10-KPeriod: FY2011

ECOLAB INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2011

Filed February 28, 2012For Securities:ECL

Summary

Ecolab Inc.'s 2011 10-K filing provides a comprehensive overview of its business operations, financial performance, and strategic direction as of December 30, 2011. The company's core business revolves around providing solutions and services for water, hygiene, and energy, catering to a diverse range of industries including food service, hospitality, healthcare, and industrial sectors. This report highlights Ecolab's commitment to delivering essential services that help customers maintain clean, safe, and healthy environments while optimizing their water and energy usage. The company emphasizes its integrated approach, combining chemistry, digital technology, and service to drive efficiency and sustainability for its clients, a key differentiator in a competitive market.

Financial Highlights

56 data points
Beta

Revenue

$6.80B

48.9% Gross Margin

Net Income

$463.30M

6.8% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$1.91

Total Assets

$18.18B

Cash & Equivalents

$1.84B

Free Cash Flow

$343.80M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$6.80B
Cost of Revenue$3.48B
Gross Profit$3.32B
R&D Expenses$96.00M
SG&A Expenses$2.44B
Operating Income$753.80M
Interest Expense$82.10M
Net Income$463.30M
EPS (Basic)$1.95
EPS (Diluted)$1.91
Shares Outstanding (Basic)236.90M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)242.10M

Key Highlights

  • 1Ecolab operates globally, offering solutions and services focused on water, hygiene, and energy to various essential industries.
  • 2The company emphasizes its integrated approach, combining chemistry, digital technology, and on-site service to drive customer value and sustainability.
  • 3The filing details significant segments of Ecolab's business, suggesting a diversified revenue stream across different end markets.
  • 4Risk factors discussed include competition, economic conditions, regulatory changes, and the ability to innovate and integrate acquisitions.
  • 5The report underscores management's focus on operational efficiency, customer relationships, and sustainable growth strategies.
  • 6Financial data presented likely reflects stable performance with a focus on managing costs and driving profitability through service and product innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ecolab's primary business segments are focused on providing comprehensive solutions and services in water, hygiene, and energy. Revenue is driven by the sale of cleaning and sanitizing products, pest elimination services, water treatment and process chemicals, and other specialized services to a wide array of industrial and institutional customers globally.

Key risks identified include intense competition within its operating segments, potential impacts from global and regional economic conditions, fluctuations in raw material costs, changes in environmental and other regulations, the company's ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses, and the need for continuous innovation to meet evolving customer needs.

Ecolab differentiates itself through its integrated approach, which combines advanced chemistry, digital technologies, and expert on-site service. This allows the company to offer tailored solutions that not only ensure cleanliness and safety but also help customers optimize water and energy usage, improve operational efficiencies, and meet sustainability goals.

While the filing is historical, the strategic emphasis for 2011 and likely beyond focused on driving profitable growth through innovation, expanding its global reach, maintaining strong customer relationships, and enhancing operational efficiencies. The company aimed to leverage its expertise in water, hygiene, and energy to address critical customer needs, particularly in areas of sustainability and resource management.