Don't Let the Hurricanes' Impact on Ecolab's Earnings Distract You From Its Strong Quarter

The U.S. economy grew at a respectable 3% clip in the third quarter of 2017, according to the first official report on GDP estimates, despite multiple devastating hurricanes during that time period. But that doesn't mean that the storms left businesses unscathed. Blue chip water, hygiene, and energy conglomerate Ecolab (NYSE: ECL) told investors that its full-year 2017 earnings will be roughly $0.08 per share lower than previously forecast due to hurricane-related disruptions.

That's not ideal, and it forced management to lower and narrow the range for full-year 2017 earnings expectations, but the minor disruptions weren't enough to derail the business momentum that has been building for several consecutive quarters. All things considered, Ecolab reported strong third-quarter 2017 earnings and sales growth -- you just have to dig a little to see it.

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Source: Fool.com