commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, discount rates, inflation and terminal growth rates. Fair value determination requires significant judgment, assumptions and market factors which are uncertain and subject to change. Changes in the judgments, assumptions and market factors used could result in significantly different estimates of fair value. For perspective, if the discount rate as of June 30, 2022 were to increase or decrease by 100 basis points, the estimated fair value of P&G’s interest would decrease by approximately $75 or increase by approximately $98, respectively. Such changes would affect the amount of future charges to Cost of products sold.

SUMMARY OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The non-GAAP financial measures that may be included in this MD&A and Exhibit 99.2 and the reasons management believes they are useful to investors are described below. These measures should be considered supplemental in nature and are not intended to be a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, these measures may not be the same as similarly named measures presented by other companies.

Free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operations less capital expenditures. The Company’s management uses this measure and free cash flow as a percentage of net sales to help assess the cash generation ability of the business and funds available for investing activities, such as acquisitions, investing in the business to drive growth, and financing activities, including debt payments, dividend payments and stock repurchases. Free cash flow does not represent cash available only for discretionary expenditures, since the Company has mandatory debt service requirements and other contractual and non-discretionary expenditures. Refer to “Free cash flow” and “Free cash flow as a percentage of net sales” above for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures.

EBIT represents earnings before income taxes, interest income and interest expense. EBIT margin is the ratio of EBIT to net sales. The Company’s management believes these measures provide useful additional information to investors to enhance their understanding about trends in the Company’s operations and are useful for period-over-period comparisons.

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Economic profit (EP) is defined by the Company as earnings before income taxes, excluding certain U.S. GAAP items (such as asset impairments, charges related to digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment, significant losses/(gains) related to acquisitions and other non-recurring or unusual items) and interest expense; less income taxes (calculated based on the Company’s effective tax rate excluding the identified U.S. GAAP items), and less after tax profit attributable to noncontrolling interests, and less a capital charge (calculated as average capital employed multiplied by a cost of capital rate). EP is a key financial metric that the Company’s management uses to evaluate business performance and allocate resources, and is a component in determining employee incentive compensation. The Company’s management believes EP provides additional perspective to investors about financial returns generated by the business and represents profit generated over and above the cost of capital used by the business to generate that profit. Refer to Exhibit 99.2 for a reconciliation of EP to earnings before income taxes.

Organic sales growth / (decrease) is defined as net sales growth excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate changes and any acquisitions and divestitures. Management believes that the presentation of organic sales growth / (decrease) is useful to investors because it excludes sales from any acquisitions and divestitures, which results in a comparison of sales only from the businesses that the Company was operating and expects to continue to operate throughout the relevant periods, and the Company’s estimate of the impact of foreign exchange rate changes, which are difficult to predict, and out of the control of the Company and management.

The following table provides a reconciliation of organic sales growth / (decrease) (non-GAAP) to net sales growth / (decrease) (GAAP), the most comparable GAAP measure:

Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2022
Percentage change versus the year-ago period
Health
and
Wellness
Household Lifestyle International Total
Net sales growth / (decrease) (GAAP)             (10 )%               — %       3 %       2 %       (3 )%
Add: Foreign Exchange       — 4 1
Add/(Subtract): Divestitures/Acquisitions              —
Organic sales growth / (decrease) (non-GAAP) (10 )% % 3 % 6 % (2 )%

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this Report), including the exhibits hereto and the information incorporated by reference herein, contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, among others, statements related to the expected or potential impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the related responses of governments, consumers, customers, suppliers, employees and the Company, on our business, operations, employees, financial condition and results of operations, and any such forward-looking statements, whether concerning the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties. Except for historical information, statements about future volumes, sales, organic sales growth, foreign currencies, costs, cost savings, margins, earnings, earnings per share, diluted earnings per share, foreign currency exchange rates, tax rates, cash flows, plans, objectives, expectations, growth or profitability are forward-looking statements based on management’s estimates, beliefs, assumptions and projections. Words such as “could,” “may,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “will,” “predicts,” and variations on such words, and similar expressions that reflect our current views with respect to future events and operational, economic and financial performance are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Important factors that

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could affect performance and cause results to differ materially from management’s expectations are described in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Report, as updated from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These factors include, but are not limited to:

the impact of the changing retail environment, including the growth of alternative retail channels and business models, and changing consumer preferences;
  
volatility and increases in the costs of raw materials, energy, transportation, labor and other necessary supplies or services;
  
the ability of the Company to drive sales growth, increase prices and market share, grow its product categories and manage favorable product and geographic mix;
  
risks related to supply chain issues, product shortages and disruptions to the business, as a result of increased supply chain dependencies due to an expanded supplier network and a reliance on certain single-source suppliers;
  
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related impacts, including on the availability of, and efficiency of the supply, manufacturing and distribution systems for, the Company’s products, including any significant disruption to such systems; on the demand for and sales of the Company’s products; and on worldwide, regional and local adverse economic conditions
  
intense competition in the Company’s markets;
  
unfavorable general economic and political conditions beyond our control, including recent supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, wage pressures, rising inflation, fuel and energy costs, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, weather events or natural disasters, disease outbreaks or pandemics, such as COVID-19, terrorism, and unstable geopolitical conditions, including the conflict in Ukraine;
  
risks related to the Company’s use of and reliance on information technology systems, including potential security breaches, cyber-attacks, privacy breaches or data breaches that result in the unauthorized disclosure of consumer, customer, employee or Company information, or service interruptions, especially at a time when a large number of the Company’s employees are working remotely and accessing its technology infrastructure remotely;
  
the ability of the Company to implement and generate cost savings and efficiencies, and successfully implement its business strategies, including achieving anticipated results and cost savings from the implementation of the streamlined operating model;
  
dependence on key customers and risks related to customer consolidation and ordering patterns;
  
the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel, which may continue to be impacted by challenges in the labor market, such as wage inflation and sustained labor shortages;
  
the Company’s ability to maintain its business reputation and the reputation of its brands and products;
  
lower revenue, increased costs or reputational harm resulting from government actions and compliance with regulations, or any material costs imposed by changes in regulation;
  
the ability of the Company to successfully manage global political, legal, tax and regulatory risks, including changes in regulatory or administrative activity;

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risks related to international operations and international trade, including changing macroeconomic conditions as a result of inflation, volatile commodity prices and increases in raw and packaging materials prices, labor, energy and logistics; global economic or political instability; foreign currency fluctuations, such as devaluations, and foreign currency exchange rate controls; changes in governmental policies, including trade, travel or immigration restrictions, new or additional tariffs, and price or other controls; labor claims and civil unrest; continued high levels of inflation in Argentina; potential disruption from wars and military conflicts, including the conflict in Ukraine; impact of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union; potential negative impact and liabilities from the use, storage and transportation of chlorine in certain international markets where chlorine is used in the production of bleach; widespread health emergencies, such as COVID-19; and the possibility of nationalization, expropriation of assets or other government action;
  
the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, including those related to climate change and sustainability on our sales, operating costs or reputation;
  
the ability of the Company to innovate and to develop and introduce commercially successful products, or expand into adjacent categories and countries;
  
the impact of product liability claims, labor claims and other legal, governmental or tax proceedings, including in foreign jurisdictions and in connection with any product recalls;
  
risks relating to acquisitions, new ventures and divestitures, and associated costs; and the ability to complete announced transactions and, if completed, integration costs and potential contingent liabilities related to those transactions;
  
the accuracy of the Company’s estimates and assumptions on which its financial projections, including any sales or earnings guidance or outlook it may provide from time to time, are based;
  
risks related to additional increases in the estimated fair value of P&G’s interest in the Glad business;
  
environmental matters, including costs associated with the remediation and monitoring of past contamination, and possible increases in costs resulting from actions by relevant regulators, and the handling and/or transportation of hazardous substances;
  
the Company’s ability to effectively utilize, assert and defend its intellectual property rights, and any infringement or claimed infringement by the Company of third-party intellectual property rights;
  
the performance of strategic alliances and other business relationships;
  
the effect of the Company’s indebtedness and credit rating on its business operations and financial results and the Company’s ability to access capital markets and other funding sources;
  
the Company’s ability to pay and declare dividends or repurchase its stock in the future;
  
the impacts of potential stockholder activism; and
  
risks related to any litigation associated with the exclusive forum provision in the Company’s bylaws.

The Company’s forward-looking statements in this Report are based on management’s current views, beliefs, assumptions and expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this Report. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the federal securities laws. In this Report, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “the Company,” “Clorox,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to The Clorox Company and its subsidiaries.

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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework published in 2013. Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2022, and concluded that it is effective.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2022, as stated in their report, which is included herein.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of The Clorox Company

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Clorox Company (the Company) as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at June 30, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated August 10, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements

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are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Valuation of Goodwill and Trademarks with Indefinite Lives

Description of the Matter

     

At June 30, 2022, the Company’s goodwill was $1.6 billion and represented 25% of total assets; trademarks with indefinite lives was $668 million and represented 11% of total assets. As discussed in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives are tested by the Company’s management for impairment at least annually, in the fiscal fourth quarter, unless there are indications of impairment at other points throughout the year. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level.

Auditing the Company’s annual impairment test for goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives is complex and highly judgmental and required the involvement of a valuation specialist due to the significant judgment in estimating the fair value of reporting units and trademarks with indefinite lives. In particular, the fair value estimates of reporting units with fair values that do not significantly exceed or that fall below their carrying values are sensitive to assumptions such as net sales growth rates, gross margins and discount rates. Trademarks with indefinite lives with fair values that do not significantly exceed or that fall below their carrying values are sensitive to assumptions such as net sales growth rates, discount rates and royalty rates. All of these assumptions are sensitive to and affected by expected future market or economic conditions, particularly those in emerging markets, and industry and company-specific qualitative factors.

                         

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How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s goodwill and trademarks impairment review process. This included evaluating controls over the Company’s budgetary and forecasting process used to develop the estimated future earnings and cash flows used in estimating the fair value of reporting units and trademarks with indefinite lives. We also tested controls over management’s review of the data used in their valuation models and review of the significant assumptions such as estimation of net sales, expense growth rates and terminal growth rates.

To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units and trademarks with indefinite lives (with fair values that do not significantly exceed or that fall below carrying values), we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing the methodologies, testing the significant assumptions discussed above used to develop the estimates of future earnings and cash flows and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to current industry and economic trends, the Company’s historical results and other guideline companies within the same industry, and we evaluated whether changes in the Company’s business would affect the significant assumptions. We assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimates and performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the fair value of the reporting units and trademarks with indefinite lives resulting from changes in these assumptions. We involved our valuation specialists to assist in reviewing the valuation methodology and testing the terminal growth rates, discount rates and royalty rates.

In addition, for goodwill we also tested the Company’s calculation of implied multiples of the reporting units, compared them to guideline companies and evaluated the resulting premium. For trademarks with indefinite lives, where applicable, we also assessed whether the assumptions used were consistent with those used in the goodwill impairment review process.

Valuation of Venture Agreement Terminal Obligation

                               
Description of the Matter

As discussed in Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company has an agreement with The Proctor & Gamble Company (P&G) for the Company’s Glad bags and wraps business, for which the Company is required to purchase P&G’s 20% interest in the venture for cash at fair value of the global Glad business upon termination of the agreement. At June 30, 2021, the fair value of $468 million has been recognized as a venture agreement terminal obligation and represented 9% of total liabilities.

Auditing the Company’s Glad venture agreement terminal obligation is complex and highly judgmental and required the involvement of a valuation specialist due to the significant judgment in estimating the fair value of the global Glad business. In particular, the fair value estimate is sensitive to assumptions such as net sales growth rates, gross margins, discount rate and commodity prices. These assumptions are sensitive to and affected by expected future market or economic conditions, particularly those in emerging markets, and industry and company-specific qualitative factors.


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How We
Addressed the
Matter in Our
Audit

                         
     

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the venture agreement terminal obligation valuation review process. This included controls over the Company’s budgetary and forecasting process used to develop the estimated fair value of the global Glad business. We also tested management’s controls over the data used in their valuation models and review of the significant assumptions such as estimation of net sales, expense growth rates, terminal growth rates and commodity prices.

