CLOROX CO /DE/
10-Q, 1999-05-14
SPECIALTY CLEANING, POLISHING AND SANITATION PREPARATIONS
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        UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                 Washington, D.C.  20549
                    Form 10-Q


          
X      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE 
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                            
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999 

                                or
                                                    
     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE 
     SECURITIES EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934
                                                       
For the transition period from         to              
                                                       
Commission file number   1-07151   
                         -------

                   THE CLOROX COMPANY
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)         
                                                       
     Delaware                                         31-0595760
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction                       (I.R.S. Employer
of  incorporation or organization)               Identification number)
                                                       
   1221 Broadway - Oakland, California                94612 - 1888
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) 
                                                       
Registrant's telephone number, (including area code) (510) 271-7000
                                                     --------------
                                                        
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed
 since last report)  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant  (1)  has filed 
all report required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was 
required to file such reports), and  (2)  has been subject 
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
                                                        
          Yes         X           No                         
                ------------            ---------------
                                                       
                                                       
As of March 31, 1999 there were 118,003,174 shares outstanding of 
the registrant's common stock (par value -  $1.00), the registrant's 
only outstanding class of stock.                         
                                                       
     

     Total  pages 20                                        1


                         THE CLOROX COMPANY
                         
                         
PART 1.   Financial Information                     Page No. 
          ---------------------                     ---------
                         
  Item 1. Financial Statements           
                         
          Condensed Statements of Consolidated 
           Earnings                
            Three and Nine Months Ended 
              March 31, 1999 and 1998                 3-4 
                          
                            
          Financial Highlights                         5 
                         
                         
                         
  Item 1. Financial Statements           
                         
          Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets           
           March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1998             6 
                          
                         
          Condensed Statements of Consolidated 
           Cash Flows            
            Nine Months Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998   7 
                          
                         
          Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial 
           Statements                                   8-12 
                         
                         
                         
  Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
           Results of Operations and Financial 
           Condition                                    13-19 
                         
                         

2

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                  Item 1. Financial Statements
                               The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                            Condensed Statements of Consolidated Earnings
                            ---------------------------------------------
                               (In thousands, except per-share amounts)


<S>                  <C>                    <C>                    <C>                    <C> 
                         Three Months Ended                               Nine Months Ended
                     ----------------------------------            -----------------------------------
                        3/31/99                3/31/98                 3/31/99                3/31/98
                     -------------          -----------            -------------          ------------

Net Sales            $  991,971             $  967,446             $ 2,903,602            $ 2,769,019
                     -------------          -----------            -------------          ------------
                                                                                
Costs and Expenses                                             
  Cost of products
  sold (including 
  write-down of 
  obsolete inventory 
  of $8,145 relating 
  to First Brands, 
  see Note 3)           473,369                460,801               1,390,085              1,340,946 
                                                                           
  Selling, delivery 
  and administration    194,962                189,030                 587,530                552,784 
                                                                           
  Advertising           123,854                124,161                 360,629                352,695 
                                                                           
  Research and 
   development           14,491                 14,917                  44,137                 42,327 
                                                                           
  Interest expense       22,411                 26,989                  75,077                 76,261 
                                                                           
  Other expense, net     10,105                  1,175                  17,667                  6,089 
                                                                            
  Merger, integration, 
  restructuring and 
  asset impairment      100,394                   -                    100,394                  2,700 
                     -------------          -----------            -------------          ------------
                                                                                
    Total costs and 
    expenses            939,586                817,073               2,575,519              2,373,802 
                     -------------          -----------            -------------          ------------
                                                                           
Earnings before income 
taxes, and cumulative 
effect of change in
accounting principle     52,385                150,373                 328,083                395,217 
                                                                                
Income taxes             30,334                 58,386                 132,212                153,904 
                     -------------          -----------            -------------          ------------
                          
Earnings before 
cumulative effect of
change in accounting 
principle                22,051                 91,987                 195,871                241,313 
                                                                              
Cumulative effect of 
change in accounting 
principle, net of taxes    -                      -                        -                   (6,922) 
                     -------------          -----------            -------------          ------------
                                                                           
Net Earnings         $   22,051             $   91,987             $    195,871           $   234,391 
                      ============          ============           ==============          ============
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

- -Continued-
3


</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                              PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                                  Item 1. Financial Statements
                               The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                            Condensed Statements of Consolidated Earnings
                            ---------------------------------------------
                               (In thousands, except per-share amounts)

<S>                  <C>                    <C>                    <C>                    <C> 
                         Three Months Ended                               Nine Months Ended
                     ----------------------------------            -----------------------------------
                        3/31/99                3/31/98                 3/31/99                3/31/98
                     -------------          -----------            -------------          ------------

Basic earnings per 
common share                                                                            
  Earnings before 
  cumulative effect
  of change in 
  accounting 
  principle          $    0.19              $   0.78               $    1.67               $   2.06 

  Cumulative effect 
  of change in 
  accounting 
  principle                -                     -                       -                    (0.06) 
                     -------------          -----------            -------------          ------------
                                                                             
  Earnings per share $   0.19               $   0.78               $    1.67              $    2.00 
                     =============          ===========            =============          ============
                                                                           
