I reiterated a Sell rating on Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL ) in May 2025, discussing its soft demands in heavy industrial market. While the company is facing low demands across the overall industrial market, the management has effectively leveraged value pricingAnalyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not ...

Key Takeaways ECL reported Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.89, up 12.5% year over year but missing estimates by $0.01.Revenues rose 0.9% to $4.03 billion, topping estimates, with organic sales up 2.8% on segmental growth.Gross margin expanded 100 bps to 44.8%, and operating margin rose 147 bps to 18.3% in the quarter.Ecolab Inc. (ECL) reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.89, up 12.5% year over year. However, the bottom line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny.GAAP EPS for th ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ecolab achieved double-digit earnings growth of 13% in Q2 2025, with organic sales growth of 3% driven by strong value pricing and core business momentum [6][14] - Operating income margin increased by 170 basis points, reaching a solid 18% for the full year 2025 target, with a long-term goal of 20% by 2027 [14][16] - The company expects adjusted EPS growth of 12% to 15% for the upcoming quarters in 2025 and into 2026 [15][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Institutional and Specialty business grew 4% in organic sales, while Global Water sales growth accelerated to 4% excluding Paper and Basic Industries [8][11] - Pest Elimination's organic sales growth accelerated to 6%, benefiting from the shift to a digital Pest Intelligence model [12][40] - Life Sciences experienced mid-single-digit growth, with strong double-digit growth in biopharma and core Pharma [12][104] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The remaining 85% of Ecolab's business grew organic sales by 4%, while Paper and Basic Industries, which represent only 15% of total sales, faced uneven demand [7][8] - Global Hi-Tech business grew over 30%, with operating income margins exceeding 20% [12][112] - Ecolab Digital achieved nearly 30% sales growth, reaching an annualized run rate of €380 million [12][113] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ecolab's strategy focuses on value pricing, innovation, and enhancing operational performance to drive growth [9][16] - The company is investing in growth engines such as Life Sciences, Data Centers, and Pest Intelligence to fuel long-term momentum [24][26] - Ecolab aims to leverage its strong balance sheet and low leverage ratio of 1.7 to capitalize on both organic and inorganic growth opportunities [16][82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver sustained strong performance despite a complicated global environment [15][16] - The company anticipates continued operating income margin expansion due to growth in high-margin businesses and productivity improvements [14][16] - Management acknowledged the need for conservatism in guidance while continuing to invest in growth businesses [24][26] Other Important Information - Ecolab will host an Investor Day on September 4, 2025, to provide an in-depth review of the company's strategy [18] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong cash flow and balance sheet while exploring M&A opportunities [82][84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why was there no increase in guidance despite strong Q2 results? - Management indicated a combination of conservatism and ongoing investments in growth businesses, maintaining a commitment to deliver 12% to 15% EPS growth [22][24] Question: What are the expectations for pricing in the second half? - Management expects pricing to strengthen closer to 3% in Q3 and Q4, supported by value delivery to customers [29][31] Question: Can you elaborate on the Pest Intelligence rollout? - Management highlighted the transition to Pest Intelligence, which will enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction, aiming for a 99% pest-free environment [36][40] Question: What are the trends in delivered product costs? - Management noted that commodity costs are expected to rise low to mid-single digits, but supply chain efficiencies are helping maintain favorable net delivered product costs [44][46] Question: How is the company positioned for inorganic growth? - Management expressed confidence in the M&A pipeline, focusing on water, high-tech, life sciences, and digital technology, while remaining disciplined in capital deployment [82][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ecolab achieved double-digit earnings growth of 13% in the second quarter, with organic sales growth of 3% driven by strong value pricing and solid core business momentum [4][12]. - The operating income margin increased by 170 basis points, reaching a solid 18% for the full year 2025 target, with aspirations to reach 20% by 2027 [12][78]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The remaining 85% of Ecolab's business grew organic sales by 4% and operating income by 18%, showcasing the strength of its diversified portfolio [5][12]. - The Pest Elimination segment saw organic sales growth accelerate to 6%, benefiting from the shift to a digital Pest Intelligence model [10][39]. - Life Sciences experienced mid-single-digit growth, with strong double-digit growth in biopharma and core Pharma, while Water Purification faced production limitations [10][104]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Water sales growth accelerated to 4%, with operating income growing double digits, driven by strong performance in Food and Beverage [9][10]. - The Paper and Basic Industries segments, which represent 15% of total sales, faced uneven demand, impacting overall growth [4][5]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ecolab's strategy focuses on value pricing, innovation, and enhancing operational performance, with a commitment to delivering superior customer value [6][12]. - The company is investing in growth engines such as Life Sciences, Global Hi-Tech, and Ecolab Digital, which collectively represent nearly €3 billion in annual sales and are growing double digits [9][10]. - Ecolab aims to leverage its strong balance sheet and low leverage ratio of 1.7 to capitalize on both organic and inorganic growth opportunities [13][85]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering 12% to 15% adjusted EPS growth for the upcoming quarters, supported by strong business fundamentals and a diversified portfolio [12][25]. - The company acknowledges the complexities of the global operating environment but remains optimistic about future growth driven by macro trends in water, AI infrastructure, and productivity [23][25]. Other Important Information - Ecolab will host an Investor Day on September 4 in Minnesota to provide an in-depth review of its strategy and showcase breakthrough innovations [15]. - The company is focused on maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation, prioritizing dividends, business investments, and potential buybacks [81][85]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Guidance Adjustments - Management indicated a combination of conservatism and ongoing investments in growth businesses, maintaining a commitment to deliver on promised growth targets [21][22]. Question: Pricing Trends and Expectations - Management expects pricing to strengthen closer to 3% in the third and fourth quarters, supported by value delivery to customers [28][31]. Question: Pest Elimination Business Transition - The transition to Pest Intelligence is significant and requires investment, but management is optimistic about long-term growth and customer satisfaction [34][39]. Question: Delivered Product Costs and Inflation - Management noted that commodity costs are expected to rise low to mid-single digits, but efficiencies from the supply chain are helping to maintain favorable margins [42][45]. Question: Water Business Capacity Constraints - Management confirmed capacity limitations in the Water business, particularly in Water Purification, but expressed confidence in the overall growth trajectory [61][66]. Question: Free Cash Flow Expectations - Management expects free cash flow conversion to be around 90% for the year, with strong earnings growth driving improvements in the second half [95][99]. Question: Life Sciences Margin Expectations - Management indicated that while margins may drop back towards mid-teens, strong growth in biopharma will continue to drive overall performance [102][104].

