Ecolab Inc - ECL STOCK NEWS

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.

Ecolab has committed to implementing the Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics from the World Economic Forum to enhance its ESG performance. These metrics, consisting of 21 core disclosures, focus on critical areas for businesses, including governance, environmental impact, and social responsibility. CEO Christophe Beck emphasizes the need for long-term success through sustainable practices. The metrics aim to bolster accountability and transparency in ESG reporting, aligning Ecolab's operations with global standards for sustainability and stakeholder value creation.

Ecolab will conduct a live webcast on February 16, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its fourth quarter earnings results for 2020. A news release with the results will be published before market opening on the same day. The webcast is expected to last one hour and will be accessible through Ecolab's investor website. The company, recognized as a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, reported annual sales of $13 billion and operates in over 170 countries, serving nearly three million commercial customers.

Ecolab has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA for its Bioquell Technology System designed to decontaminate specific N95 respirators. This system allows healthcare facilities to sterilize masks on-site, addressing ongoing shortages amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bioquell system utilizes hydrogen peroxide vapor technology, achieving a 99.9999% reduction of pathogens. It is authorized for the decontamination of compatible N95 masks to facilitate their reuse by healthcare professionals, enhancing safety for frontline workers.