To test the estimated fair value of the venture agreement terminal obligation, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing the methodologies, testing the significant assumptions discussed above used to develop estimates of future earnings and cash flows, and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to current industry and economic trends, the Company’s historical results and other guideline companies within the same industry, and we evaluated whether changes in the Company’s business, including shifts in consumer demands and commodity prices, would affect the significant assumptions. We assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimates and performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the fair value of the venture agreement terminal obligation resulting from changes in these assumptions. We involved our valuation specialists to assist in reviewing the valuation methodology and testing the terminal growth rates and discount rates.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2003.

San Francisco, CA
August 10, 2022

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of The Clorox Company

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited The Clorox Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, The Clorox Company (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2022, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of The Clorox Company as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”) and our report dated August 10, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Francisco, CA
August 10, 2022

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Appendix A

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
The Clorox Company

Years ended June 30            
             
Dollars in millions, except per share data       2022       2021       2020
Net sales $      7,107 $      7,341 $      6,721
Cost of products sold 4,562 4,142 3,658
Gross profit 2,545 3,199 3,063
Selling and administrative expenses 954 1,004 969
Advertising costs 709 790 675
Research and development costs 132 149 145
Goodwill, trademark and other asset impairments 329
Interest expense 106 99 99
Other (income) expense, net 37 (72 ) (10 )
Earnings before income taxes 607 900 1,185
Income taxes 136 181 246
Net earnings 471 719 939
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 9 9
Net earnings attributable to Clorox $ 462 $ 710 $ 939
Net earnings per share attributable to Clorox
Basic net earnings per share $ 3.75 $ 5.66 $ 7.46
Diluted net earnings per share $ 3.73 $ 5.58 $ 7.36
Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands)
Basic 123,113 125,570 125,828
Diluted 123,906 127,299 127,671

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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Appendix A

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The Clorox Company

Years ended June 30            
             
Dollars in millions       2022       2021       2020
Net earnings $      471 $      719 $      939
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency adjustments, net of tax (45 ) 47 (36 )
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax 100 39 5
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax 12 8 (7 )
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax 67 94 (38 )
Comprehensive income 538 813 901
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling
interests
9 9
Total comprehensive income attributable to Clorox $ 529 $ 804 $ 901

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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Appendix A

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
The Clorox Company

As of June 30
Dollars in millions, except per share data
      2022       2021
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $      183 $      319
Receivables, net 681 604
Inventories, net 755 752
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 106 154
Total current assets 1,725 1,829
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,334 1,302
Operating lease right-of-use assets 342 332
Goodwill 1,558 1,575
Trademarks, net 687 693
Other intangible assets, net 197 225
Other assets 315 378
Total assets $ 6,158 $ 6,334
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes and loans payable $ 237 $
Current maturities of long-term debt 300
Current operating lease liabilities 78 81
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,469 1,675
Total current liabilities 1,784 2,056
Long-term debt 2,474 2,484
Long-term operating lease liabilities 314 301
Other liabilities 791 834
Deferred income taxes 66 67
Total liabilities 5,429 5,742
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock: $1.00 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or
outstanding
Common stock: $1.00 par value; 750,000,000 shares authorized; 130,741,461 shares
issued as of June 30, 2022 and 2021; and 123,152,132 and 122,780,220 shares
outstanding as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively
131 131
Additional paid-in capital 1,202 1,186
Retained earnings 1,048 1,036
Treasury stock, at cost: 7,589,329 and 7,961,241 shares as of June 30, 2022 and 2021,
respectively
(1,346 ) (1,396 )
Accumulated other comprehensive net (loss) income (479 ) (546 )
Total Clorox stockholders’ equity 556 411
Noncontrolling interests 173 181
Total stockholders’ equity 729 592
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 6,158 $ 6,334

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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Appendix A

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
The Clorox Company

(Dollars in millions except per
share data; shares in thousands)
   Common Stock    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
   Treasury Stock    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Net (Loss)
Income
  

Non-
controlling
interests

   Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Amount    Shares Amount    Shares
Balance as of June 30, 2019 $ 159 158,741 $    1,046 $ 3,150 $ (3,194 ) (33,055 ) $               (602 ) $ $ 559
Cumulative effect of accounting
changes (1)
22 22
Net earnings 939 939
Other comprehensive
(loss) income
(38 ) (38 )
Dividends to Clorox stockholders
($4.29 per share declared)
(544 )            (544 )
Stock-based compensation 50 50
Other employee stock
plan activities
41 121 2,043 162
Treasury stock purchased (242 ) (1,531 ) (242 )
Balance as of June 30, 2020 159 158,741 1,137 3,567 (3,315 ) (32,543 ) (640 ) 908
Net earnings 710 9 719
Other comprehensive
(loss) income
94 94
Dividends to Clorox stockholders
($4.49 per share declared)
(564 ) (564 )
Dividends to
noncontrolling interests
(26 ) (26 )
Business combinations
including purchase
accounting adjustments
       198 198
Stock-based compensation 50 50
Other employee stock
plan activities
(1 ) (37 ) 156 1,340 118
Treasury stock purchased (905 ) (4,758 ) (905 )
Treasury stock retirement (28) (28,000 ) (2,640 ) 2,668 28,000
Balance as of June 30, 2021 131 130,741 1,186 1,036 (1,396 ) (7,961 ) (546 ) 181 592
Net earnings 462 9 471
Other comprehensive
(loss) income
67 67
Dividends to Clorox stockholders
($3.48 per share declared)
(430 ) (430 )
Dividends to
noncontrolling interests
(17 ) (17 )
Stock-based compensation 52 52
Other employee stock
plan activities
(36 ) (20 ) 75 524 19
Treasury stock purchased (25 ) (152 ) (25 )
Balance as of June 30, 2022 $ 131 130,741 $ 1,202 $ 1,048 $ (1,346 ) (7,589 ) $ (479 ) $ 173 $ 729

(1) As a result of adopting ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (ASC 842),” on July 1, 2019, the Company recorded a cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance as an adjustment to the fiscal year 2020 opening balance of Retained earnings.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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Appendix A

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The Clorox Company

Years ended June 30
Dollars in millions
      2022       2021       2020
Operating activities:
Net earnings $ 471 $ 719 $ 939
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization 224 211 180
Stock-based compensation 52 50 50
Deferred income taxes 5 (32 ) (2 )
Goodwill, trademark and other asset impairments 329
Settlement of interest rate derivative contracts 114
Other 19 10 30
Changes in:
Receivables, net (84 ) 82 (27 )
Inventories, net (18 ) (282 ) 50
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 16 (30 ) 2
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (47 ) 311 291
Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities, net (1 ) (2 ) 19
Income taxes payable/prepaid 35 (90 ) 14
Net cash provided by operations 786 1,276 1,546
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures (251 ) (331 ) (254 )
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired (85 ) — 
Other 22 (36 ) 2  
Net cash used for investing activities (229 ) (452 ) (252 )
Financing activities:
Notes and loans payable, net 237 (396 )
Long-term debt repayments (1,405 )
Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs paid 1,085 492
Treasury stock purchased (25 ) (905 ) (248 )
Cash dividends paid to Clorox stockholders (571 ) (558 ) (533 )
Cash dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (15 ) (31 )
Issuance of common stock for employee stock plans and other 5 103 162
Net cash used for financing activities (689 ) (1,391 ) (523 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (6 ) 12 (5 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (138 ) (555 ) 766
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Beginning of year 324 879 113
End of year $ 186 $ 324 $ 879
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid $ 89 $ 89 $ 89
Income taxes paid, net of refunds 100 303 241
Non-cash financing activities:
Cash dividends declared and accrued, but not paid 14 156   140

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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Appendix A

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Clorox Company
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

The Company is principally engaged in the production, marketing and sale of consumer products through mass retailers, grocery outlets, warehouse clubs, dollar stores, home hardware centers, drug, pet and military stores, third-party and owned e-commerce channels, and distributors. The consolidated financial statements include the statements of the Company and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts were eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to reach opinions as to estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Specific areas requiring the application of management’s estimates and judgments include, among others, assumptions pertaining to accruals for consumer and trade-promotion programs, stock-based compensation, retirement income plans, future cash flows associated with impairment testing of goodwill and other long-lived assets and the valuation of the venture agreement terminal obligation, the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with a business combination, the credit worthiness of customers, uncertain tax positions, tax valuation allowances and legal, environmental and insurance matters. Actual results could materially differ from estimates and assumptions made.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid interest-bearing accounts, time deposits held by financial institutions and money market funds with an initial maturity at purchase of 90 days or less. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates the carrying amount.

The Company’s cash position includes amounts held by foreign subsidiaries and, as a result, the repatriation of certain cash balances from some of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries could result in additional withholding tax costs in certain foreign jurisdictions. However, these cash balances are generally available without legal restriction to fund local business operations. In addition, a portion of the Company’s cash balance is held in U.S. dollars by foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is their local currency. Such U.S. dollar balances are reported on the foreign subsidiaries’ books in their functional currency, and the impact on such balances from foreign currency exchange rate differences is recorded in Other (income) expense, net.

As of June 30, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company had $3, $5, $8 and $2 of restricted cash, respectively, which was included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets. The restricted cash as of June 30, 2022 was primarily related to cash margin deposits held for exchange-traded futures contracts and funds held in an escrow account with limitations on usage.

Inventories

The Company values its inventories using both the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) methods. The FIFO inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which includes any costs to sell or dispose. In addition, appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, excessive inventory levels, product deterioration and other factors in evaluating net realizable value. The LIFO inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market.

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Appendix A

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

Property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization expense are primarily calculated by the straight-line method using the estimated useful lives or lives determined by reference to the related lease contract in the case of leasehold improvements. The table below provides estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment by asset classification.

      Estimated
Useful Lives
Buildings and leasehold improvements 7 - 40 years
Land improvements 10 - 30 years
Machinery and equipment 3 - 15 years
Computer equipment 3 - 5 years
Capitalized software costs 3 - 7 years

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 7 to 30 years.

Property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (or asset group) may not be fully recoverable. The risk of impairment is initially assessed based on an estimate of the undiscounted cash flows at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. Impairment occurs when the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset (or asset group). When impairment is indicated, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) and its estimated fair market value. Depending on the asset, estimated fair market value may be determined either by use of a discounted cash flow model or by reference to estimated selling values of assets in similar condition.

Capitalization of Software Costs

The Company capitalizes certain qualifying costs incurred in the acquisition and development of software for internal use, including the costs of the software, materials, consultants, interest and payroll and payroll-related costs for employees during the application development stage. Internal and external costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and post implementation-operation stage, mainly training and maintenance costs, are expensed as incurred. Once the application is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, qualifying costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software’s estimated useful life. Capitalized internal use software is included in Property, plant and equipment. Capitalized software as a service is included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets or Other assets and is amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the hosting arrangement which is typically no greater than 6 years.

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Business Combinations

The Company records acquired businesses within the consolidated financial statements using the acquisition method prospectively from the acquisition date. Under the acquisition method, once control is obtained, assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, are recorded at their respective fair values on the acquisition date. The Company’s estimates of fair value are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. The excess of the total of the purchase consideration, fair value of the noncontrolling interest and fair value of the previously held equity interest over the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Measurement period adjustments to the fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill, if applicable, are applied in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined based on new information obtained during the measurement period. In the event of a step acquisition, the Company records a gain or loss in Other income (expense), net on the consolidated statement of earnings as a result of remeasuring a previously held equity interest to fair value on the acquisition date. Transaction expenses are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.

Impairment Review of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

The Company tests its goodwill, trademarks with indefinite lives and other indefinite-lived intangible assets annually for impairment in the fiscal fourth quarter unless there are indications during a different interim period that these assets may have become impaired.

With respect to goodwill, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors, such as the maturity and stability of the reporting unit, the magnitude of the excess fair value over carrying value from a previous period’s impairment testing, other reporting unit specific operating results, micro and macroeconomic factors, as well as new events and circumstances impacting the operations at the reporting unit level. Reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes were its individual strategic business units (SBUs). If the result of a qualitative test indicates a potential for impairment of a reporting unit, a quantitative test is performed. In the quantitative test, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the reporting unit.

