Ecolab Inc - ECL STOCK NEWS

Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) announced a temporary energy surcharge of 8%-12% on all global products, effective April 1, 2022, due to rising energy costs exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. CEO Christophe Beck stated that this measure aims to ensure reliable supply amid challenges from inflation and logistics. Ecolab is actively taking steps to enhance supply chain resilience and operational efficiency. The surcharge will be monitored monthly, with potential reductions as energy costs stabilize. Ecolab remains committed to innovation and sustainability despite these challenges.

Ecolab has announced a plan to repurchase $500 million of its shares in 2022, leveraging favorable market conditions. The move is part of a continuing repurchase authorization by Ecolab’s Board since February 2015. Ecolab emphasizes strong growth potential, a market opportunity exceeding $150 billion, and robust pricing strategies, despite anticipated challenges from rising raw material costs. The CEO suggests the current market conditions present an attractive opportunity for share buybacks, which are expected to enhance shareholder value while maintaining financial flexibility for future investments.

Ecolab announced that Douglas M. Baker, Jr. will step down as executive chairman after the May 5, 2022 Annual Meeting. Christophe Beck, the current president and CEO, will assume the additional role of chair following Baker’s departure. The board expressed confidence in Beck's leadership, highlighting Baker's successful tenure in establishing Ecolab as a sustainability leader and delivering exceptional shareholder returns. Ecolab reported annual sales of $13 billion and operates in over 170 countries, serving nearly three million customers with a workforce of 47,000 associates.

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.