Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Ecolabs (ECL) 2014 Review

Ecolab Inc. (ECL) develops and markets chemicals and services for cleaning, pest elimination, sanitizing and maintenance to the hospitality, institutional and industrial markets. The company has grown its profits and dividends 11-13% over the last 10 years while earning an 11-20% return on equity. ECL has managed an increase in earnings and dividends through the most adverse economic environment and should continue to grow at an above average pace as a result of:

(1) the company’s exposure to the international market, in particular emerging markets, which is expanding at an above average pace,

(2) industry leading technology and aggressive product innovation,

(3) acquisitions,

(4) aggressive cost containment, including divest low return operations

Negatives:

(1) ECL is in a highly competitive industry,

(2) fluctuations in raw material costs,

(3) integration costs from acquisitions,

(4) fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

ECL is rated A by Value Line, has a debt/equity ratio of 49%, its stock yields 1.1%.

Statistical Summary

                 Stock       Dividend       Payout      # Increases  
                Yield      Growth Rate     Ratio       Since 2004

ECL           1.1%          12%             27%             10
Ind Ave      1.7              9                 29               NA 

                Debt/                        EPS Down       Net        Value Line
                Equity         ROE      Since 2004      Margin       Rating

ECL          49%            15%            0                 9%            A
Ind Ave     32               17             NA                9             NA
  
    Chart

            Note: ECL made great progress off its March 2009 low, quickly surpassing the downtrend off its September 2008 high (straight red line) and the November 2008 trading high (green line).  Long term, the stock is in an uptrend (blue lines).  Intermediate term, it is an uptrend (purple lines).  Short term, it recently broke its uptrend (brown line).  The wiggly red line is the 50 day moving average.  Until recently, the Aggressive Growth Portfolio owned a 50% position in ECL, having Sold Half in early 2013.  In our latest review of the company, it failed to meet the financial criteria for inclusion in the Aggressive Growth Universe.  Therefore, it was Sold.  ECL still qualifies for inclusion in the Dividend Growth Universe; but the Dividend Growth Portfolio does not own this stock.

                       
                                                                                   

6/14

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