Ecolab, Inc. - ECL STOCK NEWS

Ecolab has announced that Texas Roadhouse has received the Ecolab Science Certified™ seal for over 600 restaurants across 49 states. This certification reflects Texas Roadhouse's commitment to high cleaning standards and enhanced safety protocols amid ongoing pandemic concerns. The initiative aims to boost customer and employee confidence, supported by Ecolab's science-based cleaning strategies. Research indicates that 66% of restaurant customers feel safer with hospital-grade cleaning practices. Texas Roadhouse is leveraging this certification to enhance its reputation in the competitive casual dining market.

Ecolab addressed the short-term disruptions caused by the winter freeze in Texas and the Gulf Coast, reaffirming its earnings outlook for 2021 to surpass 2019 levels. CEO Christophe Beck emphasized expected strong growth driven by the recovery in the Institutional division and new business innovations. While the freeze impacted supply chains and specific customer operations, the adverse effect is projected to be a one-time challenge of approximately $0.15 per share, mainly affecting Q1. Ecolab believes these issues will be resolved soon, allowing for continued sales and margin improvements.

Ecolab, a leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention, contributed over $23 million in 2020 to communities, aiding pandemic relief and supporting various nonprofit causes. This included more than $11 million in cleaning products for COVID-19 response. The Ecolab Foundation provided cash grants exceeding $9 million, with significant funding directed toward organizations focused on basic needs and education. The company also engaged in volunteerism, with employees contributing over 74,000 hours and donations amounting to $3 million.

The board of directors of Ecolab declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.48 per common share, payable on April 15, 2021. Shareholders of record will be noted as of March 16, 2021. Ecolab has a strong track record, having paid dividends for 84 consecutive years. The company's annual sales reach $12 billion and it operates in more than 170 countries with over 44,000 associates, emphasizing its leadership in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions.

Ecolab has expanded its Ecolab Science Certified™ program to include six new food retail partners: Ingles Markets, Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy, CUB Foods, Coborn’s, Bristol Farms, and Lazy Acres. This initiative aims to enhance cleanliness and safety standards in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program incorporates advanced sanitization protocols and independent audits, with the seal displayed at over 475 participating locations. Ecolab's consumer research indicates 72% of grocery shoppers feel safer with certified cleaning practices, while 95% want to see increased sanitation post-vaccine.

Ecolab reported a 6% decline in fourth quarter sales to $3.065 billion, with diluted EPS from continuing operations at $1.04, a 23% drop year-over-year. Adjusted diluted EPS was $1.23, down 15%, impacted by COVID-19 volume declines and unfavorable business mix. Strong cash flow of $650 million was noted, with $523 million in free cash flow. The Healthcare & Life Sciences segment grew by 22%, offsetting declines in Institutional & Specialty, which fell 22%. Ecolab anticipates recovery in 2021, predicting full-year earnings above 2019 levels despite ongoing challenges from the pandemic.