Ecolab Cuts 2018 Adj. EPS View

(RTTNews) - Ecolab Inc. (ECL) said that it cut its full year 2018 adjusted earnings per share forecast to the $5.20 to $5.30 range, representing a 11% to 13% increase over 2017. The previous forecast was $5.30 to $5.50 per share. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report earnings of $5.36 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Ecolab expects fourth quarter 2018 adjusted earnings per share in the $1.49 to $1.59 range, rising 8% to 15% compared with adjusted earnings per share of $1.38 a year ago. Analysts project fourth-quarter earnings of $1.65 per share.

Ecolab's third quarter reported sales increased 5% and fixed currency sales increased 6%. Acquisition and divestiture adjusted fixed currency sales increased 7% when compared to the prior year.