Clorox Co.: The Oakland-based diversified producer of...

Clorox Co.: The Oakland-based diversified producer of grocery products said first-quarter earnings rose almost 8% due to record shipments of Clorox bleach, Formula 409 cleaner and Tilex stain remover. Earnings totaled $45.9 million on sales of $366.9 million, compared to $42.5 million on sales of $330.5 million a year ago. The year-ago figures included an operating loss of $874,000 from the company’s paints and stain unit, which was sold Sept. 30.