WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Ecolab Inc. (ECL) reported fourth-quarter net income to company of $335.5 million or $1.10 per share, compared to $287.1 million or $0.93 per share, prior year. Adjusted earnings per share was $1.20, for the quarter. ? On average, 18 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $1.20 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. ? Net sales increased to $3.68 billion from $3.56 billion last year. Analysts expected revenue of $3.72 billion for the quarter.
Ecolab plans to repurchase approximately $1 billion of its shares. The repurchase is expected to be completed by mid-2016.
Ecolab expects 2015 full-year adjusted earnings per share to rise to the $4.50 to $4.70 range. Analysts expect the company to report full year earnings per share of $4.69.
Ecolab expects first quarter adjusted earnings per share in the $0.78 to $0.83 range. Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter earnings per share of $0.86.
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