                                                                           
Diluted earnings per 
common share                                                          
  Earnings before 
  cumulative effect
  of change in 
  accounting 
  principle          $   0.18               $   0.77               $    1.64              $   2.01 

  Cumulative effect 
  of change in
  accounting 
  principle               -                      -                       -                   (0.06) 
                     -------------          -----------            -------------          ------------
                                                                              
  Earnings per share $   0.18               $   0.77               $    1.64              $   1.95 
                     =============          ===========            =============          ============
                                                                            
                                                                           
Weighted average 
shares outstanding                                                                            
  Basic                 117,897               117,509                 117,473               117,305 
  Diluted               120,220               119,909                 119,795               119,921 
                                                                                    
                                                                           
Dividends per share  $    0.36              $   0.32               $    1.06              $   0.94 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
- -Concluded-

4
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                     PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                   The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                    Consolidated Financial Highlights


The following presents earnings per common share before restructuring.  This 
presentation does not replace the generally accepted accounting principle 
(GAAP) measurement presented in the Company's Condensed Statement of 
Consolidated Earnings.  

Because this is a non-GAAP performance measurement it is not necessarily 
calculated in the same manner by other companies.  Management believes 
that this information read in conjunction with the financial statement 
presented herein assists the reader in understanding the Company's 
performance for the applicable periods.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Three Months Ended                          Nine Months Ended
                                    March 31                                   March 31
                            1999                 1998                 1999                      1998
                          ---------------------------------        -----------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                 <C>                 <C>                       <C>
Earnings per common share                                                                            
  Before restructuring                                                                        
    Basic                 $ 0.86               $  0.78             $  2.34                   $  2.00 
    Diluted                 0.84                  0.77                2.29                      1.95 
                                                                                      
Earnings per common share                                                                            
  After restructuring                                                                                  
    Basic                 $ 0.19               $  0.78             $  1.67                   $  2.00 
    Diluted                 0.18                  0.77                1.64                      1.95 
5

</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                            PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                                  Item 1. Financial Statements
                              The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                             Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                              ------------------------------------
                                        (In thousands)

                                                                            3/31/99                6/30/98
                                                                        -------------          -------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                   <C>
ASSETS                                              
  Current Assets                                         
    Cash and short-term investments                                     $   110,307           $   101,710 
    Accounts and notes receivable, net                                      527,772               521,876 
    Inventories                                                             395,656               367,393 
    Prepaid expenses and other                                               24,757                55,524 
    Deferred income taxes                                                    31,615                35,069 
                                                                        -------------         -------------
      Total current assets                                                1,090,107             1,081,572 
                                                  
  Property, Plant and Equipment - Net                                     1,026,944             1,016,048 
                                                  
  Brands, Trademarks, Patents and Other Intangibles                       1,567,935             1,525,381 
                                                  
  Investments in Affiliates                                                 102,648                90,117 
                                                  
  Other Assets                                                              343,221               352,115 
                                                                        -------------         --------------
                                                  
  Total                                                                 $ 4,130,855           $ 4,065,233 
                                                                        =============         =============

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                   
  Current Liabilities                                              
    Accounts payable                                                    $  170,867            $   226,040 
    Accrued liabilities                                                    254,329                353,184 
    Accrued merger, integration, and restructuring                          23,950                   - 
    Short-term debt and notes payable                                      841,406                773,178 
    Income taxes payable                                                    79,979                 23,623 
    Current maturities of long-term debt                                     5,461                  4,901 
                                                                        -------------         --------------
      Total current liabilities                                          1,375,992              1,380,926 
                                                   
  Long-term Debt                                                           705,065                704,314 
                                              
  Other Obligations                                                        247,073                229,401 
                                                  
  Deferred Income Taxes                                                    247,539                279,209 
                                              
  Stockholders' Equity                                              
    Common stock                                                           124,916                124,506 
    Additional paid-in capital                                             123,795                 82,024 
    Retained earnings                                                    1,867,930              1,785,085 
    Treasury shares, at cost                                              (405,099)              (391,864) 
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                  (148,883)              (117,417) 
    Other                                                                   (7,473)               (10,951) 
                                                                        -------------         --------------
      Stockholders' Equity                                               1,555,186              1,471,383 
                                                                        -------------         --------------
                                                
  Total                                                                 $4,130,855            $ 4,065,233 
                                             
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6 
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                            PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                                Item 1.  Financial Statements
                              The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                          Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows
                           ----------------------------------------------
                                           (In thousands)
                                                                                   Nine Months Ended      
                                                                        ----------------------------------------
                                                                             3/31/99                  3/31/98   
                                                                        ------------------       ---------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                      <C>    
Operations:                                                       
  Net earnings                                                          $    195,871             $    234,391 
  Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by 
  operating activities:                                                 
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                         -                       6,922 
    Write-off of obsolete inventory                                            8,145                     -  
    Write off of software development costs and other                         34,274                     - 
    Depreciation and amortization                                            146,448                  129,714 
    Deferred income taxes                                                      5,405                   32,193 
    Other                                                                     (2,224)                  (8,721) 
    Effects of changes in (excluding effects of businesses 
    purchased):                                           
      Accounts receivable                                                     26,418                  (55,737) 
      Inventories                                                            (36,118)                 (79,212) 
      Prepaid expenses                                                         5,378                    7,169 
      Accounts payable                                                       (52,813)                 (35,516) 
      Accrued liabilities                                                    (96,583)                (130,214) 
      Accrued merger, integration, and restructuring                          23,950                    2,700 
      Income taxes payable                                                    49,908                   17,009 
                                                                        ------------------       ---------------
      Net cash provided by operations                                        308,059                  120,698 
                                                       
