Rollins (NYSE:ROL) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 30, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsJerry Gahlhoff - President and CEOAnanya Das - Managing DirectorTomo Sano - Managing DirectorKen Krause - EVP and CFORonan Kennedy - VPLyndsey Burton - VP of Investor RelationsMadison Callanan - Equity Research AssociateJenny Lee - Senior Lead Digital Product ManagerStephanie Moore - Senior VP Equity ResearchConference Call ParticipantsGeorge Tong - Business Services Senior Research AnalystTim Mulrooney - Equity Resear ...

Rollins (NYSE:ROL) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 30, 2025 08:30 AM ET Speaker2Greetings and welcome to the Rollins, Inc. third quarter 2025 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press Star 0 on your telephone keypad. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to introduce your host, Lyndsey Bur ...

Third Quarter 2025 October 30, 2025 Earnings Webcast Presentation Rollins, Inc. 1 © 2025 Rollins, Inc. All rights reserved. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements balanced capital allocation strategy; and healthy dividend. This presentation as well as other written or oral statements by the Company may contain "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current opinions, expectations ...

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is included among the 10 Best Rising Dividend Stocks to Buy Now. Steady Dividends and Strong Sustainability Strategy Keep Ecolab (ECL) Ahead Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is widely regarded as a g‍lobal leader in water management, sanitatio⁠n, and pest‌ control, serving m‌ill⁠ion​s of sites around the world. Its so‌lutions are‍ a⁠pplied across diverse areas, including cooling​ water systems at data center⁠s, water recycling i‍n e​lectronics ma‍nufa⁠cturi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ecolab reported consistent double-digit earnings growth despite macroeconomic uncertainties, with sales growth improving due to accelerating pricing, which increased to 3% from 2% in the previous quarter, while volumes rose by 1% [4][6] - The organic operating income margin reached a record 18.7%, reflecting a 110 basis points increase, with expectations for the full year 2025 operating income margin to reach 18% [15][16] - Adjusted diluted EPS midpoint for 2025 was increased to $7.53, with a range of $7.48 to $7.58 [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pest Elimination achieved 6% organic sales growth, driven by the successful rollout of the Pest Intelligence platform [9][10] - Life Sciences sales growth improved to 6%, with double-digit growth in biopharma and pharma, despite capacity constraints in water purification [10][11] - Global High-Tech experienced rapid growth with sales up 25%, bolstered by the pending acquisition of Aveva Electronics, which is expected to double the size of this business [12][25] - Ecolab Digital maintained strong momentum with 25% sales growth, now having annualized sales of over $380 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Institutional and Specialty segments saw organic sales growth of 4%, outpacing market trends, driven by the value delivered to customers [8][9] - The Food and Beverage segment also reported 4% organic sales growth, benefiting from the integration of hygiene and water solutions [9][76] - Basic Industries and Paper, which represent 15% of global sales, declined by 3%, impacting overall volume [5][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ecolab's strategy focuses on breakthrough innovation and the One Ecolab enterprise growth strategy, which aims to unlock significant cross-sale opportunities across its customer base, representing a $65 billion growth opportunity [8][14] - The company is committed to returning its underperforming businesses, Basic Industries and Paper, back to growth by leveraging innovation and expanding customer relationships [14][30] - Ecolab aims to achieve a 20% operating income margin by 2027, with expectations for steady annual margin expansion [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver sustained strong performance in Q4 and beyond, despite ongoing market challenges [17] - The company anticipates that the growth engines will become a more significant part of its business mix, potentially increasing from 20% to 30-40% in the coming years [50] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining high customer retention rates and delivering significant value to customers through innovative solutions [32][70] Other Important Information - Ecolab ranked number nine on the Fortune AIQ 50 list, recognizing its preparedness for the age of AI [13] - The company is focused on leveraging digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Global High-Tech business and Aveva acquisition - Management discussed the growth potential in data centers and microelectronics, emphasizing the need for more power and ultra-pure water, which Ecolab specializes in [20][22][25] Question: Basic Industries and Paper returning to growth - Management noted that consolidation in the industry has impacted growth but expressed optimism about returning to a growth trajectory in the near future [28][30] Question: Pricing dynamics and tariff surcharge - Management indicated that pricing is becoming easier to implement due to the strong value proposition, with a target of maintaining pricing around 2-3% [32][54] Question: Water business top line and margin performance - Management reported 4% top line growth and 15% operating income growth in the water segment, excluding underperforming businesses [36] Question: Pest Elimination customer acquisition costs - Management stated that customer acquisition costs have not increased and that competition remains healthy, benefiting customers [84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ecolab reported consistent double-digit earnings growth despite macroeconomic uncertainties, with sales growth improving to 4% organic sales growth and mid-teens organic operating income growth [3][4][15] - Pricing accelerated to 3% this quarter, up from 2% in the previous quarter, driven by trade surcharges and value pricing [5][15] - The organic operating income margin reached a record 18.7%, with expectations to expand to 20% by 2027 [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pest Elimination achieved 6% organic sales growth, supported by the successful rollout of the Pest Intelligence platform [9][10] - Life Sciences sales growth improved to 6%, driven by double-digit growth in biopharma and pharma, despite capacity constraints [10][11] - Global High-Tech experienced rapid growth with sales up 25%, bolstered by the pending acquisition of Aveva Electronics [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Institutional and Specialty businesses grew organically by 4%, outperforming market trends [8][9] - Food and Beverage segment also saw 4% organic sales growth, driven by the integration of hygiene and water solutions [9][70] - The underperforming businesses, Basic Industries and Paper, declined by 3%, impacting overall volume [4][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ecolab's strategy focuses on breakthrough innovation and the One Ecolab enterprise growth strategy, which aims to unlock significant cross-sale opportunities [4][8] - The company is targeting a $65 billion growth opportunity, with $3.5 billion from its largest customers [8] - Ecolab is committed to returning its underperforming businesses to growth by 2026 through innovation and resource reallocation [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving double-digit EPS growth in 2026, despite ongoing market challenges [16][17] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in Q4 and beyond, supported by robust free cash flow and a strong balance sheet [17] - Management highlighted the importance of leveraging digital technologies and AI to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [12][45] Other Important Information - Ecolab ranked number nine on the Fortune AIQ 50 list, recognizing its preparedness for the age of AI [12] - The company is focused on maintaining high retention rates and delivering significant value to customers through its pricing strategy [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Global High-Tech business and Aveva acquisition - Management discussed the growth potential in data centers and microelectronics, emphasizing the need for more power and water in these industries [19][22][23] Question: Basic Industries and Paper returning to growth - Management noted that consolidation in the industry has impacted growth but expressed optimism for recovery in the coming quarters [26][28][30] Question: Pricing dynamics and tariff surcharge impact - Management indicated that pricing is becoming easier to implement due to the strong value proposition, with a target of maintaining pricing around 2-3% [32][50][52] Question: Life Sciences segment performance and capacity additions - Management highlighted the accelerating growth trajectory in Life Sciences, with new capacities expected to come online in mid-2026 [54][56][58] Question: Update on One Ecolab initiative - Management confirmed progress with the top 35 customers and plans to expand efforts to additional customers in 2026 [40][42][66] Question: Pest Elimination business and customer acquisition costs - Management reported that customer acquisition costs have decreased due to successful technology offerings and strong demand [76][78][80]

Core Viewpoint - The company is optimistic about its performance in Q3, indicating that positive trends from interim results are continuing and that it is on track to meet 2025 targets in line with market expectations [3]. Financial Performance - For the three months ending September 30, the company reported group revenue of $1.8 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4.6% [4]. - Organic revenue increased by 3.4%, with North America showing an improvement of 3.4% and international businesses achieving organic growth of 3.3% [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the three months ending September 30, group revenue was $1.8 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4.6% [2] - Organic revenue growth was 3.4%, with North America showing an improvement to 3.4% and international businesses achieving organic growth of 3.3% [2][9] - Net debt at the end of the quarter was $3.9 