Ecolab (ECL) will raise its quarterly dividend by 12.2 percent to $0.46 per share in the fourth quarter of 2018. Dividend Aristocrat Ecolab has now raised its dividend for 27 consecutive years.

The increased dividend will be paid January 15, 2019, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 18, 2018. A new annualized dividend rate of

Commenting on the increase, Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, “This double-digit cash dividend increase reflects Ecolab’s strong 2018 business performance, our solid financial position and excellent cash flow. We remain committed to enhancing total shareholder returns through our sales and earnings growth as well as cash dividends.”

Ecolab 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.