Clorox 4th-Quarter Profit Rises 13%

Clorox Co. said fiscal fourth-quarter earnings rose 13% on strong global sales of Clorox bleach, Kingsford charcoal and other household goods, propelling its stock to a record. Net income in the quarter ended June 30 rose to $74.4 million, or $1.44 a share, from $65.8 million, or $1.28, a year earlier. That surpassed the average estimate of $1.38 a share from analysts. Revenue rose 13% to $762.5 million from $672.5 million. About half of Clorox’s 31% international sales gain came from acquisitions, including three in Latin America, analysts said. The company also benefited from a 15% increase in shipments. The Oakland-based company’s stock jumped $4.94 to close to a 52-week high of $139.56 on the New York Stock Exchange. . . . Redwood City-based 3DO Co. reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $21.2 million, or 70 cents per share, compared with a loss of $10.4 million, or 39 cents, a year ago. Earnings for the quarter included a gain from the sale of assets.