Ecolab, Inc. - ECL STOCK NEWS

Ecolab has acquired Barclay Water Management, a northeastern U.S.-based provider of water safety and digital monitoring solutions. Barclay's key offering includes the proprietary iChlor® Monochloramine System for Legionella bacteria treatment in drinking water systems. The acquisition, which closed on November 1, 2024, brings Barclay's 2023 sales of approximately $50 million to Ecolab's portfolio. The integration aims to combine Barclay's water safety solutions with Ecolab's ECOLAB3D™ digital platform and circular water solutions to create a new growth platform focused on improving water safety and operational efficiency.

Ecolab announced that its climate targets have received approval from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company has made significant progress in its sustainability efforts, having sourced over 80% of its electricity globally from renewable sources and achieved a 25% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions through 2023. Through collaboration with customers, Ecolab helped avoid 3.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. The company is pursuing net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050, with a goal to be halfway there by 2030.

Ecolab (NYSE: ECL) reported strong Q3 2024 results with reported sales of $4.0 billion, up 1% year-over-year. Organic sales grew 4% with volume growth strengthening to 2%. The company achieved reported diluted EPS of $2.58 (+83%) and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.83 (+19%). Operating income margin expanded to 26.1%, with organic operating income margin at 17.9%. Free cash flow increased 35% to $1.4 billion. The company raised its full-year 2024 adjusted EPS guidance to $6.60-$6.70, representing 27-29% growth, and expects Q4 2024 adjusted EPS of $1.75-$1.85.

UGI (NYSE: UGI) has announced the appointment of Melanie Ruiz and David Bingenheimer to its Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2024. Ms. Ruiz, currently the Chief Information and Technology Officer at ABM Industries, brings extensive experience in enterprise-wide technology strategy and cybersecurity. Mr. Bingenheimer serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Ecolab Digital at Ecolab Inc., with a strong background in digital information and technology leadership.

Mario Longhi, UGI's Interim President, CEO, and Board Chairman, expressed confidence that the new directors' expertise in IT, strategy, and operations will significantly contribute to UGI's long-term strategy. Both appointees have held senior technology roles in various industries, enhancing the board's capabilities in digital transformation and technological innovation.

Ecolab's 2024 Watermark™ Study reveals significant shifts in consumer behavior due to water concerns. Key findings include:

1. Consumers in China (80%), IMEA (69%), and Latin America (65%) have stopped buying products that use excessive water.

2. A majority across all regions are willing to pay a 1-4% premium for sustainably produced products.

3. Access to clean and safe water remains a top concern, especially in Latin America (90%), China (88%), and the US (80%).

4. Consumers hold businesses and governments most responsible for water conservation but doubt their commitment.

5. Urban consumers show increased concern about climate change compared to rural counterparts.

The study highlights the growing importance of water stewardship in consumer decision-making and business strategies.

Ecolab (ECL) has announced a live webcast to discuss its 2024 third quarter results. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will last for one hour. Ecolab plans to release its Q3 results before the market opens on October 29th.

The webcast will be accessible through www.ecolab.com/investor. For those unable to attend the live event, Ecolab will provide a replay of the webcast and supplemental data on their website. This announcement demonstrates Ecolab's commitment to transparency and keeping investors informed about their financial performance.

Ecolab Inc. (ECL) has announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.57 per common share. The dividend will be paid on October 15, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 17, 2024. This announcement continues Ecolab's impressive track record of paying cash dividends for 87 consecutive years, demonstrating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders and its financial stability.

Ecolab Inc. has closed the sale of its global surgical solutions business to Medline for approximately $950 million in cash. The company plans to repurchase up to $500 million of its stock during the second half of 2024. Ecolab will continue serving hospitals through its infection prevention and instrument reprocessing businesses.

The sale proceeds will enhance Ecolab's ability to invest in growth opportunities and return capital to shareholders. The company expects to repurchase shares in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions, and in accordance with Rule 10b5-1. As of June 30, 2024, Ecolab had approximately 285 million shares outstanding.

Ecolab (ECL) reported strong Q2 2024 results with sales of $4.0 billion, up 3% year-over-year. Organic sales grew 4%, driven by a 7% increase in the Institutional & Specialty segment. Adjusted diluted EPS rose 35% to $1.68. The company increased its full-year 2024 adjusted EPS guidance to $6.50-$6.70, representing 25-29% growth.

Key highlights include:

• Operating income margin expanded 360 bps to 17.0% on an organic basis
• Free cash flow increased to $414 million
• Launched 'One Ecolab' initiative to drive growth and operational efficiencies
• Expects Q3 2024 adjusted EPS of $1.75-$1.85, up 14-20% year-over-year

Ecolab continues to outperform soft macroeconomic trends through market share gains, innovation, and operational improvements.