Ecolab Inc. (ECL) will raise its quarterly dividend to $0.37 per share. The next dividend will be paid Jan. 17, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 20, 2016.

This increase results in a new indicated annual cash dividend of $1.48 per share in 2017 and represents Ecolab’s 25th consecutive annual dividend rate increase. Ecolab has paid cash dividends on its common stock for 80 consecutive years. 

Commenting on the increase, Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab’s chairman and chief executive officer said, “This cash dividend increase reflects our longstanding commitment to use our strong cash flow to steadily invest in the key drivers for future business growth and enhance shareholder returns.” 

Today’s dividend increase indicates an annualized rate of $1.48 per common share and a yield of approximately 1.2% based on the $119.61 closing price on December 8, 2016.

EEcolab Inc. provides water, hygiene and energy technologies and services. The company's cleaning and sanitizing programs and products, and pest elimination services, support customers in the foodservice, food and beverage processing, hospitality, healthcare, government and education, retail, textile care and commercial facilities management sectors. Ecolab's products are also used in water treatment, pollution control, energy conservation, oil production and refining, primary metals manufacturing, papermaking, mining and other industrial processes. Ecolab was incorporated in 1924 and has paid cash dividends on its common stock since 1936.