WDFC
WD-40 Company
Chemicals - Specialty
Market Cap$4.19B
5Y Perf.+9.3%
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Stock Comparison
WDFC vs CLX
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
CLX
The Clorox Company
Household & Personal Products
Market Cap$11.14B
5Y Perf.-55.3%
WDFC vs CLX — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | WDFC | CLX |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Chemicals - Specialty | Household & Personal Products |
| Market Cap | $4.19B | $11.14B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $621M | $6.76B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $90M | $756M |
| Gross Margin | 55.4% | 43.8% |
| Operating Margin | 16.4% | 15.9% |
| Forward P/E | 35.0x | 15.7x |
| Total Debt | $98M | $2.88B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $58M | $167M |
WDFC vs CLX — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
WDFC
CLX
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD-40 Company (WDFC) | 100 | 109.3 | +9.3% |
| The Clorox Company (CLX) | 100 | 44.7 | -55.3% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: WDFC vs CLX
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: WDFC leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. The Clorox Company is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and dividend income and shareholder returns. This set spans 2 sectors — these stocks serve different portfolio roles, not just different price points.
WDFC
WD-40 Company
The Growth Play
WDFC carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 5.0%, EPS growth 30.9%, 3Y rev CAGR 6.1%
- 122.4% 10Y total return vs CLX's 2.8%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.18, Low D/E 36.4%, current ratio 2.79x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
CLX
The Clorox Company
The Income Pick
CLX is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability.
- Dividend streak 26 yrs, beta 0.42, yield 5.3%
- Lower P/E (15.7x vs 35.0x)
- 5.3% yield, 26-year raise streak, vs WDFC's 1.8%
Best for: income & stability
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | WDFC | 5.0% revenue growth vs CLX's 0.2% |
| Value | CLX | Lower P/E (15.7x vs 35.0x) |
| Quality / Margins | WDFC | 14.4% margin vs CLX's 11.2% |
| Stability / Safety | WDFC | Beta 0.18 vs CLX's 0.42, lower leverage |
| Dividends | CLX | 5.3% yield, 26-year raise streak, vs WDFC's 1.8% |
| Momentum (1Y) | WDFC | -8.3% vs CLX's -28.9% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | WDFC | 19.5% ROA vs CLX's 13.1%, ROIC 26.2% vs 27.7% |
WDFC vs CLX — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
WDFC vs CLX — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLWDFCLAGGINGCLX
CLXThe Clorox Company
2leads
WDFCWD-40 Company
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs CLXMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
WDFC5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CLX5/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
WDFC5/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
WDFC6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
WDFC2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
CLX2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
WDFC leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CLX is the larger business by revenue, generating $6.8B annually — 10.9x WDFC's $621M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 14.4% (WDFC) to 11.2% (CLX).
| Metric | WDFCWD-40 Company | CLXThe Clorox Company |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $621M | $6.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $111M | $1.3B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $90M | $756M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $78M | $380M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +55.4% | +43.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +16.4% | +15.9% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +14.4% | +11.2% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +12.6% | +5.6% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +0.6% | +0.1% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -7.9% | +2.7% |
WDFC leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CLX leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 14.1x trailing earnings, CLX trades at a 55% valuation discount to WDFC's 31.4x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, CLX's 9.9x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than WDFC's 37.8x.
| Metric | WDFCWD-40 Company | CLXThe Clorox Company |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $4.2B | $11.1B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $4.2B | $13.9B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 31.35x | 14.13x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 35.02x | 15.70x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 3.59x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 37.76x | 9.91x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 6.76x | 1.57x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 10.61x | 23.75x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 50.23x | 14.63x |
CLX leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
WDFC leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CLX delivers a 4.0% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $4 in annual profit, vs $34 for WDFC. WDFC carries lower financial leverage with a 0.36x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CLX's 5.98x.