To determine the fair value of a reporting unit as part of its quantitative test, the Company uses the discounted cash flow (DCF) method under the income approach, as it believes that this approach is the most reliable indicator of the fair value of its businesses and the fair value of their future earnings and cash flows. Under this approach, which requires significant judgments, the Company estimates the future cash flows of each reporting unit and discounts these cash flows at a rate of return that reflects their relative risk. The cash flows used in the DCF method are consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning, which gives consideration to actual business trends experienced, and the broader business strategy for the long term. The other key estimates and factors used in the DCF method include, but are not limited to, net sales and expense growth rates, commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, inflation and a terminal growth rate. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

For trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors, such as the maturity and stability of the trademark or other intangible asset, the magnitude of the excess fair value over carrying value from a previous period’s impairment testing, other specific operating results, as well as new events and circumstances impacting the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the intangible asset. If the result of a qualitative test indicates that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired, a quantitative test is performed. When a quantitative test is performed, the estimated fair value of an asset is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of such asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded

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Appendix A

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

for the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value. The Company uses the DCF method under the relief from royalty income approach to estimate the fair value of its trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives. This approach requires significant judgments in determining the royalty rates and the assets’ estimated cash flows, as well as the appropriate discount and foreign exchange rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value. Changes in such estimates or the use of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

Leases

The Company determines whether an arrangement contains a lease at inception by determining if the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration and other facts and circumstances. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets are calculated based on the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments paid to the lessor at or before the commencement date and initial direct costs incurred by the Company and excludes any lease incentives received from the lessor. Lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. The lease term may include an option to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option as of the commencement date of the lease, and is reviewed in subsequent periods if a triggering event occurs. As the Company’s leases typically do not contain a readily determinable implicit rate, the Company determines the present value of the lease liability using its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date based on the lease term and the currency of the lease on a collateralized basis. Variable lease payments are the portion of lease payments that are not fixed over the lease term. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred, and include certain non-lease components, such as maintenance and other services provided by the lessor, and other charges included in the lease, as applicable. The Company elected to combine lease and non-lease components as a single lease component and to exclude short-term leases, defined as leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, from its consolidated balance sheet.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company grants various nonqualified stock-based compensation awards to eligible employees, including stock options, restricted stock awards and performance shares.

For stock options, the Company estimates the fair value of each award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which requires management to make estimates regarding expected option life, stock price volatility and other assumptions. Groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The Company estimates stock option forfeitures based on historical data for each employee grouping. The total number of stock options expected to vest is adjusted by actual and estimated forfeitures. Changes to the actual and estimated forfeitures will result in a cumulative adjustment in the period of change. Compensation expense is recorded by amortizing the grant date fair values on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, adjusted for estimated forfeitures.

For restricted stock awards, the fair value of each grant issued is estimated on the date of grant based on the current market price of the stock. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical data. The total number of restricted stock awards expected to vest is adjusted by actual and estimated forfeitures. Changes to the actual and estimated forfeitures will result in a cumulative adjustment in the period of change. Compensation expense is recorded by amortizing the grant date fair values on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, adjusted for estimated forfeitures.

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

The Company’s performance shares provide for the issuance of common stock to certain managerial staff and executive management if the Company achieves specified performance targets. The number of shares issued is dependent upon the achievement of specified performance targets. The performance period is three years and the payout determination is made at the end of the three-year performance period. Performance shares receive dividends earned during the vesting period upon vesting. The fair value of each grant issued is estimated on the date of grant based on the current market price of the stock. The total amount of compensation expense recognized reflects estimated forfeiture rates and management’s assessment of the probability that performance goals will be achieved. A cumulative adjustment is recognized to compensation expense in the current period to reflect any changes in the probability of achievement of performance goals.

Cash flows resulting from tax deductions in excess of the cumulative compensation cost recognized for stock-based payment arrangements (excess tax benefits) are classified as operating cash inflows.

Employee Benefits

The Company accounts for its retirement income and retirement health care plans using actuarial methods. These methods use an attribution approach that generally spreads “plan events” over the service lives or expected lifetime (for frozen plans) of plan participants. Examples of plan events are plan amendments and changes in actuarial assumptions such as the expected return on plan assets, discount rate, rate of compensation increase and certain employee-related factors, such as retirement age and mortality. The principle underlying the attribution approach is that employees render service over their employment period on a relatively “smooth” basis and, therefore, the statement of earnings effects of retirement income and retirement health care plans are recognized in the same pattern. One of the principal assumptions used in the net periodic benefit cost calculation is the expected return on plan assets. The expected return on plan assets may result in recognized expense or income that differs from the actual returns of those plan assets in any given year. Over time, however, the goal is for the expected long-term returns to approximate the actual returns and, therefore, the expectation is that the pattern of income and expense recognition should closely match the pattern of the services provided by the participants. The Company uses a market-related value method for calculating plan assets for purposes of determining the amortization of actuarial gains and losses. The differences between actual and expected returns are recognized in the net periodic benefit cost calculation over the average remaining service period or expected lifetime (for frozen plans) of the plan participants using the corridor approach. Under this approach, only actuarial gains (losses) that exceed 5% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of assets are amortized to the Company’s net periodic benefit cost. In developing its expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the long-term actual returns relative to the mix of investments that comprise its plan assets and also develops estimates of future investment returns by considering external sources.

The Company recognizes an actuarial-based obligation at the onset of disability for certain benefits provided to individuals after employment, but before retirement, that includes medical, dental, vision, life and other benefits.

Environmental Costs

The Company is involved in certain environmental remediation and ongoing compliance activities. Accruals for environmental matters are recorded on a site-by-site basis when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and based upon a reasonable estimate of the liability. The Company’s accruals reflect the anticipated participation of other potentially responsible parties in those instances where it is probable that such parties are legally responsible and financially capable of paying their respective shares of the relevant costs. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates, given the inherent

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures. The accrual for environmental matters is included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets on an undiscounted basis due to uncertainty regarding the timing of future payments.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue is primarily generated from the sale of finished product to customers. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when performance obligations under the terms of customer contracts are satisfied, which is when ownership, risks and rewards transfer, and can be on the date of shipment or the date of receipt by the customer, depending upon the particular customer arrangement. Shipping and handling activities are accounted for as contract fulfillment costs and included within Cost of products sold. After the completion of the performance obligation, there is an unconditional right to consideration as outlined in the contract. A right is considered unconditional if nothing other than the passage of time is required before payment of that consideration is due. The Company typically collects its customer receivables within two months. All performance obligations under the terms of contracts with customers have an original duration of one year or less.

The Company has trade promotion programs, which primarily include shelf price reductions, in-store merchandising and consumer coupons. The costs of such activities, defined as variable consideration under ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” are netted against sales and recorded when the related sales take place. Accruals for trade promotion programs are established based on the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle existing and future obligations for products sold as of the balance sheet date. Amounts accrued for trade-promotions are based on various factors such as contractual terms and sales volumes, and also incorporate estimates that include customer participation rates, the rate at which customers will achieve program performance criteria, product availability and historical consumer redemption rates.

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its historical experience and ongoing assessment of its customers’ credit risk and aging. Customer receivables are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $9 and $8 as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Receivables, net, include non-customer receivables of $22 and $22 as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and related allowance of $0 and $14 as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold represents the costs directly related to the manufacture and distribution of the Company’s products and primarily includes raw materials, packaging, contract manufacturing fees, shipping and handling, warehousing, package design, depreciation, amortization, direct and indirect labor and operating costs for the Company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities, including salary, benefit costs and incentive compensation, and royalties and other charges related to the Company’s Glad Venture Agreement (See Note 8).

Costs associated with developing and designing new packaging, including design, artwork, films and labeling, are expensed as incurred and included within Cost of products sold.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses represent costs incurred by the Company in generating revenues and managing the business and include market research, commissions and certain administrative expenses. Administrative expenses include salary, benefits, incentive compensation, professional fees and services and other operating costs (such as software and licensing costs) associated with the Company’s non-manufacturing, non-research and development operations.

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Advertising and Research and Development Costs

The Company expenses advertising and research and development costs in the period incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement amounts and their respective tax basis. Management reviews the Company’s deferred tax assets to determine whether their value can be realized based upon available evidence. A valuation allowance is established when management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s income tax provision in the period of change. In addition to valuation allowances, the Company provides for uncertain tax positions when such tax positions do not meet certain recognition thresholds or measurement standards. Amounts for uncertain tax positions are adjusted in quarters when new information becomes available or when positions are effectively settled.

Per U.S. GAAP, foreign withholding taxes are provided on unremitted foreign earnings that are not indefinitely reinvested at the time the earnings are generated. The Company regularly reviews and assesses whether there are any changes to its indefinite reinvestment assertion and determined that none of the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries are indefinitely reinvested. As a result, the Company is providing foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings of all foreign subsidiaries where applicable.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

Local currencies are the functional currencies for substantially all of the Company’s foreign operations. When the transactional currency is different than the functional currency, transaction gains and losses are included as a component of Other (income) expense, net. In addition, certain assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than a foreign subsidiary’s functional currency are reported on the subsidiary’s books in its functional currency, with the impact from exchange rate differences recorded in Other (income) expense, net. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while income and expenses are translated at the respective average monthly exchange rates during the year.

Gains and losses on foreign currency translations are reported as a component of Other comprehensive (loss) income. The income tax effect of currency translation adjustments is recorded as a component of deferred taxes with an offset to Other comprehensive (loss) income where appropriate.

Effective July 1, 2018, under the requirements of U.S. GAAP, Argentina was designated as a highly inflationary economy, since it has experienced cumulative inflation of approximately 100 percent or more over a three-year period. As a result, beginning July 1, 2018, the U.S. dollar replaced the Argentine peso as the functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries in Argentina (collectively, “Clorox Argentina”). Consequently, gains and losses from non-U.S. dollar denominated monetary assets and liabilities for Clorox Argentina are recognized in Other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Derivative Instruments

The Company’s use of derivative instruments, principally swaps, futures and forward contracts, is limited to non-trading purposes and is designed to partially manage exposure to changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currencies. The Company’s contracts are hedges for transactions with notional amounts and periods consistent with the related exposures and do not constitute investments independent of these exposures.

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Appendix A

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

The changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets with an offset to Net earnings or Other comprehensive (loss) income depending on whether, for accounting purposes, it has been designated and qualifies as an accounting hedge and, if so, on the type of hedging relationship. The criteria used to determine if hedge accounting treatment is appropriate are: (a) formal designation and documentation of the hedging relationship, the risk management objective and hedging strategy at hedge inception; (b) eligibility of hedged items, transactions and corresponding hedging instrument; and (c) effectiveness of the hedging relationship both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis in achieving the hedging objectives. For those derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments, the Company must designate the hedging instrument either as a fair value hedge or as a cash flow hedge. The Company designates its commodity forward and future contracts for forecasted purchases of raw materials, interest rate contracts for forecasted interest payments, and foreign currency forward contracts for forecasted purchases of inventory as cash flow hedges. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company had no hedging instruments designated as fair value hedges.

For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, gains or losses are reported as a component of Other comprehensive (loss) income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. From time to time, the Company may have contracts not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, for which it recognizes changes in the fair value in the consolidated statement of earnings in the current period. Cash flows from hedging activities are classified as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (ASC 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which removes certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC 740 and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. Certain amendments must be applied prospectively, certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective basis and certain amendments must be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company adopted this standard as of July 1, 2021. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2. BUSINESS ACQUIRED

Saudi Joint Venture Acquisition

On July 9, 2020, the Company increased its investment in each of the two entities comprising its joint venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Saudi joint venture). The joint venture offers customers in the Gulf region a range of cleaning and disinfecting products. The Company had previously accounted for its 30 percent investment of $27 as of June 30, 2020, under the equity method of accounting. Subsequent to the closing of this transaction, the Company's total ownership interest in each of the entities increased to 51 percent. The Company has consolidated this joint venture into its consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and reflects operations within the International reportable segment. The equity and income attributable to the other joint venture owners is recorded and presented as noncontrolling interests.

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Appendix A

NOTE 2. BUSINESS ACQUIRED (Continued)

The total purchase consideration of $111 consisted of $100 cash paid, which was sourced from operations, and $11 from the net effective settlement of preexisting arrangements between the Company and the joint venture. The assets and liabilities of the joint venture were recorded at their respective estimated fair value as of the acquisition date using generally accepted accounting principles for business combinations. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired was allocated to goodwill in the International reportable segment in the amount of $208. The goodwill is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition and reflected the value of further growth anticipated in the Gulf region. None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

As a result of this transaction, the carrying value of the Company’s previously held equity investment was remeasured to fair value, and resulted in an $85 non-recurring, non-cash gain recorded in Other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statement of earnings and adjusted in Other operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The fair values of the noncontrolling interests and previously held equity interest were determined using the DCF method under the income approach. Under this approach, the Company estimated future cash flows and discounts these cash flows at a rate of return that reflected the entities’ relative risk.