Investing Activities:                                                       
  Property, plant and equipment                                             (110,128)                 (84,157) 
  Acquisition of leased assets                                                  -                     (44,208) 
  Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment                      5,003                   10,268 
  Businesses purchased                                                      (115,999)                (107,777) 
  Other                                                                      (26,872)                 (47,156) 
                                                                        ------------------       ---------------
      Net cash used for investment                                          (247,996)                (273,030) 
                                                       
Financing Activities:                                                       
  Credit facilities borrowings (repayments), net                            (197,284)                  64,842 
  Short-term borrowings                                                       69,987                   97,940 
  Long-term debt and other borrowings                                        201,535                  193,736 
  Long-term debt and other repayments                                        (15,310)                 (61,549) 
  Trade accounts receivable financing program, net                           (20,000)                 (15,000) 
  Cash dividends                                                            (119,806)                (110,278) 
  Treasury stock purchased                                                   (32,455)                 (66,863) 
  Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans and other               61,867                   26,169 
                                                                        ------------------       ---------------
  Net cash provided by (used for) financing                                  (51,466)                 128,997 
                                                       
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Short-Term Investments                     8,597                  (23,335) 
Cash and Short-Term Investments:                                                       
  Beginning of period                                                        101,710                  108,511 
                                                                        ------------------       ---------------
  End of period                                                         $    110,307             $     85,176 

                                             
See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
7 

</TABLE>
<PAGE>


                     PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                          Item 1.  Financial Statements
                        The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
                ----------------------------------------------------

(1)   The condensed consolidated financial information for the three 
and nine months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 has not been audited but, 
in the opinion of management, includes all adjustments (consisting of
 normal recurring and merger related accruals) necessary for a fair 
presentation of the consolidated results of operations, financial 
position, and cash flows of The Clorox Company and its subsidiaries 
(the "Company").  The results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 
1999 and 1998 should not be considered as necessarily indicative of the 
annual results for the respective years.

     As discussed further in Note 7, on January 29, 1999, the Company 
completed the First Brands Corporation ("First Brands") merger.  The merger 
has been accounted for as a pooling of interests.

     All historical information has been restated as if the merger had been 
in effect for all periods presented. 

(2)   The Company's subsidiary, First Brands, is engaged in a 
program to sell up to $100,000,000 in fractional ownership interest 
in a defined pool of eligible trade accounts receivable.  As of 
March 31, 1999,  $80,000,000 had been sold.  The amounts sold are 
reflected as a reduction in accounts receivable on the accompanying 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and costs associated with this 
program are charged to earnings as interest expense when the 
receivables are sold.  The effective interest rate is approximately 5.6%.


(3)   Inventories at March 31, 1999 and at June 30, 1998 consisted 
of (in thousands):

                                        3/31/99             6/30/98  
                                      ------------        ------------
Finished goods and work in process    $ 286,588           $ 251,505 
Raw materials and supplies              109,068             115,888  
                                      ------------        ------------
                                        
    Total                             $ 395,656           $ 367,393


Obsolete First Brands' inventory totalling $8,145,000 at March 31, 1999 
has been written off.




8
<PAGE>

                     PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                          Item 1.  Financial Statements
                        The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
                ----------------------------------------------------


(4)   In July 1998, the Company refinanced $150,000,000 of commercial 
paper by entering into a Deutsche Mark denominated financing arrangement 
with private investors.  In October 1998, the private investors exercised 
an option to finance an additional $50,000,000 under the same 
terms of this financing arrangement.  The Company entered into a 
series of swaps with notional amounts totalling $200,000,000 to 
eliminate foreign currency exposure risk generated by this 
Deutsche Mark denominated obligation.  The swaps effectively 
convert the Company's 2.876% fixed Deutsche Mark obligation to a 
floating U.S. dollar rate of 90 day LIBOR less 278 basis points or 
an effective rate of approximately 3%.

      In December 1998, the Company redeemed preference shares 
totalling $387,540,000, which was classified as short-term debt.  
This financing was replaced with commercial paper borrowings.

      In February 1999, the Company terminated First Brands' 
revolving credit facility agreement.  Related interest rate swaps 
with notional amounts totalling $150,000,000 were terminated in 
March 1999.  Costs associated with terminating the swap agreements 
were approximately $2,502,000 and are included in merger and 
integration costs.


