ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec 03, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Ecolab Inc. today increased the company's
quarterly cash dividend by 11% to $0.155 per common share, to be paid
January 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on
December 15, 2009. This results in a new indicated annual cash dividend
of a record $0.62 per share for 2010, and represents Ecolab's 18th
consecutive annual dividend rate increase.
Commenting on the increase, Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab's Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer commented, saying, "We continued
our record of consecutive annual cash dividend increases, reflecting our
expected attractive 2009 pro forma earnings performance, good cash flows
and solid balance sheet. Ecolab remains a strong company with a strong
future, and this action reflects our equally strong commitment to
improving shareholder returns."
Ecolab has paid cash dividends on its common stock for 73 consecutive
years. Ecolab last increased its dividend in December 2008.
With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab (NYSE:
ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and
infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers
comprehensive programs and services to the foodservice, food and
beverage processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than
160 countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.
(ECL-D)
SOURCE: Ecolab Inc.
Ecolab Inc.
Michael J. Monahan, 651-293-2809
Copyright Business Wire 2009