The purchase price allocation was finalized during the second quarter of fiscal year 2021. The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation for the fair value of the joint venture’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the related deferred income taxes as of the acquisition date. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed reflects the final insignificant measurement period adjustments related to goodwill, deferred income taxes and income taxes payable. The finite-lived intangibles acquired primarily represent the Company reacquiring previously licensed trademarks and customer relationships. The weighted-average estimated useful life of intangible assets subject to amortization was 9 years.

      Joint Venture
Goodwill $             208
Reacquired rights (included in Other intangible assets, net) 138
Property, plant and equipment 46
Customer relationships (included in Other intangible assets, net) 10
Working capital, net (includes cash acquired of $26) 34
Noncurrent liabilities net (5 )
Deferred income taxes (19 )
Total fair value of net assets 412
Less: Fair value of noncontrolling interests (198 )
Less: Fair value of previously held equity interest (103 )
Total purchase consideration $ 111

Included in the Company’s results for both fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was $84 of net sales from the joint venture. Pro forma results reflecting this transaction were not presented because it is not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

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Appendix A

NOTE 3. INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories, net consisted of the following as of June 30:

      2022      

2021

Finished goods $      593 $      543
Raw materials and packaging 191 229
Work in process 16 11
LIFO allowances (40 ) (31 )
Total inventories, net 760 752
Non-current inventories, net (1) 5
Total current inventories, net $ 755 $ 752
(1) Non-current inventories, net is recorded in Other assets.

The LIFO method was used to value approximately 36% and 34% of inventories as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The carrying values for all other inventories are determined on the FIFO method. The effect on earnings of the liquidation of LIFO layers was insignificant for each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

NOTE 4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

The components of property, plant and equipment, net, consisted of the following as of June 30:

      2022       2021
Machinery and equipment $      2,215 $      2,105
Buildings 729 707
Capitalized software costs 389 368
Land and improvements 166 148
Construction in progress 249 249
Computer equipment 116 107
Total 3,864 3,684
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,530 ) (2,382 )
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,334 $ 1,302

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment, net, was $193, $179 and $166 in fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $8, $6 and $5 were related to amortization of capitalized software, respectively.

Non-cash capital expenditures were $6, $13 and $7 for fiscal years, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were no significant asset retirement obligations recorded and included in Buildings above for both fiscal years 2022 and 2021.

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Appendix A

NOTE 5. GOODWILL, TRADEMARKS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Goodwill
Health and
Wellness
Household Lifestyle International Total
Balance as of June 30, 2020       $        857       $      85       $      244       $             391       $   1,577
Acquisition 208 208
Goodwill impairment (228 ) (228 )
Effect of foreign currency translation 18 18
Balance as of June 30, 2021 $ 629 $ 85 $ 244 $ 617 $ 1,575
Effect of foreign currency translation (17 ) (17 )
Balance as of June 30, 2022 $ 629 $ 85 $ 244 $ 600 $ 1,558

The changes in the carrying amount of trademarks and other intangible assets for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

As of June 30, 2022 As of June 30, 2021
Gross
carrying
amount
Accumulated
amortization/
Impairments
Net carrying
amount
Gross
carrying
amount
Accumulated
amortization/
Impairments
Net carrying
amount
Trademarks with                                    
indefinite lives $     668 $               $             668 $     670 $                $             670
Trademarks with
finite lives 57 38 19 60 37 23
Other intangible
assets with finite lives 577 380 197 593 368 225
Total $ 1,302 $ 418 $ 884 $ 1,323 $ 405 $ 918

Amortization expense relating to the Company’s intangible assets was $31, $32 and $14 for the years ended June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for these intangible assets is $29, $28, $27, $27 and $27 for fiscal years 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027, respectively.

During fiscal year 2021, as a result of lower than expected actual and projected net sales growth and operating performance for the Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) SBU, a strategic review was initiated by management that resulted in updated financial and operational plans. These events were considered a triggering event requiring interim impairment assessments to be performed on the VMS reporting unit, indefinite-lived trademarks and other assets. Based on the outcome of these assessments, the following pre-tax impairment charges were recorded during fiscal year 2021 within Goodwill, trademark and other asset impairments:

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Appendix A

NOTE 5. GOODWILL, TRADEMARKS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

VMS Impairment
      Charge
Goodwill $                     228
Trademarks, net 93
Other intangible assets, net 7
Property, plant and equipment, net 1
Total $ 329

The impairment charges were a result of a higher level of competitive activity than originally assumed, accelerated declines in certain channels where the business was over-developed and higher than anticipated investments to grow the business, which adversely affected the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the respective assets held by the VMS reporting unit for growth and the estimates of expenses necessary to achieve that growth. These impairment charges were based on the Company’s estimates regarding the future financial performance of the VMS SBU and macroeconomic factors. In connection with recognizing these impairment charges, the Company recognized tax benefits related to the impairments of $62 due to the partial tax deductibility of these charges.

To determine the fair value of the VMS reporting unit, the Company used the DCF method under the income approach. Under this approach, the Company estimated the future cash flows of the VMS reporting unit and discounted these cash flows at a rate of return that reflected its relative risk. The other key estimates and factors used in the DCF method included, but were not limited to, net sales and expense growth rates, and a terminal growth rate.

To determine the estimated fair values of the VMS related indefinite-lived trademarks, which were included within the Health and Wellness reportable segment, the Company used the relief from royalty income approach. This approach required significant judgments in determining the royalty rates and the assets’ estimated cash flows as well as the appropriate discount rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value.

Additionally during fiscal year 2021, an impairment charge of $14 was recorded within Cost of products sold related to other intangible assets with finite lives that were no longer expected to be recoverable due to a pending exit from a Professional Products SBU supplier relationship. The remaining carrying value of these assets was $0 following the impairment charge.

No other significant impairments were identified as a result of the Company’s impairment reviews during fiscal year 2021 and no significant impairments were identified during fiscal year 2022 or fiscal year 2020.

NOTE 6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of June 30:

      2022       2021
Accounts payable $      960 $      930
Compensation and employee benefit costs 176 219
Trade and sales promotion costs 199 227
Dividends 19 162
Other 115 137
Total $ 1,469 $ 1,675

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Appendix A

NOTE 7. DEBT

Short-term borrowings

Notes and loans payable are borrowings that mature in less than one year, primarily consisting of U.S. commercial paper issued by the Company and borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit agreements. Notes and loans payable were $237 and $0 as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The weighted average interest rates incurred on average outstanding notes and loans payable during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020, including fees associated with the Company’s revolving credit agreements, were 0.54%, 0% and 2.49% respectively. The Company had no material outstanding notes and loans payable during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.

Long-term borrowings

Long-term debt, carried at face value net of unamortized discounts, premiums and debt issuance costs, included the following as of June 30:

      2022       2021
Senior unsecured notes and debentures:
     3.80%, $300 due November 2021 $      $      300
     3.05%, $600 due September 2022 599
     3.50%, $500 due December 2024 498
     3.10%, $400 due October 2027 398 398
     3.90%, $500 due May 2028 497 497
     4.40%, $500 due May 2029 493
     1.80%, $500 due May 2030 494 492
     4.60%, $600 due May 2032 592
Total 2,474 2,784
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt 300
Long-term debt $ 2,474 $ 2,484

In May 2022, the Company issued $1,100 in senior notes, including $500 of senior notes with an annual fixed interest rate of 4.40%, payable semi-annually in May and November, final maturity in May 2029 that carry an effective rate of 3.89% (May 2029 senior notes), which includes the impact from the settlement of interest rate contracts in May 2022, and $600 of senior notes with an annual fixed rate of 4.60%, payable semi-annually in May and November, final maturity in May 2032 that carry an effective rate of 3.25% (May 2032 senior notes), which includes the impact from the settlement of interest rate contracts in May 2022. The notes rank equally with all of the Company’s existing senior indebtedness. Proceeds from the senior notes were used to redeem prior to maturity $600 of senior notes with an annual fixed interest rate of 3.05% due in September 2022 and $500 of senior notes with an annual fixed interest rate of 3.50% due in December 2024, which were redeemed in June 2022 prior to their maturities, and for general corporate purposes. In connection with the redemption prior to maturity of the $500 of senior notes due in December 2024, the Company recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $13, which is included in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings, representing the difference paid in cash between the redemption price and the carrying amount of the debt extinguished of $5 and the accelerated amortization of losses on settlement of interest rate contracts and issuance costs associated with the debt extinguished of $8.

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NOTE 7. DEBT (Continued)

In November 2021, $300 of the Company’s senior notes with annual fixed interest rate of 3.80% became due and were repaid using commercial paper borrowings.

The weighted average interest rates incurred on average outstanding long-term debt during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, were 3.25%, 3.49% and 3.75%, respectively. The weighted average effective interest rates on long-term debt balances as of both June 30, 2022 and 2021 were 3.37% and 3.49%, respectively.

Long-term debt maturities as of June 30, 2022, were $0 in fiscal years 2023 through 2027, and $2,500 thereafter.

Credit arrangements

On March 25, 2022, the Company entered into a new $1,200 revolving credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) that matures in March 2027. The Credit Agreement replaced a prior $1,200 revolving credit agreement (the Prior Credit Agreement) in place since November 2019. The Credit Agreement changed the interest rate benchmark used as a reference rate for borrowings under the Credit Agreement from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR). The Company did not incur any termination fees or penalties in connection with entering the new agreement, which was considered a debt modification. There were no borrowings under either the Credit Agreement or the Prior Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively, and the Company believes that borrowings under the new Credit Agreement will continue to be available for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement includes certain restrictive covenants and limitations consistent with the previous agreement, with which the Company was in compliance as of June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.

The Company’s borrowing capacity under the revolving credit agreements and other financing arrangements as of June 30 was as follows:

2022 2021
Revolving credit facility       $     1,200       $     1,200
Foreign and other credit lines 34 35
Total $ 1,234 $ 1,235

Of the $34 of foreign and other credit lines as of June 30, 2022, $4 was outstanding and the remainder of $30 was available for borrowing. Of the $35 of foreign and other credit lines as of June 30, 2021, $5 was outstanding and the remainder of $30 was available for borrowing.

NOTE 8. OTHER LIABILITIES

Other liabilities consisted of the following as of June 30:

2022 2021
Venture Agreement terminal obligation, net       $     468       $     432
Employee benefit obligations 263 330
Taxes 19 23
Environmental liabilities 23 24
Other 18 25
Total $ 791 $ 834

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NOTE 8. OTHER LIABILITIES (Continued)

Venture Agreement

The Company has an agreement with The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) for the Company’s Glad bags and wraps business. In connection with this agreement, P&G provides research and development (R&D) support to the Glad business. As of June 30, 2022 and 2021, P&G had a 20% interest in the venture. The Company pays a royalty to P&G for its interest in the profits, losses and cash flows, as contractually defined, of the Glad business, which is included in Cost of products sold. In December 2017, the Company and P&G extended the term of the agreement and the related R&D support provided by P&G. The term will expire in January 2026, unless the parties agree, on or prior to January 31, 2025, to further extend the term of the agreement for another seven years or agree to take some other relevant action. The agreement can be terminated under certain circumstances, including at P&G’s option upon a change in control of the Company or, at either party’s option, upon the sale of the Glad business by the Company.

Upon termination of the agreement, the Company is required to purchase P&G’s 20% interest for cash at fair value as established by predetermined valuation procedures. As of June 30, 2022, the estimated fair value of P&G’s interest was $635, of which $468 has been recognized and is reflected in Other liabilities as noted in the table above. The difference between the estimated fair value and the amount recognized, and any future changes in the fair value of P&G’s interest, is charged to Cost of products sold in accordance with the effective interest method over the remaining life of the agreement. Following termination, the Glad business will retain the exclusive core intellectual property licenses contributed by P&G on a royalty-free basis for the licensed products marketed.

NOTE 9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial Risk Management and Derivative Instruments

The Company is exposed to certain commodity, foreign currency and interest rate risks related to its ongoing business operations and uses derivative instruments to mitigate its exposure to these risks.