(5)   Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings 
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding each 
period.  Diluted earnings per share (EPS) are computed by dividing 
net earnings by the diluted weighted average number of common 
shares outstanding during each period.  Diluted EPS reflects the 
potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable 
through stock options, restricted stock, warrants and other 
convertible securities.  The weighted average number of shares 
outstanding (denominator) used to calculate basic earnings per 
share is reconciled to those used in calculating diluted earnings 
per share as follows (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding
                           ----------------------------------------------------------------
                            Three Months Ended                    Nine Months Ended
                           --------------------------            --------------------------
                           3/31/99            3/31/98            3/31/99            3/31/98
                           --------           -------            -------            -------
<S>                        <C>                 <C>               <C>                <C> 
Basic                      117,897            117,509            117,473            117,305      
                                                         
Stock options                2,305              2,352              2,302              2,568      
                                                          
Other                           18                 48                 20                 48      
                           --------           -------            -------            -------
Diluted                    120,220            119,909            119,795            119,921      
                           ========           =======            =======            ========

9
</TABLE>

<PAGE>



                     PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                          Item 1.  Financial Statements
                        The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
                ----------------------------------------------------


(6)      Comprehensive income for the Company includes net income and foreign 
currency translation adjustments that are excluded from net income but 
included as a component of total stockholders' equity.  Comprehensive income 
for the three and nine months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 is as 
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                             Three Months Ended                                Nine Months Ended 
                     -------------------------------------            -----------------------------------
                      3/31/99                  3/31/98                  3/31/99                  3/31/98  
                     -------------            ------------            -------------           -----------
<S>                  <C>                      <C>                      <C>                      <C>   
Net Earnings         $   22,051               $   91,987              $   195,871             $   234,391 
                                                                      
Other comprehensive
loss:                                       
 Foreign currency 
 translation 
 adjustments            (18,407)                  (9,437)                 (31,466)                (46,648) 
                     -------------            ------------            -------------           -----------
                                                                           
Comprehensive 
Income               $    3,644               $   82,550              $    164,405            $   187,743 
                     =============             =============            ==============        ============

</TABLE>


(7)      Certain reclassifications of prior periods' amounts have 
been made to accounts receivable, accrued liabilities, interest 
expense and other expense to conform with the current period 
presentation. 


(8)   On January 29, 1999, the First Brands merger was completed.  
As a result of the merger, First Brands became a wholly owned subsidiary o
f the Company and continues to operate its business as a subsidiary.  
First Brands develops, manufactures, markets and sells consumer products 
under the Glad, Scoop Away, Handi Wipes, and STP brands, among others.

     Pursuant to the merger, First Brands' stockholders received in the 
merger the right to receive .349 of a share of the Company's common stock 
in exchange for each share of First Brands' common stock, with cash paid 
in lieu of fractional shares.  Pursuant to the merger, 40,319,500 shares 
of First Brands' common stock were converted into 14,071,505 shares of the 
Company's common stock.   In addition, options to acquire 1,755,010 shares 
of First Brands' common stock were converted to 612,484 options to acquire 
shares of the Company's common stock.   In connection with the merger, 
Clorox also assumed approximately $435,000,000 of First Brands' debt.  There 
were no transactions between the Company and First Brands prior to the 
merger.

     The merger has been accounted for as a pooling of interests.  Accordingly, 
all historical financial information has been restated as if the merger had 
been in effect for all periods presented.

10
<PAGE>

                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                          Item 1.  Financial Statements
                        The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
                ----------------------------------------------------


In connection with the merger, merger and integration (transaction 
and other related costs), restructuring and asset impairment costs 
were recognized during the quarter ended March 31, 1999.  Details of 
these costs are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                         Merger and Integration       Restructuring   Sub-Total   Asset Impairment       Total 
                         ----------------------       -------------   ---------   ----------------     ---------
<S>                      <C>                          <C>              <C>         <C>                 <C>

Transaction fees and 
expenses                 $      16,604                $     -         $ 16,604    $     -              $  16,604 

Employee severance and 
 other related costs               626                    33,715        34,341          -                 34,341 

Contract cancellations            -                        8,346         8,346          -                  8,346 

Write-off of software    
 development and other 
 costs                            -                          410           410        32,064             32,474 

Other                            4,269                     2,560         6,829         1,800              8,629 
                         ----------------------       -------------   ---------   ----------------      ---------
                                        
Total provision for 
merger, integration, 
restructuring and                                                                                      
asset impairment                 21,499                   45,031        66,530    $   33,864           $100,394 
                                                                                  ============         ==========
                                                                                                     
Total paid through                                                                   
 March 31, 1999                 (21,342)                 (21,238)      (42,580)
                         ----------------------       -------------   --------- 
                                                                                                
Accrued liability as of                                                                        
 March 31, 1999          $          157               $   23,793      $ 23,950
                         ======================       ==============  =========


</TABLE>


Restructuring activities primarily relate to the elimination of 
redundancies and the consolidation of administration and distribution 
functions, the reduction in employee headcount of approximately 270 
positions, primarily at the First Brands' headquarters location in 
Danbury, Connecticut and at sales offices, and the termination of 
lease and other contracts.

It is expected that additional merger and related costs will be 
incurred over the calendar year.  These costs, which are currently 
estimated to be approximately $32,000,000, will be recognized as 
incurred and will be reported as merger costs 
at that time.