| Metric | WDFCWD-40 Company | CLXThe Clorox Company |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +33.9% | +4.0% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +19.5% | +13.1% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +26.2% | +27.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +28.9% | +30.2% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 7 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.36x | 5.98x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $40M | $2.7B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $58M | $167M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $98M | $2.9B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 32.08x | 10.38x |
WDFC leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
WDFC leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in WDFC five years ago would be worth $9,346 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,344 for CLX. Over the past 12 months, WDFC leads with a -8.3% total return vs CLX's -28.9%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors WDFC at 6.1% vs CLX's -13.9% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | WDFCWD-40 Company | CLXThe Clorox Company |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +7.6% | -6.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -8.3% | -28.9% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +19.6% | -36.2% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -6.5% | -36.6% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +122.4% | +2.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +6.1% | -13.9% |
WDFC leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
WDFC leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
WDFC is the less volatile stock with a 0.18 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than CLX's 0.42 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. WDFC currently trades 82.8% from its 52-week high vs CLX's 66.3% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | WDFCWD-40 Company | CLXThe Clorox Company |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.18x | 0.42x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $253.24 | $138.94 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $175.38 | $84.70 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +82.8% | +66.3% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 46.3 | 34.9 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 177K | 2.6M |
WDFC leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
CLX leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates WDFC as "Hold" and CLX as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 43.0% upside for WDFC (target: $300) vs 14.5% for CLX (target: $106). For income investors, CLX offers the higher dividend yield at 5.26% vs WDFC's 1.77%.
| Metric | WDFCWD-40 Company | CLXThe Clorox Company |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $300.00 | $105.50 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 7 | 28 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.8% | +5.3% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 22 | 26 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $3.70 | $4.84 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.3% | +3.0% |
CLX leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
WDFC leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). CLX leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Analyst Outlook).
Best OverallWD-40 Company (WDFC)Leads 4 of 6 categories
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WDFC vs CLX: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is WDFC or CLX a better buy right now?
For growth investors, WD-40 Company (WDFC) is the stronger pick with 5.
0% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 0. 2% for The Clorox Company (CLX). The Clorox Company (CLX) offers the better valuation at 14. 1x trailing P/E (15. 7x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate WD-40 Company (WDFC) a "Hold" — based on 7 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — WDFC or CLX?
On trailing P/E, The Clorox Company (CLX) is the cheapest at 14.
1x versus WD-40 Company at 31. 4x. On forward P/E, The Clorox Company is actually cheaper at 15. 7x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — WDFC or CLX?
Over the past 5 years, WD-40 Company (WDFC) delivered a total return of -6.
5%, compared to -36. 6% for The Clorox Company (CLX). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: WDFC returned +122. 4% versus CLX's +2. 8%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — WDFC or CLX?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), WD-40 Company (WDFC) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
18β versus The Clorox Company's 0. 42β — meaning CLX is approximately 133% more volatile than WDFC relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, WD-40 Company (WDFC) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 36% versus 6% for The Clorox Company — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — WDFC or CLX?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), WD-40 Company (WDFC) is pulling ahead at 5.
0% versus 0. 2% for The Clorox Company (CLX). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: The Clorox Company grew EPS 189. 8% year-over-year, compared to 30. 9% for WD-40 Company. Over a 3-year CAGR, WDFC leads at 6. 1% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — WDFC or CLX?
WD-40 Company (WDFC) is the more profitable company, earning 14.
7% net margin versus 11. 4% for The Clorox Company — meaning it keeps 14. 7% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: WDFC leads at 16. 7% versus 16. 6% for CLX. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — WDFC leads at 55. 1%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is WDFC or CLX more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, The Clorox Company (CLX) trades at 15.
7x forward P/E versus 35. 0x for WD-40 Company — 19. 3x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for WDFC: 43. 0% to $300. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — WDFC or CLX?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
The Clorox Company (CLX) offers the highest yield at 5. 3%, versus 1. 8% for WD-40 Company (WDFC).
09Is WDFC or CLX better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, WD-40 Company (WDFC) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
18), 1. 8% yield, +122. 4% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (WDFC: +122. 4%, CLX: +2. 8%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between WDFC and CLX?
These companies operate in different sectors (WDFC (Basic Materials) and CLX (Consumer Defensive)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: WDFC is a small-cap quality compounder stock; CLX is a mid-cap deep-value stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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