Company: CLX
Filing Date: 2025-08-08
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0000021076-25-000039
Chunk: 26

Company: CLOROX CO /DE/
Filing Date: 2025-08-08
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 26
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 may continue to be derived from a small number of customers. As a result, changes in the strategies of the Company’s largest customers, including a reduction in the number of brands they carry, a shift of shelf space to “private label” or competitors’ products or a decision to lower pricing of consumer products, including branded products, may harm the Company’s net sales or net earnings, and reduce the ability of the Company to offer new, innovative products to consumers. Any loss of a key customer or a significant reduction in net sales to a key customer of the Company or a business unit could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the use of the latest pricing technology by its customers may lead to category pricing pressures. Consistent with the ongoing variability in information technology (IT) systems industry-wide, the Company's IT platforms, including after the implementation its ERP system, may not be fully compatible at all times with those used by its customers and may not be able to respond to customer data or technology demands. 

With the growing trend towards retailer consolidation, both in the U.S. and internationally, the continued growth of e-commerce and the integration of traditional and digital operations at key retailers, the Company is increasingly dependent on certain retailers. This trend has resulted in the increased size and influence of large consolidated retailers, who have in the past changed, and may in the future change, their business strategies; demand lower pricing or higher trade discounts; impose other burdensome requirements on product suppliers; or move away from branded products to "private label." These large consolidated companies could also exert additional competitive pressure on the Company’s other customers, which could in turn lead to such customers demanding lower pricing, higher trade discounts or special packaging or imposing other onerous requirements on the Company. If a significant customer ceases doing business with or materially decreases its purchase of the Company's products, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be harmed.

The Company’s business is based primarily upon individual sales orders, and the Company typically does not enter into long-term contracts with its customers. Accordingly, customers could reduce their purchasing levels or cease buying products from the Company at any time. If the Company does not effectively respond to the demands of its customers, they could decrease their purchases, causing the Company’s net sales and net earnings to decline. Furthermore, unfavorable market conditions or competitive pressures may cause customers to reevaluate the number and mix of brands they sell, resulting in lower purchases of the Company’s products by