Ecolab Inc. (ECL) reported that its first-quarter net income attributable to the company declined to $49.7 million or $0.17 per share, from $93.6 million or $0.40 per share in the same quarter last year, reflecting the previously announced charges including the Nalco inventory step-up, the early retirement of debt and other integration and restructuring charges.
Adjusted net income attributable to the company rose to $150.3 million or $0.50 per share, from $107.0 million or $0.45 per share last year. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.48 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.
Net sales for the quarter rose to $2.81 billion from $1.52 billion in the prior year quarter. Twelve analysts had consensus revenue estimate of $2.72 billion for the quarter.
Ecolab expects second quarter adjusted earnings per share in the $0.69 to $0.72 range. Analysts polled expect the company to report earnings of $0.73 per share for the second-quarter.
Ecolab continues to expect 2012 full-year adjusted earnings per share in a $2.95 to $3.05 range, representing a 16% to 20% increase over the prior year. Analysts polled expect the company to report earnings of $3.03 per share for fiscal 2012.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com