CLOrox fy05_q1_spmt

The company reported net earnings of $123 million for the third quarter of 2004, a slight decrease from $129 million in the third quarter of 2003. Net sales increased 4% to $1.09 billion driven by 6% growth in the household products-North America and international segments. Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes decreased 6% to $189 million due to a $101 million loss in the corporate segment, compared to a $92 million loss last year.