Commodity Price Risk Management

The Company may use commodity exchange-traded futures and over-the-counter swap contracts, which are generally no longer than 2 years, to fix the price of a portion of its forecasted raw material requirements. Commodity purchase contracts are measured at fair value using market quotations obtained from the Chicago Board of Trade commodity futures exchange and commodity derivative dealers.

As of June 30, 2022, the notional amount of commodity derivatives was $27, of which $18 related to soybean oil futures used for the Food products business and $9 related to jet fuel swaps used for the Grilling business. As of June 30, 2021, the notional amount of commodity derivatives was $32, of which $23 related to soybean oil futures and $9 related to jet fuel swaps.

Foreign Currency Risk Management

The Company may also enter into certain over-the-counter derivative contracts to manage a portion of the Company’s forecasted foreign currency exposure associated with the purchase of inventory. These foreign currency contracts generally have durations of no longer than 2 years. The foreign exchange contracts are measured at fair value using information quoted by foreign exchange dealers.

The notional amounts of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts used by the Company’s subsidiaries to hedge forecasted purchases of inventory were $31 and $70, respectively, as of June 30, 2022 and 2021.

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Appendix A

NOTE 9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

Interest Rate Risk Management

The Company may enter into over-the-counter interest rate contracts to fix a portion of the benchmark interest rate prior to the anticipated issuance of fixed rate debt. These interest rate contracts generally have durations of less than 3 years. The interest rate contracts are measured at fair value using information quoted by bond dealers.

The notional amounts of the Company’s outstanding interest rate contracts were $0 and $300, respectively, as of June 30, 2022 and 2021. During fiscal year 2022, the Company entered into an additional $650 of interest rate contracts. All contracts represented interest rate swap lock agreements to manage the exposure to interest rate volatility associated with future interest payments on forecasted debt issuance, and were terminated in May 2022 upon issuance of $1,100 in senior notes (See Note 7). These contracts resulted in a $114 gain recorded in Other comprehensive (loss) income, comprised of $25 attributable to the May 2029 senior notes and $89 attributable to the May 2032 senior notes, which is being amortized into Interest expense in the consolidated statement of earnings over the 7-year and 10-year term of the notes.

Commodity, Foreign Exchange and Interest Rate Derivatives

The Company designates its commodity forward and futures contracts for forecasted purchases of raw materials, foreign currency forward contracts for forecasted purchases of inventory, and interest rate contracts for forecasted interest payments as cash flow hedges.

The effects of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments on Other comprehensive (loss) income and Net earnings were as follows during the fiscal years ended June 30:

Gains (losses) recognized in
Other comprehensive (loss) income
2022 2021 2020
Commodity purchase derivative contracts       $      17          $      21           $      (7 )
Foreign exchange derivative contracts 1
Interest rate derivative contracts 89 23 2
Total $ 107 $ 44 $ (5 )

Location of gains
(losses) reclassified
from Accumulated other
comprehensive net (loss)
income into Net earnings
Gains (losses) reclassified from
Accumulated other comprehensive
net (loss) income and recognized
in Net earnings
2022 2021 2020
Commodity purchase derivative contracts       Cost of products sold       $     23           $     1           $     (4 )
Foreign exchange derivative contracts Cost of products sold
Interest rate derivative contracts Interest expense (9 ) (6 ) (6 )
Total $ 14 $ (5 ) $ (10 )

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NOTE 9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

The estimated amount of the existing net gain (loss) in Accumulated other comprehensive net (loss) income as of June 30, 2022 that is expected to be reclassified into Net earnings within the next twelve months is $22.

Counterparty Risk Management and Derivative Contract Requirements

The Company utilizes a variety of financial institutions as counterparties for over-the-counter derivative instruments. The Company enters into agreements governing the use of over-the-counter derivative instruments and sets internal limits on the aggregate over-the-counter derivative instrument positions held with each counterparty. Certain terms of these agreements require the Company or the counterparty to post collateral when the fair value of the derivative instruments exceeds contractually defined counterparty liability position limits. Of the over-the-counter derivative instruments in liability positions held as of both June 30, 2022 and 2021, $0 contained such terms. As of both June 30, 2022 and 2021, neither the Company nor any counterparty was required to post any collateral as no counterparty liability position limits were exceeded.

Certain terms of the agreements governing the Company’s over-the-counter derivative instruments require the credit ratings, as assigned by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s to the Company and its counterparties, to remain at a level equal to or better than the minimum of an investment grade credit rating. If the Company’s credit ratings were to fall below investment grade, the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. As of both June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company and each of its counterparties had been assigned investment grade ratings by both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.

Certain of the Company’s exchange-traded futures contracts used for commodity price risk management include requirements for the Company to post collateral in the form of a cash margin account held by the Company’s broker for trades conducted on that exchange. As of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company maintained cash margin balances related to exchange-traded futures contracts of $1 and $0, respectively, which are classified as Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Trust Assets

The Company holds interests in mutual funds and cash equivalents as part of trust assets related to its nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The participants in the nonqualified deferred compensation plans, who are the Company’s current and former employees, may select among certain mutual funds in which their compensation deferrals are invested in accordance with the terms of the plan and within the confines of the trusts, which hold the marketable securities. The trusts represent variable interest entities for which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary, and, therefore, trust assets are consolidated and included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The gains and losses on the trust assets are recorded in Other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statement of earnings. The interests in mutual funds are measured at fair value using quoted market prices. The Company has designated these marketable securities as trading investments.

As of June 30, 2022, the balance of the trust assets related to the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plans decreased by $17 as compared to June 30, 2021.

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Appendix A

NOTE 9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets are required to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories of the fair value hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

As of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period included derivative financial instruments, which were classified as either Level 1 or Level 2, and trust assets to fund the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plans, which were classified as Level 1.

All of the Company’s derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting. The following table provides information about the balance sheet classification and the fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments:

2022 2021
Balance sheet
classification
Fair value
hierarchy
level
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair
Value
Assets                                    
Commodity purchase futures contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1 $ $ $ 5 $ 5
Commodity purchase swaps contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2 6 6 4 4
Foreign exchange forward contracts Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2 1 1
Interest rate contracts Other assets 2 24 24
$ 7 $ 7 $ 33 $ 33
Liabilities
Commodity purchase futures contracts  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ $
$ 1 $ 1 $ $

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NOTE 9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

The following table provides information about the balance sheet classification and the fair values of the Company’s other assets and liabilities for which disclosure of fair value is required:

2022 2021
   Balance sheet
classification
   Fair value
hierarchy
level
  Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair
Value
   Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair
Value
Assets
Interest-bearing investments,
including money market funds
Cash and cash
equivalents (1)
1 $      86 $      86   $      196 $      196
Time deposits Cash and cash
equivalents (1)
2 4 4 11 11
Trust assets for nonqualified
deferred compensation plans
Other assets 1 119 119 136 136
            $ 209   $ 209   $ 343   $ 343
Liabilities
Notes and loans payable

Notes and loans
payable (2)

2 $ 237 $ 237   $ $
Current maturities of
long-term debt and
Long-term debt
Current maturities of
long- term debt and
Long-term
debt (3)
2 2,474 2,386 2,784 2,963
$ 2,711 $ 2,623   $ 2,784 $ 2,963
(1) Cash and cash equivalents are composed of time deposits and other interest-bearing investments, including money market funds with original maturity dates of 90 days or less. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
(2) Notes and loans payable are composed of outstanding U. S. commercial paper balances and/or amounts drawn on the Company’s credit agreements, all of which are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
(3) Current maturities of long-term debt and Long-term debt are recorded at cost. The fair value of Long-term debt, including current maturities, was determined using secondary market prices quoted by corporate bond dealers, and is classified as Level 2.

Furthermore, impairment charges of $343 were recorded during the fiscal year 2021, of which $228, $93, and $22 related to goodwill, certain indefinite-lived trademarks and other assets, respectively. These adjustments were included as non-cash charges in the consolidated statement of earnings. The non-recurring fair values utilized included unobservable Level 3 inputs based on management’s best estimates and assumptions. See Note 5 for additional information.

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Appendix A

NOTE 10. OTHER CONTINGENCIES, GUARANTEES AND COMMITMENTS

Contingencies

The Company is involved in certain environmental matters, including response actions at various locations. The Company had recorded liabilities totaling $28 as of both June 30, 2022 and 2021 for its share of aggregate future remediation costs related to these matters.

One matter, which accounted for $14 of the recorded liability as of both June 30, 2022 and 2021, relates to environmental costs associated with one of the Company’s former operations at a site located in Alameda County, California. In November 2016, at the request of regulators and with the assistance of environmental consultants, the Company submitted a Feasibility Study that evaluated various options for managing the site and included estimates of the related costs. Following further discussions with the regulators in 2017, the Company recorded an undiscounted liability for costs estimated to be incurred over a 30-year period, based on one of the options in the Feasibility Study. In September 2021, as a result of an additional study and further discussions with regulators, the Company submitted a Soil Vapor Intrusion Report to the regulators, which has not resulted in a change to the recorded liability. While the Company believes its latest estimates of remediation costs are reasonable, the ultimate remediation requirements are not yet finalized and the regulators could require the Company to implement remediation actions for a longer period or take additional actions, which could include estimated undiscounted costs of up to approximately $28 over an estimated 30-year period, or require the Company to take different actions and incur additional costs.

Another matter in Dickinson County, Michigan, at the site of one of the Company’s former operations for which the Company is jointly and severally liable, accounted for $9 and $10 of the recorded liability as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This amount reflects the Company’s agreement to be liable for 24.3% of the aggregate remediation and associated costs for this matter pursuant to a cost-sharing arrangement with a third party. If the third party is unable to pay its share of the response and remediation obligations, the Company may be responsible for such obligations. With the assistance of environmental consultants, the Company maintains an undiscounted liability representing its current best estimate of its share of the capital expenditures, maintenance and other costs that may be incurred over an estimated 30-year remediation period. Although it is reasonably possible that the Company’s exposure may exceed the amount recorded for the Dickinson County matter, any amount of such additional exposures, or range of exposures, is not estimable at this time.

The Company’s estimated losses related to these matters are sensitive to a variety of uncertain factors, including the efficacy of any remediation efforts, changes in any remediation requirements and the future availability of alternative clean-up technologies. The Company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims and other loss contingencies, including, without limitation, loss contingencies relating to contractual arrangements (including costs connected to the transition and unwinding of certain supply and manufacturing relationships), product liability, patents and trademarks, advertising, labor and employment, environmental, health and safety and other matters. With respect to these proceedings, claims and other loss contingencies, while considerable uncertainty exists, in the opinion of management at this time, the ultimate disposition of these matters, to the extent not previously provided for, will not have a material adverse effect, either individually or in the aggregate, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

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NOTE 10. OTHER CONTINGENCIES, GUARANTEES AND COMMITMENTS (Continued)

Guarantees

In conjunction with divestitures and other transactions, the Company may provide typical indemnifications (e.g., indemnifications for representations and warranties and retention of previously existing environmental, tax and employee liabilities) that have terms that vary in duration and in the potential amount of the total obligation and, in many circumstances, are not explicitly defined. The Company has not made, nor does it believe that it is probable that it will make, any material payments relating to its indemnifications, and believes that any reasonably possible payments would not have a material adverse effect, either individually or in the aggregate, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

The Company had not recorded any material liabilities on the aforementioned guarantees as of June 30, 2022 and 2021.

The Company was a party to a letter of credit of $14 as of June 30, 2022 and $11 as of June 30, 2021, primarily related to one of its insurance carriers, of which $0 had been drawn upon.

