Ecolab Inc. has recently released its 10-K report, providing a comprehensive overview of its business operations. The company offers water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services globally, operating through four reportable segments: Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, Global Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Global Pest Elimination. The Global Industrial segment caters to various industries, while the Global Institutional & Specialty segment serves the foodservice, hospitality, and retail industries. The Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segment offers solutions to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, and the Global Pest Elimination segment provides pest elimination services to a wide range of commercial segments.
In its 10-K report, Ecolab Inc. highlighted its financial performance, reporting record sales, operating income margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flows in 2025. The company achieved strong organic sales growth in Global Pest Elimination and Global Life Sciences, and good organic sales growth in Global Institutional & Specialty and Global Water. Reported sales increased to $16.1 billion in 2025 from $15.7 billion in 2024, with organic sales growing by 3% compared to the prior year.
The reported gross margin for 2025 was 44.5% of sales, compared to 43.5% in 2024. Adjusted operating income, excluding special (gains) and charges and the impact of the Ovivo Electronics acquisition, increased by 11% in 2025, while organic operating income grew by 13% during the same period. Reported diluted earnings per share decreased to $7.28 in 2025 from $7.37 in 2024, but adjusted diluted earnings per share, which excludes special (gains) and charges, increased by 13% to $7.53 in 2025.
Ecolab Inc. also provided insights into its balance sheet and cash flow. The company maintained strong credit ratings and generated $3.0 billion in cash flow from operating activities in 2025, compared to $2.8 billion in 2024. Additionally, it increased its quarterly cash dividend by 12% to $0.73 per share in December 2025, marking its 34th consecutive annual dividend rate increase.
The 10-K report also delved into critical accounting estimates, particularly related to actuarially determined liabilities, self-insurance, and income taxes. Ecolab Inc. emphasized the importance of these estimates and assumptions in preparing its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
As a result of these announcements, the company's shares have moved -0.24% on the market, and are now trading at a price of $277.07. For the full picture, make sure to review ECOLAB INC.'s 10-K report.