11

<PAGE>

                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                          Item 1.  Financial Statements
                        The Clorox Company and Subsidiaries
                Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
                ----------------------------------------------------


The following presents certain historical financial data pertaining 
to the Company and First Brands prior to the merger in January 1999.  
Certain reclassifications were made to the historical results of 
First Brands to conform to the Company's classifications.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                       Six Months Ending December 31, 1998 
                                                                  (In thousands)
                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Clorox                  First Brands                  Reclassifications           Combined
                 ------------------      ----------------------          ------------------------     -----------
<S>              <C>                     <C>                               <C>                        <C>
                                                                 
Net Sales        $      1,334,055        $      605,895                    $      (28,319)            $ 1,911,631 
                 ------------------      ----------------------          ------------------------     -----------
                 ------------------      ----------------------          ------------------------     -----------
                                                                           
Net Earnings     $        143,368        $       30,452                    $          -               $   173,820
                 ------------------      ----------------------          ------------------------     -----------
                 ------------------      ----------------------          ------------------------     -----------
                                                                           
                                                                 
                                                       Six Months Ending December 31, 1997 
                                                                  (In thousands)
                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Clorox                  First Brands                  Reclassifications           Combined
                 ------------------      ----------------------          ------------------------     -----------
                                             
Net Sales        $      1,241,079        $      578,762                  $      (18,268)              $ 1,801,573 
                                                              
Net Earnings     $        123,846        $      18,558                   $         -                  $   142,404 
                                                                 
</TABLE>

     For additional information regarding the merger, refer to the 
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
December 31, 1998, and the Company's S-4 Registration Statement.


(9)   Businesses purchased for the nine months ended March 31, 1999 and 
March 31, 1998 totalling  $115,999,000 and $ 107,777,000, 
respectively, were funded using a combination of cash and debt and 
were accounted for as purchases.  These acquisitions in fiscal 
year 1999 included domestically, the purchase of the Handi Wipes 
and Wash 'n Dry business, and internationally, a bleach and 
cleaners business in Venezuela, an insecticide business in Korea, 
a cleaning brand business in Australia and an increase in 
ownership in Tecnoclor S.A. in Colombia.

12

<PAGE>

                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                   Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                    Results of Operations and Financial Condition
                    ---------------------------------------------
                      
                           Results of Operations
                           ----------------------

             Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 1999
             -----------------------------------------------------
                with the Three Months Ended March  31, 1998
                -------------------------------------------

On January 29, 1999, the First Brands merger was completed.  As a 
result of the merger, First Brands became a wholly owned subsidiary of 
the Company and continues to operate its business as a subsidiary.  
First Brands develops, manufactures, markets and sells consumer products
under the Glad, Scoop Away, Handi Wipes, and STP brands, among others.  
The merger was accounted for as a pooling of interests.  Accordingly, 
all historical financial information has been restated as if the 
combination had been in effect for all periods presented.  Diluted 
earnings per share and net earnings before merger and related costs 
are not generally accepted accounting performance measures.

Diluted earnings per share decreased 77% to $0.18 from $0.77 a year ago 
and net earnings decreased 76% to $22,051,000 from $91,987,000 a year 
ago primarily due to merger and related costs incurred in the third 
quarter.  Before merger and related costs, diluted earnings per share 
increased 9% to $0.84 and net earnings increased 10% to $100,900,000.

Third quarter sales rose 3% to $991,971,000 from $967,446,000 a 
year ago.  Domestic brands contributing to the quarterly sales 
growth include the Pine Sol and Tilex franchises, Clorox liquid 
bleach, Kingsford and Match Light charcoal briquets, Kingsford 
lighter fluid, Hidden Valley dressings, Fresh Step Scoop cat 
litter, Gladware line and the recently acquired Handi Wipes product 
line.  This growth in sales is partially offset by unfavorable 
foreign exchange rates and also by a decrease in sales from the 
Glad Lock product lines and Jonny Cat and Everfresh brands due 
to higher sales in the prior year caused by greater promotional 
activities.

Gross margin, before the $8,145,000 merger related write off of 
First Brands' obsolete inventory, improved in comparison with the 
prior year.  This improvement reflects lower raw material costs 
and efficiencies resulting from the Company's on-going cost 
savings programs.  The Company expects to see continued improvements 
as cost savings programs are implemented as part of the First 
Brands' integration.

Selling, delivery, and administrative expenses have increased 
primarily due to continued growth.  However, in the future, the 
Company expects to see reductions in administrative expenses 
resulting from the restructuring activities relating to the First 
Brands' integration.  Advertising spending decreased slightly due 
to higher prior year spending for national launches on Lemon Fresh 
Pine-Sol cleaner and antibacterial spray and Rain Clean Pine-Sol 
dilutable cleaner.

The increase in other expense reflects a lower level of sales of 
non-operating property, costs associated with the redemption of 
redeemable subsidiary preference shares, higher amortization of 
intangibles, and lower equity income.

13

<PAGE>

                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                   Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                    Results of Operations and Financial Condition
                    ---------------------------------------------


Merger and integration (transaction and other related costs) of 
$21,499,000 were recognized in the quarter ended March 31, 1999.  
In addition, other restructuring costs and provisions for asset 
impairment of $45,031,000 and $33,864,000, respectively, were 
recognized during the quarter.  Restructuring activities primarily 
relate to the elimination of redundancies and the consolidation 
of administration and distribution functions, the reduction in 
employee headcount of approximately 270 positions, primarily at 
the First Brands' headquarters location in Danbury, Connecticut 
and at sales offices, and the termination of lease and other 
contracts.  It is expected that additional merger costs will be 
incurred over the calendar year.  These costs which are currently 
estimated to be approximately $32,000,000 will be recognized as 
incurred and will be reported as merger costs.