Commitments

The Company is a party to certain purchase obligations, which are defined as purchase agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that contain specified or determinable significant terms, including quantity, price and the approximate timing of the transaction. For purchase obligations subject to variable price and/or quantity provisions, an estimate of the price and/or quantity must be made. Examples of the Company’s purchase obligations include contracts to purchase raw materials, commitments to contract manufacturers, commitments for information technology and related services, advertising contracts, capital expenditure agreements, software acquisition and license commitments and service contracts. The Company enters into purchase obligations based on expectations of future business needs. Many of these purchase obligations are flexible to allow for changes in the Company’s business and related requirements. As of June 30, 2022, the Company’s purchase obligations by purchase date were approximately as follows:

Year       Purchase
Obligations
2023 $ 186
2024 127
2025 73
2026 35
2027 12
Thereafter 23
Total $ 456

NOTE 11. LEASES

The Company leases various property, plant and equipment, including office, warehousing, manufacturing and research and development facilities and equipment. These leases have remaining lease terms of up to 35 years, inclusive of renewal or termination options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

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NOTE 11. LEASES (Continued)

Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company’s leases as of June 30 was as follows:

      Balance sheet classification       2022       2021
Operating leases
Right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $      342 $      332
Current lease liabilities Current operating lease liabilities $ 78 $ 81
Non-current lease liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities 314 301
Total operating lease liabilities $ 392 $ 382
 
Finance leases
Right-of-use assets Other assets $ 18 $ 19
Current lease liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities

$ 6 $ 5
Non-current lease liabilities Other liabilities 13 15
Total finance lease liabilities $ 19 $ 20

Components of lease cost were as follows for the fiscal years ended June 30:

      2022       2021
Operating lease cost $      83 $      73
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 9 4
Interest on lease liabilities 1
Total finance lease cost $ 10 $ 4
Variable lease cost $ 80 $ 39
Short term lease cost $ 6 $ 2

Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to the Company’s leases were as follows during fiscal years ended June 30:

      2022       2021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases, net $      84 $      75
Operating cash flows from finance leases 1
Financing cash flows from finance leases 9 3
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases $ 94 $ 106
Finance leases 18 7

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NOTE 11. LEASES (Continued)

Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for the Company’s leases were as follows as of fiscal year ended June 30:

      2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term:
Operating leases 6 years
Finance leases 4 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases 2.4%
Finance leases 4.1%

Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year for the Company’s leases as of June 30, 2022 were as follows:

Year       Operating
leases
      Finance
leases
2023 $        80 $      7
2024 78 5
2025 67 3
2026 55 2
2027 45 1
Thereafter 101 2
Total lease payments $ 426 $ 20
Less: Imputed interest (34 ) (1 )
Total lease liabilities $ 392 $ 19

Operating and finance lease payments presented in the table above exclude $39 and $0, respectively, of minimum lease payments signed but not yet commenced as of June 30, 2022.

On May 25, 2022, the Company completed an asset sale-leaseback transaction on a plant in Ontario, Canada. The Company received proceeds of $16, net of selling costs, which had a carrying value of $2, and resulted in a $14 gain on the transaction which was recognized in Other (income) expense, net. The leaseback is accounted for as an operating lease. The term of the lease is 10 years, with the option to terminate the lease at 7 years.

NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

On November 18, 2020 the Company retired 28 million shares of its treasury stock. These shares are now authorized but unissued. There was no effect on the Company’s overall equity position as a result of the retirement.

Dividends per share paid to Clorox stockholders during the fiscal years ended June 30 were as follows:

      2022       2021       2020
Dividends per share paid $      4.64 $      4.44 $      4.24

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NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

On July 12, 2022, a cash dividend was declared in the amount of $1.18 per share payable on August 12, 2022 to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 27, 2022.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Net (Loss) Income

Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive net (loss) income attributable to Clorox by component were as follows for the fiscal years ended June 30:

      Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
      Net
unrealized
gains
(losses) on
derivatives
      Pension and
postretirement
benefit
adjustments
      Accumulated
other
comprehensive
net
(loss) income
Balance June 30, 2019 $          (414 ) $         (23 ) $              (165 ) $               (602 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications
(35 ) (5 ) (16 ) (56 )
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated
other comprehensive net (loss) income
10 7 17
Income tax benefit (expense) (1 ) 2 1
Net current period other comprehensive
(loss) income
(36 ) 5 (7 ) (38 )
Balance June 30, 2020 (450 ) (18 ) (172 ) (640 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications
53 44 (2 ) 95
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated
other comprehensive net (loss) income
(5 ) 5 14 14
Income tax benefit (expense) (1 ) (10 ) (4 ) (15 )
Net current period other comprehensive
(loss) income
47 39 8 94
Balance June 30, 2021 (403 ) 21 (164 ) (546 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications
(45 ) 107 1 63
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated
other comprehensive net (loss) income
(14 ) 15 1
Income tax benefit (expense) 7 (4 ) 3
Net current period other comprehensive
(loss) income
(45 ) 100 12 67
Balance June 30, 2022 $ (448 ) $ 121 $ (152 ) $ (479 )

Included in foreign currency translation adjustments are re-measurement losses on long-term intercompany loans where settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future. There were $0, $11, and $0 associated with these loans reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive net (loss) income for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

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NOTE 13. NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

The following is the reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands) used to calculate basic net EPS to those used to calculate diluted net EPS for the fiscal years ended June 30:

2022       2021       2020
Basic      123,113 125,570 125,828
Dilutive effect of stock options and other 793 1,729 1,843
Diluted 123,906 127,299 127,671
Antidilutive stock options and other 2,448 476

Basic net earnings per share and Diluted net earnings per share are calculated on Net earnings attributable to Clorox.

NOTE 14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

In November 2021, the Company’s stockholders voted to approve the amended and restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan). The Plan permits the Company to grant various nonqualified stock-based compensation awards, including stock options, restricted stock, performance shares, deferred stock units, stock appreciation rights and other stock-based awards. The Plan as amended and restated provides that the maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Plan will be 5 million common shares that may be issued for stock-based compensation purposes. As of June 30, 2022, the Company was authorized to grant up to approximately 5 million common shares, plus additional shares equal to shares that are potentially deliverable under an award that expires or are canceled, forfeited or settled without the delivery of shares, under the Plan. As of June 30, 2022, approximately 4 million common shares remained available for grant.

Compensation cost and the related income tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation plans were classified as indicated below for the fiscal years ended June 30:

2022 2021 2020
Cost of products sold       $      6       $      6       $      5
Selling and administrative expenses 42 40 41
Research and development costs 4 4 4
Total compensation costs $ 52 $ 50 $ 50
Related income tax benefit $ 12 $ 12 $ 12

Cash received during fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 from stock options exercised under all stock-based payment arrangements was $35, $133 and $176, respectively. The Company issues shares for stock-based compensation plans from treasury stock. The Company may repurchase stock under its Evergreen Program to offset the estimated impact of dilution related to stock-based awards.

Details regarding the valuation and accounting for stock options, restricted stock awards, performance shares and deferred stock units for non-employee directors follow.

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NOTE 14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Continued)

Stock Options

The fair value of each stock option award granted during fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model and assumptions noted in the following table:

2022       2021       2020
Expected life 5.4 years 5.3 to 5.4
years
5.4 years
Weighted-average expected life 5.4 years 5.4 years 5.4 years
Expected volatility 21.7% to 25.0% 21.4% to 23.2% 18.7%
Weighted-average volatility 21.8% 21.9% 18.7%
Risk-free interest rate 0.9% to 2.1% 0.3% to 0.5% 1.7%
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate 0.9% 0.3% 1.7%
Dividend yield 2.9% to 3.7% 2.1% to 2.3% 2.8%
Weighted-average dividend yield 2.9% 2.1% 2.8%

The expected life of the stock options is based on historical exercise patterns. The expected volatility is based on implied volatility from publicly traded options on the Company’s stock at the date of grant, historical implied volatility of the Company’s publicly traded options and other factors. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option. The dividend yield is based on the projected annual dividend payment per share, divided by the stock price at the date of grant.

Details of the Company’s stock option activities are summarized below:

Number of
Shares
(In thousands)
      Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
per Share
      Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
      Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Options outstanding as of June 30, 2021 4,020 $ 139 6 years $ 179
Granted 669 163
Exercised 317 110
Canceled 174 165
Options outstanding as of June 30, 2022 4,198 $ 144 5 years $ 49
Options vested as of June 30, 2022 2,861 $ 131 4 years $ 49

The weighted-average fair value per share of each option granted during fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $22.26, $30.90 and $20.03, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $18, $109 and $145, respectively.

Stock option awards outstanding as of June 30, 2022, have been granted at prices that are equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Stock option grants generally vest over 4 years and expire no later than 10 years after the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. As of June 30, 2022, there was $12 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1 year, subject to forfeiture changes.

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NOTE 14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Continued)

Restricted Stock Awards

The fair value of restricted stock awards is estimated on the date of grant based on the market price of the stock and is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting periods, which are generally 3 to 4 years. The total number of restricted stock awards expected to vest is adjusted by actual and estimated forfeitures. Restricted stock awards receive dividend distributions earned during the vesting period upon vesting.

As of June 30, 2022, there was $34 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1 year. The total fair value of the shares that vested in each of the fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $20, $15 and $9, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted was $157.50, $210.78 and $156.25 per share for fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock awards is presented below:

      Number of
Shares
(In thousands)
      Weighted-
Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share
Restricted stock awards as of June 30, 2021 315 $ 178
Granted 261 157
Vested 118 167
Forfeited 46 177
Restricted stock awards as of June 30, 2022 412 $ 168

Performance Shares

As of June 30, 2022, there was $13 in unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance shares that is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average performance period of 1 year. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted was $162.46, $212.00 and $155.54 per share for fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company’s performance share awards is presented below:

      Number of
Shares
(In
thousands)
      Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
per Share
Performance share awards as of June 30, 2021 353 $ 146
Granted 117 $ 162
Distributed 129 $ 118
Forfeited 28 $ 169
Performance share awards as of June 30, 2022 313 $ 162
Performance shares vested and deferred as of June 30, 2022 58 $ 110
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NOTE 14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Continued)

The non-vested performance shares outstanding as of June 30, 2022 and 2021 were 255,000 and 241,000, respectively, and the weighted average grant date fair value was $173.38 and $172.04 per share, respectively. During fiscal year 2022, 74,000 shares vested. The total fair value of shares vested was $11, $26 and $26 during fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Upon vesting, the recipients of the grants receive the distribution as shares or, if previously elected by eligible recipients, as deferred stock. Deferred shares continue to earn dividends, which are also deferred.

Deferred Stock Units for Nonemployee Directors

Nonemployee directors receive annual grants of deferred stock units under the Company’s director compensation program and can elect to receive all or a portion of their annual retainers and fees in the form of deferred stock units. The deferred stock units receive dividend distributions, which are reinvested as deferred stock units, and are recognized at their fair value on the date of grant. Each deferred stock unit represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock following the completion of a director’s service.

During fiscal year 2022, the Company granted 15,000 deferred stock units, reinvested dividends of 5,000 units and distributed 49,000 shares, which had a weighted-average fair value on the grant date of $167.19, $159.37 and $93.60 per share, respectively. As of June 30, 2022, 145,000 units were outstanding, which had a weighted-average fair value on the grant date of $118.99 per share.

NOTE 15. OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

The major components of Other (income) expense, net, for the fiscal years ended June 30 were:

      2022       2021       2020
Amortization of trademarks and other intangible assets $      31 $      31 $      13
Trust investment (gains) losses, net 21 (25 ) (3 )
Net periodic benefit cost 16 15 10
Foreign exchange transaction (gains) losses, net 3 10 7
Income from equity investees (6 ) (5 ) (20 )
Interest income (5 ) (5 ) (2 )
Gain on previously held equity investment (1) (85 )
Gain on sale-leaseback transaction (14 )
Indemnity settlement from past acquisition (15 )
Other (9 ) (8 )
Total $ 37 $ (72 ) $ (10 )

(1) Non-recurring, non-cash gain from the remeasurement of the Company’s previously held investment in its Saudi joint venture (see Note 2).

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NOTE 16. INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes, by tax jurisdiction, consisted of the following for the fiscal years ended June 30:

      2022       2021       2020
Current
     Federal $      71 $      146 $      171
     State 17 26 32
     Foreign 43 41 45
Total current $ 131 $ 213 $ 248
Deferred
     Federal $ 6 $ (26 ) $ 13
     State (2 ) (9 ) (5 )
     Foreign 1 3 (10 )
Total deferred 5 (32 ) (2 )
Total $ 136 $ 181 $ 246

The components of Earnings before income taxes, by tax jurisdiction, consisted of the following for the fiscal years ended June 30:

      2022       2021       2020
United States $      483 $      696 $      1,041
Foreign 124 204 144
Total $ 607 $ 900 $ 1,185

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate on operations follows for the fiscal years ended June 30:

      2022       2021       2020
Statutory federal tax rate      21.0 %      21.0 %      21.0 %
State taxes (net of federal tax benefits) 1.9 1.5 1.7
Foreign tax rate differential 3.1 0.2 0.9
Federal excess tax benefits (0.9 ) (2.7 ) (2.4 )
Net U.S. tax on foreign income (1.7 ) (0.5 ) (0.2 )
Other differences (1.0 ) 0.6 (0.2 )
Effective tax rate 22.4 % 20.1 % 20.8 %

Per U.S. GAAP, foreign withholding taxes are provided on unremitted foreign earnings that are not indefinitely reinvested at the time the earnings are generated. The Company regularly reviews and assesses whether there are any changes to its indefinite reinvestment assertion. None of the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries were indefinitely reinvested. As a result, the Company is providing foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings of all foreign subsidiaries where applicable. These withholding taxes had no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated results.

