Ecolab Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Ecolab (NYSE: ECL) reported a 10% increase in fourth quarter sales year-over-year, with acquisition-adjusted fixed currency sales up 9%. However, earnings per share (EPS) remained flat at $1.04, while adjusted EPS rose 4% to $1.28. A significant rise in delivered product costs and COVID-related impacts hampered performance. The company expects continued high inflation and supply constraints early in 2022, but anticipates strong sales growth and earnings growth in the low teens for the year, depending on economic conditions.

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) announces a global price increase of 12% for its Life Sciences division products and services, effective February 1, 2022. This decision is prompted by ongoing global supply chain disruptions and rising costs related to raw materials, logistics, and labor. Ecolab aims to continue providing innovative solutions to its customers, who are focused on improving contamination control practices. Current customers of Purolite will not be affected by this price increase.

Ecolab anticipates a 10% increase in reported sales and 9% acquisition-adjusted fixed currency sales growth for Q4 2021, primarily driven by strong gains in Institutional & Specialty and Industrial segments. Adjusted diluted EPS is expected to range from $1.26 to $1.28, reflecting temporary COVID impacts and cost increases. Despite these challenges, Ecolab projects strong momentum for 2022, aiming for low-teens EPS growth as market conditions improve.

Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) will host a live webcast for its fourth quarter earnings conference call on February 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A news release with the results will precede this, expected before market open on the same date. Ecolab, a leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, reported annual sales of $12 billion and operates in over 170 countries. The webcast will be accessible via the company's investor relations website.

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) has extended its offer to exchange up to $684,751,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2.750% Notes due 2055 until 11:59 p.m. New York City time on December 9, 2021. The exchange is for unregistered outstanding Original Notes, with 99.20% of the Original Notes, or $679,257,000, already tendered by the original deadline of December 7, 2021. The terms of the Exchange Notes are substantially identical to the Original Notes but are registered and unrestricted. This extension allows additional holders to participate in the exchange.

The board of directors of Ecolab has announced a 6% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, raising it to $0.51 per share, payable on January 18, 2022. This marks Ecolab's 30th consecutive annual dividend increase, resulting in a new indicated annual dividend of $2.04. The company has maintained cash dividends for 85 years, demonstrating a strong financial position, according to CEO Christophe Beck. The increase aims to restore the dividend payout ratio to historical levels.