Income tax expense as a percent of pretax earnings increased to 
57.9% from 38.8% principally due to non-deductible merger related 
costs recorded in the third quarter.  Excluding the impact of 
non-deductible merger related costs, the Company's tax rate 
would have decreased to 37.3% from 38.8%.

14

<PAGE>

                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                   Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                    Results of Operations and Financial Condition
                    ---------------------------------------------


                            Results of Operations
                             --------------------

                 Comparison of the Nine Months Ended March 31, 1999
                 ---------------------------------------------------
                    with the Nine Months Ended March  31, 1998
                    ------------------------------------------


Diluted earnings per share decreased 16% to $1.64 from $1.95 a year 
ago and net earnings decreased 16% to $195,871,000 from $234,391,000 
a year ago primarily due to merger and related costs incurred in 
the third quarter.  Before merger and related costs, diluted 
earnings per share increased 17% to $2.29 and net earnings 
increased 17% to $274,600,000.  Diluted earnings per share and 
net earnings before merger and related costs are not generally 
accepted accounting performance measures.

Net sales increased 5% to $2,903,602,000 from $2,769,019,000 a 
year ago.  The year to date increase in sales is attributable 
primarily to strong performance from most domestic products, 
new product launches, and domestic and international acquisition 
activity.  These increases are partially offset by unfavorable 
exchange rates, and weakened performance from the Company's 
international businesses reflecting economic problems in those 
geographic areas.

Gross margin, before the $8,145,000 merger related write off of 
First Brands' obsolete inventory, improved in comparison with the 
prior year.  This improvement reflects lower raw material costs 
and efficiencies resulting from the Company's on-going cost 
savings programs.  The Company expects to see continued improvements 
as cost savings programs are implemented as part of the First 
Brands' integration.

Selling, delivery, and administrative expenses have increased 
primarily due to continued growth.  However, in the future, the 
Company expects to see reductions in administrative expenses 
resulting from the restructuring activities relating to the First 
Brands' integration.  Increased advertising spending is driven by 
increased domestic volume, and the introduction of new products 
offset by lower international spending by some of the Company's 
Asian businesses.

Research and development costs have increased slightly from the 
prior year.  The Company expects this trend to continue as it 
supports the First Brands' businesses.

The increase in other expense principally results from higher 
amortization of intangibles, costs associated with the redemption 
of redeemable subsidiary preference shares, the effect of translation 
on certain international operations, and a lower level of sales 
of non-operating property offset partially by higher interest income.

Merger and integration (transaction and other related costs) of 
$21,499,000 were recognized in the quarter ended March 31, 1999.  
In addition, other restructuring costs and provisions for asset 
impairment of $45,031,000 and $33,864,000, respectively, were 
recognized during the quarter.  Restructuring activities primarily 
relate to the elimination of redundancies and the consolidation 
of administration and distribution functions, the reduction in 
employee headcount of approximately 270 positions, primarily at 
the First Brands' headquarters location in Danbury, Connecticut 
and at sales offices, and the termination of lease and other 
contracts.  It is expected that additional merger costs will be 
incurred over the calendar year.  These costs which are currently 
estimated to be approximately $32,000,000 will be recognized as 
incurred and will be reported as merger costs at that time.

The prior year restructuring of $2,700,000 reflects an increase to 
the $19,000,000 restructuring recorded in fiscal year 1997 by the 
Company's subsidiary, First Brands. The restructuring was for 
initiatives aimed at streamlining certain operating and administrative 
functions, reducing costs and improving operating efficiencies.  
Substantially all of these restructuring liabilities had been paid 
or settled during fiscal year 1998.

15
<PAGE>


                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                   Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                    Results of Operations and Financial Condition
                    ---------------------------------------------


Income tax expense as a percent of pretax earnings increased to 40.3% 
from 38.9% principally due to non-deductible merger related costs 
recorded in the third quarter.  Excluding the impact of non-deductible 
merger related costs, the Company's tax rate would have decreased to 
37.1% from 38.9%.

The prior year cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 
of  $6,922,000 was recorded by the Company's subsidiary, First 
Brands, to expense previously capitalized costs related to certain 
business process re-engineering activities (in accordance with the 
Financial Accounting Standards Board Emerging Issues Task Force 
Issue No. 97-13).


16
<PAGE>


                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                   Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                    Results of Operations and Financial Condition
                    ---------------------------------------------

                        Liquidity and Capital Resources
                         ------------------------------

The Company's financial position and liquidity remain strong due 
to cash provided by operations during the quarter.  The increase 
in inventories reflects seasonality partly offset by the merger 
related write down of First Brands' obsolete inventory.  The 
reduction in accounts payable and accrued liabilities since June 30, 
1998, is due in part to seasonality and to higher levels of 
promotional activities in the domestic household and First Brands' 
businesses recorded at June 30, 1998.

Businesses purchased since June 30, 1998 totalled $115,999,000 and 
were funded using a combination of cash and debt.  These acquisitions 
were accounted for as purchases and included domestically, the Handi 
Wipes and Wash 'N Dry business and internationally, a bleach and 
cleaners business in Venezuela, an insecticide business in Korea, a 
cleaning brand business in Australia, and an increase in ownership in 
Tecnoclor S.A. in Colombia.