billion, supported by ongoing cash generation and proceeds from disposals [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, pest control services organic growth was 1.8%, an improvement from 0.3% in the second quarter, while business services organic revenue growth surged by 11.9% [3][4] - International revenue grew by 4.6%, with organic growth of 3.3%, particularly strong in southern European markets [8] - Pest control organic revenue growth for the group was 3.4%, driven by momentum in North America, while hygiene and well-being grew by 3% organically [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The UK saw improved growth in core pest control and plants businesses, while the Pacific region's growth remained below average due to adverse weather impacts [8] - The southern European markets of Spain, Portugal, and Greece sustained strong growth from the first half into the third quarter [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing lead generation and customer retention in North America, with a revised strategy that includes improving digital marketing and sales operating models [4][6] - The rollout of satellite branches is on track, with 139 in operation and a target of 150 by year-end, aimed at improving local presence and lead generation [5][9] - Cost efficiency initiatives are expected to deliver $100 million in cost reductions by the end of 2026, with a goal of achieving an operating margin above 20% post-2026 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the continued positive trends and performance in the third quarter, with expectations to deliver financial results in line with market expectations for the full year [2][9] - The company noted that Q4 is seasonally quieter and anticipates a drag on organic growth due to the non-repeat of one-off emergency mosquito control work from the previous year [7][32] Other Important Information - The company completed three acquisitions in the quarter, bringing the total for the year to 21, with annualized revenue of approximately $39 million from these deals [9] - The company is also focusing on improving free cash flow through working capital management and capital expenditure optimization [25] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Could you talk about contract portfolio net gain improvement performance in Q3? - Management noted that the improvement in net gain was essential for achieving healthy organic growth, with both jobbing and contract portfolio showing positive trends [14][15] Question: What is the balance between lowering prices to take share and pushing through price increases? - Management indicated that pricing strategies are more sophisticated, focusing on identifying opportunities rather than a blanket approach to price increases [24] Question: Can you discuss expectations for growth in the next quarter? - Management refrained from making precise forecasts but expressed confidence in the positive momentum observed in lead flow and customer retention [31][32] Question: How is the integration of commercial branches progressing? - Management reported steady progress in the integration of commercial branches, focusing on easier conversions and ensuring cost savings and margin improvements [40][41] Question: When would it make sense to increase spend in marketing and sales? - Management emphasized the importance of demonstrable returns on marketing investments and indicated that they are getting better at measuring the effectiveness of their spending [47][49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, group revenue was $1.8 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 4.6% [3] - Organic revenue grew by 3.4%, with North America showing an improvement to 3.4% and international businesses at 3.3% [3] - Net debt at the end of the quarter was $3.9 billion, following the completion of the France Workwear sale, which generated $397 million in cash proceeds [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, Pest Control Services organic growth was 1.8%, an improvement from 0.3% in Q2, while Business Services organic revenue growth was strong at 11.9% [3][6] - International revenue grew by 4.6% with organic growth of 3.3%, particularly strong in Southern European markets [8] - Pest Control organic revenue growth for the group was 3.4%, driven by good momentum in North America, while Hygiene and Well-being grew by 3% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The UK saw improved growth in core pest control and plants businesses, while the Pacific region's growth remained below the average for international [8] - The Southern European markets of Spain, Portugal, and Greece sustained strong growth from the first half into the third quarter [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing lead generation and customer retention in North America, with a revised strategy that includes improving digital marketing and local search visibility [4][6] - The rollout of satellite branches is on track, with 139 operational and a target of 150 by year-end, aimed at improving lead generation [5] - Cost efficiency initiatives are expected to deliver $100 million in cost reductions by 2026, with a target operating margin in North America above 20% post-2026 