Financial Performance - Ecolab's reported diluted EPS was $1.84, with adjusted diluted EPS at $1.89, a 13% increase[7, 12] - The company anticipates full-year 2025 adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $7.42 to $7.62, representing a 12% to 15% increase compared to 2024[8, 15] - Ecolab projects third-quarter 2025 adjusted diluted earnings per share to be between $2.02 and $2.12, a 10% to 16% rise from the previous year[8, 15] - Reported sales increased by 1%, which includes an unfavorable impact of 2% from the sale of the global surgical solutions business[8] - Organic sales grew by 3%, driven by Institutional & Specialty and Water segments[8] - Reported operating income (OI) increased by 8%, with organic OI rising by 14%[8] - Organic operating income margin expanded by 170 bps to 18.3%, attributed to value pricing and improved productivity[8] Segment Performance - Global Water segment sales increased by 2%[16] - Global Institutional & Specialty segment sales increased by 4%[16] - Global Pest Elimination segment sales increased by 6%[16] - Global Life Sciences segment sales increased by 4%[16] Strategic Outlook - Ecolab expects to achieve a 20% operating income margin by 2027[7] - The company is focused on capitalizing on long-term growth opportunities, maximizing service effectiveness, and leveraging investments in digital technology[37] - Ecolab is well-prepared to manage the dynamic international trade environment through its world-class supply chain, 'local for local' production model, and recently implemented trade surcharge[15]

Exhibit 99.1 News Release Investor Contact: Media Contact: Andrew Hedberg (651) 250-2185 Nigel Glennie (651) 250-2576 Andrew Pearson (651) 250-3654 ECOLAB DELIVERS ANOTHER STRONG QUARTER OF DOUBLE-DIGIT EPS GROWTH REPORTED DILUTED EPS $1.84; ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS $1.89, +13% MAINTAINS 2025 ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS OUTLOOK: $7.42 - $7.62, +12% - 15% SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS OUTLOOK | | | | Second Quarter Ended June 30 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Reported | | | Adjusted | | | | (unaudi ...