In September 1996, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase 
program to offset the dilutive effect of employee stock option exercises.  
During the nine month period ended March 31, 1999, 400,000 shares were 
acquired at a cost of $32,455,000.  The Company has discontinued 
this share repurchase program in connection with the First Brands 
merger.  As a result, the issuance of shares pursuant to the 
Company's stock incentive plans may have a dilutive effect.

The Company has approved the use of interest rate derivative 
instruments such as interest rate swaps in order to manage the 
impact of interest rate movements on interest expense.  These 
instruments have the effect of converting fixed rate interest to 
floating, or floating to fixed.  The conditions under which 
derivatives can be used are set forth in a Company Policy Statement 
that includes a specific prohibition on the use of any leveraged 
derivatives.  In July 1998, the Company refinanced $150,000,000 
of commercial paper by entering into a Deutsche Mark denominated 
financing arrangement with private investors.  The private 
investors exercised an option to finance an additional $50,000,000 
under the same terms of this financing arrangement in October 1998.  
The Company entered into a series of swaps with notional amounts 
totalling $200,000,000 to eliminate foreign currency exposure 
risk generated by this Deutsche Mark denominated obligation.  The 
swaps effectively convert the Company's 2.876% fixed Deutsche 
Mark obligation to a floating U.S. dollar rate of 90 day LIBOR 
less 278 basis points or an effective rate of approximately 3%.

In December 1998, the Company redeemed preference shares totalling 
$387,540,000, which were classified as short-term debt.  This 
financing was replaced with commercial paper borrowings.

In February 1999, the Company terminated First Brands' revolving 
credit facility agreement.  Related interest rate swaps with 
notional amounts totalling $150,000,000 were terminated in March 
1999.  Costs associated with terminating the swap agreements were 
approximately $2,502,000 and were included in merger and integration 
costs.  

The Company's subsidiary, First Brands, is engaged in a program to 
sell up to $100,000,000 in fractional ownership interest in a 
defined pool of eligible trade accounts receivable.  As of March 31, 
1999, $80,000,000 was outstanding.  The Company currently plans to 
terminate this program in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1999 
and to refinance the debt with commercial paper borrowings.

As of March 31, 1999, the Company has increased its available lines 
of credit from $550 million to $1.05 billion. Management believes 
the Company has adequate access to additional capital from other 
public and private sources should the need arise.

17
<PAGE>

                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                   Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                    Results of Operations and Financial Condition
                    ---------------------------------------------


                            Year 2000 Compliance
                            --------------------

Many financial information and operations systems used today may be 
unable to interpret dates after December 31, 1999 because these 
systems allow only two digits to indicate the year in a date.  
Consequently, these systems are unable to distinguish January 1, 
2000 from January 1, 1900, which could have adverse consequences 
on the operations of an entity and the integrity of information 
processing.  This potential problem is referred to as the "Year 
2000" or "Y2K" issue.

In 1997, the Company established a corporate-wide program to 
address Y2K issues.  This effort is comprehensive and encompasses 
software, hardware, electronic data interchange, networks, PCs, 
manufacturing and other facilities, embedded chips, century 
certification, supplier and customer readiness, contingency planning, 
and domestic and international operations.

On January 29, 1999, the First Brands merger was completed.  The 
Company has completed the inventory and assessment of First Brands' 
major United States and Canadian systems and has incorporated First 
Brands and its subsidiaries into the Company's comprehensive Y2K 
compliance program.  The Company expects to complete all major Y2K 
compliance efforts, including First Brands and its subsidiaries and 
all international and domestic operations, by September 30, 1999. 

As of March 31, 1999, without including the First Brands' businesses, 
the Company has upgraded or replaced 85% of its critical United 
States and Canadian business systems, and has century certified 
95% of these systems through testing.  The Company is currently 
upgrading or migrating the First Brands' businesses into the 
Company's already Y2K compliant business systems to capture 
merger-related synergies and leverage the Company's completed 
work. The Company expects to complete the work for First Brands' 
critical systems by July 1, 1999. 

The upgrade or replacement of the Company's international systems, 
excluding First Brands' businesses, is 85% complete as of 
March 31, 1999.  The Company has begun to inventory First Brands' 
major systems at international locations other than Canada.  The 
target date to complete all international Y2K work is September 30, 1999.

The Company has finalized its remediation plans and work is 
underway for its United States and Canadian plant facilities 
(other than the First Brands' facilities).  Plant floor assessments 
are 30% complete as of March 31, 1999 for the Company's international 
locations owned prior to the merger.  For both international and 
domestic First Brands' locations, the Company is currently assessing 
the plant floor systems and equipment.  The Company expects to 
complete all plant floor remediation by September 30, 1999.  

The Company has prioritized its third-party relationships as 
critical, severe or sustainable, and has completed its assessment 
of third parties for all operations, other than for First Brands.  
The Company is implementing the same approach for third party 
vendors and customers of the First Brands' operations and expects 
to complete this process by July 31, 1999.  The Company has 
requested a Y2K contract warranty in many new key contracts and is 
developing contingency plans for critical third parties, including 
key customers, suppliers and other service providers.