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the continued positive trends and performance in Q3, expecting to deliver full-year results in line with market expectations [2][10] - The company noted that Q4 is typically a quieter quarter and anticipates a 60 basis point impact on organic growth due to the absence of one-off emergency mosquito control work from the previous year [7] Other Important Information - The company completed three acquisitions in the quarter, bringing the total for the year to 21, with an annualized revenue of approximately $39 million from these acquisitions [9] - The company has reported 11 consecutive quarters of improving colleague retention, with customer retention nudging up to 80.9% [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Improvement in contracting portfolio performance - Management noted that both jobbing and contracting saw growth, with net gain being the best in a while, but emphasized the need for continued improvement in the portfolio [13][17] Question: Pricing strategy and free cash flow - Management discussed a sophisticated pricing strategy that identifies opportunities for price increases while also managing customer retention [24][27] Question: Expectations for Q4 growth - Management refrained from making precise forecasts but indicated that the fundamentals remain strong despite the seasonal challenges [33][36] Question: Update on Termika integration and technician pay plans - Management reported steady progress in integration and indicated that discussions on pay plans for technicians are ongoing, with potential changes to be decided soon [50][56] Question: Marketing and sales reinvestment - Management acknowledged the challenge of determining effective marketing spend but indicated a willingness to invest more if demonstrable returns can be shown [60][66] Question: Clarification on net gain and contracted growth - Management clarified that net gain refers to the overall performance of the contracted portfolio, emphasizing the importance of customer retention and pricing strategies [103][109]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3, the group revenue was $1.8 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4.6% and organic revenue growth of 3.4% [2][8] - North America showed organic growth of 3.4%, with pest control services growing by 1.8%, an improvement from 0.3% in Q2 [3][6] - The customer retention rate increased to 80.9%, up from the half-year stage [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pest control organic revenue growth for the group was 3.4%, driven by strong performance in North America [7] - Hygiene and well-being grew by 3% organically, an improvement from 0.9% in the first half [8] - North America business services organic revenue growth was particularly strong at 11.9% in Q3 [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International revenue grew by 4.6%, with organic growth of 3.3%, particularly strong in southern European markets [7] - The Pacific region's growth remained below average due to adverse weather impacts [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing lead generation and customer retention through a revised North America strategy [4] - Plans to open 150 satellite branches this year are on track, with 139 already operational [5] - Cost efficiency initiatives are expected to deliver $100 million in cost reductions by the end of 2026 [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the continued positive trends and expects to deliver financial results for the full year in line with market expectations [2][8] - The company noted that Q4 is seasonally quieter and anticipates a 60 basis point impact on organic growth due to the non-repeat of one-off emergency mosquito control work [6][9] Other Important Information - The company completed three M&A deals in the quarter, bringing the total for the year to 21, with annualized revenue of around $39 million from these acquisitions [8] - Net debt at the end of the quarter was reported at $3.9 billion [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the contract portfolio net gain improvement performance in Q3? - Management noted that both jobbing and contract portfolio growth improved, with net gain being the best seen in a while [13][14] Question: How did residential, commercial, and permit performance compare? - Improvements were seen across all areas, with termite performance particularly better in Q3 compared to H1 [15][16] Question: What is the balance between lowering prices to gain market share and pushing through price increases? - The pricing strategy is sophisticated, focusing on identifying opportunities rather than a blanket increase [22] Question: Can you discuss progress on levers to improve free cash flow? - There are opportunities in working capital and capital expenditure to drive free cash flow [24] Question: What are the expectations for growth in the next quarter? - Management refrained from making precise forecasts but expressed satisfaction with lead flow improvements [30] Question: Can you clarify the net gain calculation? - Net gain reflects customer retention, price increases, and new business, with a focus on maintaining momentum in the contract portfolio [80][82]