Core Viewpoint - Ecolab, Inc. is set to report its second-quarter 2025 results, with expectations of revenue growth and improved earnings per share compared to the previous year [1][11]. Group 1: Business Segments Performance - Ecolab's Global Water segment, previously known as Global Industrial, saw sales growth in Q1 2025 due to organic growth and the acquisition of Barclay Water Management, particularly in Light & Heavy and Food & Beverage sectors [2][3]. - The Global Hi-Tech Water segment experienced strong sales growth driven by innovations in microelectronics production and data center cooling solutions, which are expected to continue boosting performance [4]. - The Global Pest Elimination segment benefited from acquisitions in North America and growth in food & beverage, restaurants, and hospitality sectors, with expectations for continued sales increases in Q2 2025 [5][6]. - The Global Institutional & Specialty segment is integrating its units and reported strong sales growth in its Specialty business, although it faced challenges due to the sale of its surgical solutions business [7][10]. - The Global Life Sciences segment recorded new business wins, leveraging industry trends and investments in innovation, which are expected to drive revenue growth [9]. Group 2: Financial Estimates and Market Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ecolab's total revenues in Q2 2025 is $4.01 billion, reflecting a 0.6% increase from the prior year, while the EPS estimate is $1.90, indicating a 13.1% improvement [11]. - Ecolab's shares have gained 12.8% over the past three months, outperforming the Chemical - Specialty sector and the Basic Materials sector, but underperforming the S&P 500 [14]. - Ecolab's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 33.3X, which is a premium compared to the industry average of 23.4X, indicating higher valuation expectations relative to growth [18][19]. Group 3: Strategic Developments - Ecolab launched the AI-powered program Ecolab RushReady to enhance restaurant operations and profitability, indicating a focus on leveraging technology for business growth [22]. - The introduction of 3D TRASAR Technology for Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling aims to improve data center operations by monitoring coolant health, showcasing Ecolab's commitment to innovation and resource efficiency [23]. - Overall, Ecolab's core business strength, earnings potential, and global opportunities position it favorably for future growth, although current valuations suggest limited room for new investments [24][25].

Core Insights - Ecolab (ECL) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.90 per share, reflecting a 13.1% increase year-over-year, with revenues forecasted at $4.01 billion, a 0.6% increase compared to the previous year [1] - Analysts have maintained the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days, indicating a reevaluation of initial estimates [1][2] - The average estimates for key metrics show significant year-over-year growth in various segments, indicating positive trends in the company's performance [3][4][5] Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate for Ecolab is $1.90, up 13.1% from the same quarter last year [1] - Revenue estimates stand at $4.01 billion, marking a 0.6% increase year-over-year [1] Key Metrics Projections - Analysts project 'Sales- Global Institutional & Specialty (Fixed Currency rates)' to be $1.53 billion, reflecting an 11.6% increase year-over-year [3] - 'Sales- Global Institutional & Specialty (Public Currency rates)' is expected to reach $1.55 billion, indicating a 13.8% year-over-year change [3] - 'Operating Income- Global Institutional & Specialty (Fixed Currency rates)' is anticipated to be $360.94 million, up from $320.70 million in the same quarter last year [4] - 'Operating Income- Global Institutional & Specialty (Public Currency rates)' is projected at $368.90 million, compared to $318.30 million in the same quarter of the previous year [5] Market Performance - Over the past month, Ecolab shares have returned +0.8%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has seen a +5.7% change [5] - Ecolab currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [5]

Core Insights - Ecolab has launched an innovative cleaning solution called Ecolab ReadyDose, aimed at food service establishments to enhance kitchen hygiene with pre-dosed concentrated cleaning formulas [1][2] - The product was introduced at the SIGEP and Restaurant Asia exhibition in Singapore, targeting the Southeast Asian foodservice market [1][2] Company Developments - ReadyDose combines Ecolab's food safety expertise with a user-friendly design, reducing product waste and improving staff compliance [2] - The launch addresses challenges such as labor constraints and rising operational costs while promoting sustainability [2][4] - Ecolab's market capitalization stands at $76.23 billion, with a strong performance in earnings surprises over the last four quarters [5] Product Features - ReadyDose includes a range of tablet-based cleaning products for various applications, including surface cleaners, presoak solutions, and specialty beverage cleaners [8][9][10] - The product line is designed to minimize packaging waste and conserve resources, supporting sustainability efforts [9] Industry Context - The global commercial cleaning products market was valued at $121.29 billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 7.91% from 2024 to 2030, driven by the demand for cleanliness in commercial spaces [12]

Core Insights - Ecolab Inc. launched the 3D TRASAR Technology for Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling, enhancing data center cooling solutions and optimizing performance while saving water and energy [1][2][5] Company Developments - The new technology positions Ecolab to cover the entire data center cooling landscape, leveraging AI to improve efficiency and reduce resource demand [2][6] - Ecolab's market capitalization stands at $75.71 billion, with a return on equity of 22.5%, outperforming the industry average of 11.6% [4] - Following the product launch, Ecolab's shares increased by nearly 0.7%, reflecting positive market sentiment [3][10] Industry Prospects - The global data center cooling market is projected to grow from $12.7 billion in 2023 to $29.6 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 12.8%, driven by the need for efficient cooling systems [7] - Ecolab's management anticipates that the new cooling technology will unlock growth opportunities for high-tech companies by addressing water and performance demands [6][5]