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NOTE 16. INCOME TAXES (Continued)

The components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of June 30 are shown below:

      2022       2021
Deferred tax assets
     Compensation and benefit programs $      100 $      104
     Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards 93 85
     Operating and finance lease liabilities 98 100
     Accruals and reserves 35 39
     Basis difference related to the Venture Agreement 19 19
     Inventory costs 25 18
     Other 13 15
          Subtotal 383 380
     Valuation allowance (52 ) (42 )
     Total deferred tax assets $ 331 $ 338
Deferred tax liabilities
     Fixed and intangible assets $ (242 ) $ (232 )
     Lease right-of-use assets (91 ) (94 )
     Other (29 ) (41 )
     Total deferred tax liabilities (362 ) (367 )
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (31 ) $ (29 )

The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability on a quarterly basis. A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Valuation allowances have been provided to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts considered recoverable. Details of the valuation allowance were as follows as of June 30:

      2022       2021       2020
Valuation allowance at beginning of year $      (42 ) $      (38 ) $      (44 )
Net decrease/(increase) for other foreign deferred tax assets (1 ) (1 ) 1
Net decrease/(increase) for foreign and U. S. net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits (9 ) (3 ) 5
Valuation allowance at end of year $ (52 ) $ (42 ) $ (38 )

As of June 30, 2022, the Company had foreign tax credit carryforwards of $27 for U.S. income tax purposes with expiration dates between fiscal years 2025 and 2032. Tax credit carryforwards in U.S. jurisdictions of $2 have expiration dates between fiscal year 2023 and 2032. Tax credit carryforwards in U.S. jurisdictions of $2 can be carried forward indefinitely. Tax credit carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions of $28 can be carried forward indefinitely. Tax benefits from net operating loss carryforwards in U.S. jurisdictions of $3 have expiration dates between fiscal years 2030 and 2041. Tax benefits from net operating loss carryforwards in U.S. jurisdictions of $4 can be carried forward indefinitely. Tax benefits from foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $19 have expiration dates between fiscal years 2023 and 2036. Tax benefits from foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $8 can be carried forward indefinitely.

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NOTE 16. INCOME TAXES (Continued)

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The federal statute of limitations has expired for all tax years through June 30, 2015. Various income tax returns in state and foreign jurisdictions are currently in the process of examination.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. As of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the total balance of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $2 and $2, respectively. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions included in income tax expense resulted in a net benefit of $0 in fiscal year 2022, a net benefit of $0 in fiscal year 2021 and a net benefit of $2 in fiscal year 2020.

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits:

      2022       2021       2020
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $      21 $      22 $      31
Gross increases - tax positions in prior periods 1 1
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior periods (7 ) (5 ) (11 )
Gross increases - current period tax positions 4 3 4
Gross decreases - current period tax positions
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations (1 ) (1 )
Settlements (2 )
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 17 $ 21 $ 22

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, were potential benefits of $14, $17 and $17, respectively, which if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Unrecognized tax benefits are not expected to significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months.

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NOTE 17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Retirement Income Plans

The Company has various retirement income plans for eligible domestic and international employees. As of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the domestic retirement income plans were frozen and the benefits of the domestic retirement income plans were generally based on either employee years of service and compensation or a stated dollar amount per year of service.

The Company contributed $15, $14 and $13 to its domestic retirement income plans during fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet benefit payments and minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit tax laws plus additional amounts as the Company may determine to be appropriate.

The Company has a domestic qualified pension plan (the Plan). The Plan is frozen for all participants. The Plan generally was frozen effective June 30, 2011 for all employees, except for certain collectively bargained employees, whose Plan freeze was effective January 1, 2019. As a result of the Plan freeze, no employees are eligible to commence participation in the Plan or accrue any additional benefits under the Plan.

On May 17, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a resolution to terminate the Plan. The amendment will allow the settlement of the pension obligation with either a lump sum payout or a purchased annuity. It is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete the termination from the date of the approved resolution to terminate the Plan.

As of June 30, 2022, the Company reported net unrealized losses of $139, net of tax, in Accumulated other comprehensive net (loss) income on its consolidated balance sheet related to the Plan. These net unrealized losses will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of income as payments are made to settle lump sum elections and to purchase group annuity contracts. Final settlement is dependent on market conditions, which could affect discount rates and returns on plan assets as well as final elections received from plan participants. The completion of the process of offering and accepting lump sum elections are dependent on when certain regulatory approvals are obtained. Currently, there is not enough information available to determine the ultimate charge of the termination.

Retirement Health Care Plans

The Company provides certain health care benefits for employees who meet age, participation and length of service requirements at retirement. The plans pay stated percentages of covered expenses after annual deductibles have been met or stated reimbursements up to a specified dollar subsidy amount. Benefits paid take into consideration payments by Medicare for the domestic plan. The plans are funded as claims are paid, and the Company has the right to modify or terminate certain plans.

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Appendix A

NOTE 17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Benefit Obligation and Funded Status

Summarized information for the Company’s retirement income and retirement health care plans as of and for the fiscal years ended June 30 is as follows:

      Retirement
Income
      Retirement
Health Care
2022       2021 2022       2021
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation as of beginning of year $ 621 $ 628 $ 36 $ 36
Service cost 1 2
Interest cost 15 15 1 1
Actuarial loss (gain) (66 ) 12 (7 )
Plan amendments (7 )
Translation and other adjustments (6 ) 8 1
Plan settlement (13 ) (12 )
Benefits paid (32 ) (32 ) (2 ) (2 )
Benefit obligation as of end of year $ 513 $ 621 $ 28 $ 36
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets as of beginning of year $ 506 $ 507 $ $
Actual return on plan assets (63 ) 26
Employer contributions 15 15 2 2
Plan Settlement (13 ) (12 )
Benefits paid (32 ) (32 ) (2 ) (2 )
Translation and other adjustments (1 ) 2
Fair value of plan assets as of end of year 412 506
Accrued benefit cost, net funded status $       (101 ) $       (115 ) $       (28 ) $       (36 )
                       
Amount recognized in the balance sheets
consists of:
Pension benefit assets $ 30 $ 61 $ $
Current accrued benefit liability (12 ) (12 ) (2 ) (2 )
Non-current accrued benefit liability (119 ) (164 ) (26 ) (34 )
Accrued benefit cost, net $ (101 ) $ (115 ) $ (28 ) $ (36 )

For the retirement income plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation (PBO). For the retirement health care plan, the benefit obligation is the accumulated benefit obligation (ABO).

The ABO for all retirement income plans was $512, $618 and $626 as of June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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Appendix A

NOTE 17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Retirement income plans with ABO or PBO in excess of plan assets as of June 30 were as follows:

      ABO Exceeds the Fair Value
of Plan Assets
      PBO Exceeds the Fair Value
of Plan Assets
2022       2021 2022       2021
Projected benefit obligation $ 133 $ 176 $ 133 $ 178
Accumulated benefit obligation 132 174 132 175
Fair value of plan assets 2 2 2

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The net cost of the retirement income and health care plans for the fiscal years ended June 30 included the following components:

      Retirement Income       Retirement Health Care
2022       2021       2020 2022       2021       2020
Service cost $ 1 $ 2 $ 1 $ $ $
Interest cost 15 15 20 1 1 1
Expected return on plan
assets
     (15 )      (16 )       (19 )
Settlement loss recognized 7 5
Amortization of unrecognized
items
9 11 10       (1 )       (2 )       (3 )
Total $ 17 $ 17 $ 12 $ $ (1 ) $ (2 )

Service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost is reflected in employee benefit costs, all other components are reflected in Other (income) expenses, net.

Items not yet recognized as a component of postretirement expense as of June 30, 2022, consisted of:

      Retirement
Income
      Retirement
Health Care
Net actuarial loss (gain) $         222 $           (15 )
Prior service benefit (7 )
Net deferred income tax (assets) liabilities (51 ) 3
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) $ 164 $ (12 )

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Appendix A

NOTE 17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Net actuarial loss (gain) recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive net (loss) income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, included the following:

      Retirement
Income
      Retirement
Health Care
Net actuarial loss (gain) as of beginning of year $         226 $           (10 )
Amortization during the year (16 ) 1
Loss (gain) during the year 12 (6 )
Net actuarial loss (gain) as of end of year $ 222 $ (15 )

The Company uses the straight-line amortization method for unrecognized prior service costs and benefits.

Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the actuarial present value of benefit obligations were as follows as of June 30:

      Retirement Income       Retirement Health Care
2022       2021 2022       2021
Discount rate       3.72 %       2.56 %       4.65 %       2.61 %
Rate of compensation increase 3.09 % 3.02 % n/a n/a
Interest crediting rate 2.69 % 2.57 % n/a n/a

Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the retirement income and retirement health care costs were as follows as of June 30:

      Retirement Income
2022       2021       2020
Discount rate       2.56 %       2.45 %       3.41 %
Rate of compensation increase 3.02 % 2.92 % 2.86 %
Expected return on plan assets 3.00 % 3.08 % 3.95 %
Interest crediting rate 2.57 % 1.92 % 3.01 %
 
Retirement Health Care
2022 2021 2020
Discount rate       2.61 %       2.51 %       3.35 %

The expected long-term rate of return assumption is based on prospective returns according to the fund’s current target asset allocation.

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Appendix A

NOTE 17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

The actuarial benefit obligation gain incurred during fiscal year 2022 was primarily driven by increases in the discount rates for the retirement plans, partially offset by the domestic qualified plan reflecting plan termination lump sum window and annuity buyout assumptions. The actuarial benefit obligation loss during fiscal year 2021 was primarily driven by the increase in assumed interest crediting rate, partially offset by asset gains and increase in the discount rate.

Expected Benefit Payments

Expected benefit payments for the Company’s retirement income and retirement health care plans as of June 30, 2022, were as follows:

      Retirement
Income
      Retirement
Health Care
2023 $ 46 $ 2
2024 356 2
2025 14 2
2026 14 2
2027 13 2
Fiscal years 2028 through 2032 59 11

Expected benefit payments are based on the same assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations and include estimated future employee service.

Plan Assets

The target allocations and weighted average asset allocations by asset category of the investment portfolio for the Company’s domestic retirement income plans as of June 30 were:

      % Target Allocation       % of Plan Assets
2022       2021 2022       2021
U.S. equity —  % 3 % — % 3 %
International equity —  % 2 % — % 2 %
Fixed income 100  % 95 % 99 % 94 %
Other —  % — % 1 % 1 %
Total       100%        100 %       100 %       100 %

The target asset allocation is determined based on the optimal balance between risk and return and, at times, may be adjusted to achieve the plan’s overall investment objective to generate sufficient resources to pay current and projected plan obligations over the life of the domestic retirement income plan.

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Appendix A

NOTE 17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

The following table sets forth the retirement income plans’ assets carried at fair value as of June 30:

2022 2021
Common collective trusts measured at net asset value            
     Bond funds $      391 $      459
     International equity funds 14 28
     Domestic equity funds 14
     Short-term investment fund 4 3
     Real estate fund 3 2
Total assets at fair value $ 412 $ 506

Common collective trust funds are not publicly traded and were valued at a net asset value unit price determined by the portfolio’s sponsor based on the fair value of underlying assets held by the common collective trust fund on June 30, 2022 and 2021.

