21st consecutive annual dividend rate
increase
Ecolab has paid dividends for 76 consecutive years
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Board of Directors of Ecolab Inc. declared an increase in the
company's quarterly cash dividend of 15% to $0.23 per common share, to
be paid December 28, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of
business on December 18, 2012. This results in a new indicated annual
cash dividend of $0.92 per share and represents Ecolab's 21st
consecutive annual dividend rate increase.
Ecolab has paid cash dividends on its common stock for 76 consecutive
years.
Commenting on the increase, Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab's Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer said, "2012 has been a year of substantial
growth and business development, and we expect to once again deliver
strong sales and earnings growth as well as finish the year in a solid
financial position. In addition, we made key investments and took
strategic actions to better position ourselves for the future. This cash
dividend increase reflects our accomplishments this year and our
confidence in our future, along with our ongoing commitment to
delivering superior shareholder returns."
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This
news release contains various "Forward-Looking Statements" within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
include statements concerning the indicated annual cash dividend and our
outlook for sales and earnings. These statements, which represent
Ecolab's expectations or beliefs concerning various future events, are
based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those of such Forward-Looking Statements. We caution that undue reliance
should not be placed on Forward-Looking Statements, which speak only as
of the date made.
Risks and uncertainties that may affect operating results and business
performance are set forth under Item 1A of our most recent Form 10-Q and
the company's other public filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") and include our ability to integrate Nalco and
realize the anticipated benefits of the merger as well as to close and
integrate the proposed acquisition of Champion; our ability to attract
and retain high caliber management talent to lead our business;
difficulty in procuring raw materials or fluctuations in raw material
costs; our ability to execute key business initiatives; vitality of the
markets we serve; the impact of worldwide economic factors such as the
worldwide economy, credit markets, interest rates and foreign currency
risk; exposure to economic, political and legal risks related to our
international operations; the costs and effects of complying with laws
and regulations relating to the environment and to the manufacture,
storage, distribution, sale and use of our products; changes in laws,
regulations or accounting standards; our ability to develop competitive
advantages through innovation; our substantial indebtedness; information
technology systems failures; the ability to acquire complementary
businesses and to effectively integrate such businesses; restraints on
pricing flexibility due to contractual obligations; pressure on
operations from consolidation of customers, vendors or competitors;
public health epidemics; potential losses arising from the impairment of
goodwill or other assets; potential loss of deferred tax assets; the
occurrence of litigation or claims, including related to the Deepwater
Horizon oil spill; acts of war, terrorism, severe weather or natural or
man-made disasters; the loss or insolvency of a major customer, supplier
or distributor; and other uncertainties or risks reported from time to
time in our reports to the SEC. In light of these risks, uncertainties,
assumptions and factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this
communication may not occur. We caution that undue reliance should not
be placed on Forward-Looking Statements, which speak only as of the date
made. Ecolab does not undertake, and expressly disclaims, any duty to
update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new
information, future events or changes in expectations, except as
required by law.
Non-Solicitation
This communication does not constitute an
offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor
shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such
offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
About Ecolab
With 2011 pro forma sales of $11 billion and
more than 40,000 employees, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader
in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that provide and
protect clean water, safe food, abundant energy and healthy
environments. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to the
food, energy, healthcare, industrial and hospitality markets in more
than 160 countries.
For more news and information, visit www.ecolab.com.
(ECL-D)
Ecolab Inc.
Investor Contacts:
Michael Monahan, 651-293-2809
or
Lisa
Curran, 651-293-2185
Source: Ecolab Inc.
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