18

<PAGE>


                    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)
                   Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                    Results of Operations and Financial Condition
                    ---------------------------------------------


If necessary modifications and conversions by the Company are not 
made on a timely basis, or if key third parties are not Y2K compliant, 
Y2K problems could have a material adverse effect on the Company's 
operations.  The Company's most reasonably likely worst case scenario 
is a regional utility failure that would interrupt manufacturing 
operations and distribution centers in the affected region.  To 
mitigate this risk, and to address the possible uncertainty of 
whether the Company will be able to solve potential Y2K issues, 
the Company has begun contingency planning for its critical 
operations, which includes key third-party relationships and 
written contingency plans. The Company has completed approximately 
60% percent of its contingency planning efforts for the United 
States and Canada, excluding the First Brands' operations.  The 
assessment is complete for international locations and planning has 
started.  Many of the completed contingency plans will be used for 
First Brands' operations due to common third-party relationships 
and critical operations, and work is underway to identify additional 
requirements unique to the First Brands' businesses.  The Company 
expects to complete all of its contingency planning by September 30, 
1999.  

Y2K costs are expensed as incurred and funded through operating cash 
flows.  Through March 31, 1999, excluding First Brands' operations, 
the Company has expensed incremental remediation costs of $21,800,000 
with remaining incremental remediation costs estimated at $7,000,000.  
In addition, through March 31, 1999, excluding First Brands' operations, 
the Company has expensed accelerated strategic upgrade costs of 
$12,100,000 with anticipated remaining accelerated strategic upgrade 
costs of $4,900,000.  Estimated Y2K costs for First Brands' 
operations are $2,900,000 in remediation costs and $1,400,000 for 
accelerated strategic upgrade costs. The Company expects to spend 
approximately 16% of its 1999 fiscal year information technology budget, 
and approximately 6.4% of its fiscal year 2000 budget, on Y2K remediation 
issues.  As of March 31, 1999, the Company has spent approximately 10% 
of its 1999 fiscal year budget on remediation efforts.  The Company has 
not deferred any critical information technology projects because of its 
Year 2000 program efforts, which are primarily being addressed through 
a joint team of the Company business and  information technology 
resources.  Time and cost estimates are based on currently available 
information and could be affected by the ability to correct all relevant 
computer codes and equipment, and the Y2K readiness of the Company's 
business partners, among other factors.  


                            Cautionary Statement


Except for historical information, matters discussed in this 
Form 10-Q, including statements about future growth are 
forward-looking statements based on management's estimates, 
assumptions and projections.  Important factors that could 
cause results to differ materially from management's expectations 
are described in "Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors" 
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operation" in the Company's SEC Form 10-K for the 
year ending June 30, 1998, as updated from time to time in the 
Company's SEC filings.  Those factors include, but are not limited 
to, marketplace conditions and events, the Company's costs, risks 
inherent in international operations, the success of new products, 
integration of acquisitions, and environmental, regulatory and 
intellectual property matters.  The First Brands merger can be 
expected to continue to present challenges to management, including 
the integration of the operations, technologies and personnel of the 
companies, and special risks, including unanticipated liabilities 
and contingencies, and diversion of management attention.



19
<PAGE>


                           S I G N A T U R E
                           ------------------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its 
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                   THE CLOROX COMPANY
                                   (Registrant)




DATE May 13, 1999                    BY /s/ HENRY J. SALVO. JR.
     -------------                      ---------------------------
                                        Henry J. Salvo, Jr.
                                        Vice-President - Controller




<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF THE CLOROX COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1998, AS
PRESENTED IN THE CLOROX COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FILED FOR SUCH PERIOD, AND IS
INCORPORATED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1999
<CASH>                                           68905
<SECURITIES>                                     41402
<RECEIVABLES>                                   529293
<ALLOWANCES>                                      1521
<INVENTORY>                                     395656
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               1090107
<PP&E>                                         1786007
<DEPRECIATION>                                  759063
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 4130855
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          1375992
<BONDS>                                         705065
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        124916
<OTHER-SE>                                     1430270
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   4130855
<SALES>                                        2903602
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               2903602
<CGS>                                          1390085
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  2382381
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                118061
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               75077
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 328083
<INCOME-TAX>                                    132212
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             195871
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    195871
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.67
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.64
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS RESTATED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM 
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE CLOROX COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER 
ENDED MARCH 31, 1998, AS PRESENTED IN THE CLOROX COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q 
FILED FOR SUCH PERIOD, AND AS RESTATED HEREIN, AND IS INCORPORATED IN 
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                           60876
<SECURITIES>                                     24300
<RECEIVABLES>                                   551420
<ALLOWANCES>                                      3062
<INVENTORY>                                     403426
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               1123584
<PP&E>                                         1656546
<DEPRECIATION>                                  674772
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 4020036
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           989049
<BONDS>                                        1149651
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        124574
<OTHER-SE>                                     1310798
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   4020036
<SALES>                                        2769019
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               2769019
<CGS>                                          1340946
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  2288752
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  8789
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               76261
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 395217
<INCOME-TAX>                                    153904
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            241,313
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                       (6922)
<NET-INCOME>                                    234391
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        2
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.95
        


</TABLE>


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