The common collective trusts are invested in various trusts that attempt to achieve their investment objectives by investing primarily in other collective investment funds that have characteristics consistent with each trust’s overall investment objective and strategy.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company has various defined contribution plans for eligible domestic and international employees. The aggregate cost of the domestic defined contribution plans was $58, $65 and $54 in fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The aggregate cost of the international defined contribution plans was $6, $4 and $4 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

NOTE 18. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company operates through SBUs that are also the Company’s operating segments. These SBUs are then aggregated into four reportable segments: Health and Wellness, Household, Lifestyle and International. These four reportable segments consist of the following:

Health and Wellness consists of cleaning products, professional products and vitamins, minerals and supplements mainly marketed and sold in the U.S.
Household consists of bags and wraps, grilling products and cat litter marketed and sold in the U.S.
Lifestyle consists of food, natural personal care products and water-filtration products marketed and sold in the U.S.
International consists of products sold outside the U.S. Products within this segment include laundry additives; home care products; water-filtration products; digestive health products; grilling products; cat litter; food; bags and wraps; natural personal care products; and professional cleaning and disinfecting products.

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Appendix A

NOTE 18. SEGMENT REPORTING (Continued)

Certain non-allocated administrative costs, interest income, interest expense and various other non-operating income and expenses are reflected in Corporate. Corporate assets include cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets, other long-term assets and deferred taxes.

    Fiscal
Year
    Health and
Wellness
(1)
    Household     Lifestyle     International (2)     Corporate (3)     Total
Company
Net sales 2022 $         2,690 $         1,984 $     1,253 $               1,180 $           $       7,107
2021 2,980 1,981 1,218 1,162 7,341
2020 2,749 1,795 1,154 1,023 6,721
Earnings (losses)
before income taxes
2022 300 234 280 97 (304 ) 607
2021 305 375 320 201 (301 ) 900
2020 766 347 320 116 (364 ) 1,185
Income from equity
investees included
in Other (income)
expense, net
2022 6 6
2021 5 5
2020 20 20
Total assets 2022 1,999 1,045 1,035 1,453 626 6,158
2021 2,043 912 1,011 1,489 879 6,334
Capital expenditures 2022 72 112 24 27 16 251
2021 135 108 29 42 17 331
2020 72 94 46 20 22 254
Depreciation and
amortization
2022 75 67 24 47 11 224
2021 67 67 23 45 9 211
2020 64 65 22 22 7 180
Significant non-cash charges included in earnings (losses) before income taxes:
     Stock-based
     compensation
2022 17 8 6 3 18 52
2021 19 10 7 2 12 50
2020 13 9 6 1 21 50
(1) Fiscal year 2021 earnings (losses) before income taxes for the Health and Wellness segment included impairment charges of $343, of which $228, $93, and $22 related to goodwill, certain indefinite-lived trademarks and other assets, respectively.
(2)

Fiscal year 2021 earnings (losses) before income taxes for the International segment included an $85 non-cash gain from the remeasurement of the Company’s previously held investment in its Saudi joint venture.

(3)

Fiscal year 2022 earnings (losses) before income taxes for the Corporate segment included expenses related to the Company’s digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment.

All intersegment sales are eliminated and are not included in the Company’s reportable segments’ net sales.

Net sales to the Company’s largest customer, Walmart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates, were 25% of consolidated net sales for each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, and occurred across all of the Company’s reportable segments. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net sales in any of these fiscal years.

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Appendix A

NOTE 18. SEGMENT REPORTING (Continued)

The following table provides Net sales as a percentage of the Company’s consolidated net sales, disaggregated by SBU, for the fiscal years ended June 30:

      2022       2021       2020
Cleaning      29 %      30 %      30 %
Professional Products 4 % 7 % 7 %
Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements 4 % 4 % 4 %
Health and Wellness 37 % 41 % 41 %
Bags and Wraps 12 % 11 % 12 %
Grilling 8 % 9 % 8 %
Cat Litter 8 % 7 % 7 %
Household 28 % 27 % 27 %
Food 10 % 9 % 9 %
Natural Personal Care 4 % 4 % 4 %
Water Filtration 4 % 3 % 4 %
Lifestyle 18 % 16 % 17 %
International 17 % 16 % 15 %
Total 100 % 100 % 100 %

The Company’s products are marketed and sold globally. The following table provides the Company’s global product lines, which were sold in the U.S. and International, that accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales for the fiscal years ended June 30:

      2022       2021       2020
Cleaning products      42 %      43 %      43 %
Bags and wraps 16 % 14 % 15 %
Food products 11 % 10 % 10 %

Net sales and property, plant and equipment, net, by geographic area for and as of the fiscal years ended June 30 were as follows:

Fiscal United Total
      Year       States       Foreign       Company
Net sales 2022 $      5,951 $      1,156 $       7,107
2021 6,207 1,134 7,341
2020 5,725 996 6,721
Property, plant and equipment, net 2022 1,180 154 1,334
2021 1,143 159 1,302

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Appendix A

NOTE 19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company holds various equity investments with ownership percentages of up to 50% in a number of consumer products businesses, which operate both within and outside the United States. The equity investments, presented in Other assets and accounted for under the equity method, were $52 and $55 as of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company has no ongoing capital commitments, loan requirements, guarantees or any other types of arrangements under the terms of its agreements that would require any future cash contributions or disbursements arising out of an equity investment.

Transactions with the Company’s equity investees typically represent payments for contract manufacturing and purchases of raw materials. Payments to related parties, including equity investees, for such transactions during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were $117, $44 and $55, respectively. Receipts from and ending accounts receivable and payable balances related to the Company’s related parties were not significant during or as of the end of each of the fiscal years presented.

NOTE 20. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On August 3, 2022, the Company announced it will begin to implement a streamlined operating model in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. The Company’s Board of Directors has approved up to approximately $100 of expenses to be incurred over fiscal years 2023 and 2024 related to this initiative, including restructuring costs, primarily employee-related costs, as well as associated implementation and other costs. The costs are expected to be recorded primarily within Other (income) expense, net.

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Appendix A

THE CLOROX COMPANY
RECONCILIATION OF ECONOMIC PROFIT (UNAUDITED) (1)

Dollars in millions FY22 FY21 FY20
Earnings before income taxes       $     607       $      900       $      1,185
Add back:
     Certain U.S. GAAP charges (2)(3) 61 357 2
     Interest expense 106 99 99
Less:
     Saudi JV acquisition gain (4) (82 )
          Earnings before income taxes, certain U.S. GAAP items and
          interest expense
774 1,274 1,286
Less:
     Income taxes on earnings before income taxes,
     certain U.S. GAAP items and interest expense (5)
174 264 267
Adjusted after tax profit 600 1,010 1,019
Less: After tax profit attributable to noncontrolling interests 9 9
Adjusted after tax profit attributable to Clorox 591 1,001 1,019
Average capital employed (6) 3,428 3,655 3,478
Less: Capital charge (7) 309 329 313
Economic profit (1) (Adjusted after tax profit attributable to Clorox
less capital charge)
$ 282 $ 672 $ 706
(1)

Economic profit (EP) is defined by the Company as earnings before income taxes, excluding certain U.S. GAAP items (such as asset impairments, charges related to digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment, significant losses/ (gains) related to acquisitions and other non-recurring or unusual items) and interest expense; less income taxes (calculated based on the Company’s effective tax rate excluding the identified U.S. GAAP items), and less after tax profit attributable to noncontrolling interests, and less a capital charge (calculated as average capital employed multiplied by a cost of capital rate). EP is a key financial metric that the Company’s management uses to evaluate business performance and allocate resources, and is a component in determining employee incentive compensation. The Company’s management believes EP provides additional perspective to investors about financial returns generated by the business and represents profit generated over and above the cost of capital used by the business to generate that profit

(2)

Fiscal year 2022 includes $61 ($47 after tax) of incremental operating expenses primarily recorded within selling and administrative expenses related to the implementation related to the Company’s digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment, which are recorded within the Corporate segment. The expenses relate to the following:


Twelve Months
Ended
June 30, 2022
                     External consulting fees (a)       $                     43
IT project personnel costs (b) 11
Other (c) 7
Total $ 61

               

(a) Comprised of third-party consulting fees incurred to assist in the project management and the preliminary project stage of this transformative investment. The company relies on consultants for certain capabilities required for these programs that the company does not maintain internally. These costs support the implementation of these programs incremental to the company’s normal IT costs and will not be incurred following implementation.

(b) Comprised of labor costs associated with internal IT project management teams that are utilized to oversee the new system implementations. Given the magnitude and transformative nature of the implementations planned, the necessary project management costs are incremental to the historical levels of spend and will no longer be incurred subsequent to implementation. As a result of this long-term strategic investment, the company considers these costs not reflective of the ongoing costs to operate its business.

(c) Comprised of various other expenses associated with the company’s new system implementations, including company personnel dedicated to the project that have been backfilled with either permanent or temporary resources in positions that are considered part of normal operating expenses.


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Appendix A

(3)

Fiscal year 2021 includes impairment charges of $329 (after tax $267) of which $228, $93, and $8 related to the goodwill of the VMS reporting unit, certain indefinite-lived trademarks and other assets, respectively, and non-cash charges of $28 ($21 after tax) on investments and related arrangements made with a Professional Products business supplier.

(4)

On July 9, 2020, the Company increased its investment in each of the two entities comprising its joint venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Saudi joint venture). As a result of this transaction, a non-cash nonrecurring net gain was recognized of $82 ($76 after tax) in Other (income) expense, net in the quarter ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to the remeasurement of the carrying value of the company’s previously held equity investment to fair value.

(5)

The tax rate applied is the effective tax rate before the identified U.S. GAAP items was 22.5%, 20.7% and 20.8% in fiscal years 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. The difference between the fiscal year 2022 effective tax rate on earnings of 22.4% is due to the tax rate impact of the incremental operating expenses recorded related to the implementation of the Company’s digital capabilities and productivity enhancements investment of 0.1%. The difference between the fiscal year 2021 effective tax rate on earnings of 20.1% is due to the tax rate impact of the Professional Products supplier charge, VMS impairment, and Saudi JV acquisition gain of 0.1%, (0.4)%, and 0.9%, respectively.

(6)

Total capital employed represents total assets less non-interest bearing liabilities. Adjusted capital employed represents total capital employed adjusted to add back current year after tax U.S. GAAP items, as applicable, and deduct the current year after tax non-cash, non-recurring gain. Average capital employed is the average of adjusted capital employed for the current year and total capital employed for the prior year, based on year-end balances. See below for details of the average capital employed calculation.

(7)

Capital charge represents average capital employed multiplied by a cost of capital, which was 9% for all fiscal years presented. The calculation of capital charge includes the impact of rounding numbers.


Dollars in millions FY22 FY21 FY20
Total assets       $     6,158       $      6,334       $      6,213
Less:
       Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (8) 1,463 1,670 1,327
       Current operating lease liabilities 78 81 64
       Income taxes payable 25
       Long-term operating lease liabilities 314 301 278
       Other liabilities (8) 778 819 755
       Deferred income taxes 66 67 62
              Non-interest bearing liabilities 2,699 2,938 2,511
Total capital employed (6) 3,459 3,396 3,702
After tax certain U.S. GAAP items (3)(4) 0 212 2
Adjusted capital employed (6) $ 3,459 $ 3,608 $ 3,704
Average capital employed $ 3,428 $ 3,655 $ 3,478
(8) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other liabilities are adjusted to exclude interest-bearing liabilities.

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Table of Contents














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 A  The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the following director nominees:
1. Election of Directors:   For     Against    Abstain     For     Against    Abstain     For     Against    Abstain  
     01 - Amy L. Banse   05 - A.D. David Mackay   09 - Matthew J. Shattock  
02 - Julia Denman   06 - Paul Parker 10 - Kathryn Tesija
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 B  The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposal 2.
    For    Against    Abstain
2. Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation.

 C  The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposal 3.
    For    Against    Abstain
3. Ratification of the Selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Clorox Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.


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Table of Contents

The 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Clorox Company will be held on
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Proxy — The Clorox Company

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CLOROX COMPANY

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS — NOVEMBER 16, 2022

The shareholder(s) whose signature(s) appear(s) on the reverse side hereby appoint(s) Linda Rendle, Angela Hilt and Iké Adeyemi, and each of them individually, as proxies, each with full power of substitution, to vote as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of common stock of The Clorox Company that the shareholder(s) whose signature(s) appear(s) on the reverse side would be entitled to vote, if personally present, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 9:00 a.m., Pacific time on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 and any adjournment or postponement thereof. A majority of said proxies, including any substitutes, or if only one of them be present, then that one, may exercise all of the powers of said proxies hereunder.

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