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ECOLAB INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2020

Filing Date
Filed August 6, 2020
Period End
June 30, 2020
Security
ECL
In the record · 2016–202610-K1110-Q328-K144

ECL filed 11 annual reports (10-K), 32 quarterly reports (10-Q) and 144 current reports (8-K) between 2016 and 2026.

  1. Material agreement8-K · Sep ’16Sep ’16
  2. Leadership change8-K · Apr ’19Apr ’19
  3. Restructuring8-K · Nov ’22Nov ’22
  4. Leadership change8-K · May ’26May ’26

Summary

Summary of the 10-Q filed August 6, 2020. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.

Ecolab Inc. (ECL) reported a significant net loss of $2,035.0 milliona for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020, primarily driven by a substantial loss of $2,163.9 million from discontinued operations related to the separation of its ChampionX business.

Excluding this impact, the company generated a net income of $128.9 millionb from continuing operations, a decrease from $343.4 million in the prior year's quarter. Net sales also declined by 15% year-over-year to $2,685.7 million, reflecting the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on the Global Institutional segment which saw a 35% decrease in fixed currency sales. Despite the revenue challenges, the Global Healthcare and Life Sciences segment showed robust growth, with fixed currency sales increasing by 22%, benefiting from increased demand related to the pandemic.

The company also maintained a strong liquidity position with $1,369.0 millionc in cash and cash equivalents. Management is focused on cost management and operational efficiencies to navigate the current economic environment. The strategic separation of the ChampionX business is a key event that has reshaped the company's reporting structure and financial results for the period.

Key Highlights

  1. Significant net loss of $2,035.0 million due to $2,163.9 million loss from discontinued operations (ChampionX business separation).
  2. Net income from continuing operations of $128.9 million, down from $343.4 million in Q2 2019.
  3. Total net sales decreased 15% year-over-year to $2,685.7 million, impacted by COVID-19.
  4. Global Institutional segment sales down 35% (fixed currency) due to pandemic impact on foodservice and hospitality.
  5. Global Healthcare and Life Sciences segment sales up 22% (fixed currency), driven by pandemic-related demand.
  6. Strong liquidity position with $1,369.0 million in cash and cash equivalents.
  7. Acquisition of CID Lines for $506.9 million completed in May 2020.

Follow one dollar

For each $1.00 of revenue in Q2 FY2020, Ecolab Inc. lost $0.76.

  1. Revenue$2.69B100.0%
  2. Cost of revenue−$1.64B60.9%
  3. Gross profit$1.05B39.1%
  4. Operating costs−$858.0M31.9%
  5. Operating income$192.0M7.1%
  6. Interest, other & tax−$2.23B82.9%
  7. Net income−$2.04B75.8%
Computed from 10-QQ2 FY2020filed August 6, 2020Computed from this filing’s revenue, gross profit, operating income and net income · right columngrey figure: share of revenue

Financial Statements

Q2 FY2020 against Q2 FY2019

Line itemQ2 FY2020Q2 FY2019Change
Revenue$2.69B$3.17B−15.3%
Cost of Revenue$1.64B$1.78B−8.1%
Gross Profit$1.05B$1.39B−24.4%
SG&A Expenses$788.60M$900.00M−12.4%
Operating Income$192.00M$464.40M−58.7%
Interest Expense$61.80M$54.50M+13.4%
Net Income-$2.04B$368.60M−652.1%
EPS (Basic)$-7.06$1.28−651.6%
EPS (Diluted)$-6.98$1.26−654.0%
Shares Outstanding (Basic)288.20M287.60M+0.2%
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)291.50M292.10M−0.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What caused the large net loss in the second quarter?

    The large net loss of $2,035.0 million is primarily due to a significant loss of $2,163.9 million recognized from discontinued operations, which relates to the separation of Ecolab's ChampionX business. This separation was executed through a Reverse Morris Trust transaction completed in June 2020.

  2. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact Ecolab's sales?

    The COVID-19 pandemic had a material negative impact on Ecolab's sales, leading to a 15% decrease in reported net sales. The most affected segment was Global Institutional, which experienced a 35% decline in fixed currency sales due to reduced demand from restaurants, lodging, and entertainment facilities. Other segments like Global Industrial also saw decreases, while Global Healthcare and Life Sciences benefited from increased demand, showing a 22% rise in fixed currency sales.

  3. What is the significance of the ChampionX business separation?

    The separation of the ChampionX business, Ecolab's former Upstream Energy business, is a major strategic event. It was completed in June 2020 via a Reverse Morris Trust transaction. As a result, the historical financial results, assets, and liabilities of the ChampionX business are now reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented, significantly impacting Ecolab's reported net income and sales figures for the current quarter.

  4. How is Ecolab managing its financial position amidst the pandemic and after the ChampionX separation?

    Ecolab is focusing on cost management and operational efficiencies. Despite revenue challenges, the company maintained a strong liquidity position with $1,369.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2020. They also continue to manage debt, having issued new long-term debt and commercial paper, while repaying other debt obligations. The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.