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Ecolab
🇺🇸 NYSE:ECL
•
Dec 31, 2024

Ecolab Q4 2024 Earnings Report

Key Takeaways

Ecolab delivered strong Q4 2024 performance with a 2% increase in revenue to $4.0 billion. Adjusted diluted EPS grew 17% to $1.81. Organic operating income margin improved by 150 bps to 17.4%. Segment performance was robust, with growth in Industrial and Institutional & Specialty segments offsetting a decline in Healthcare & Life Sciences. The company generated record free cash flow of $1.8 billion for the year.

Total Revenue
$4.01B
Previous year: $3.94B
+1.7%
EPS
$1.81
Previous year: $1.55
+16.8%
Operating Margin
14.6%
Previous year: 15%
-2.7%
Organic Operating Margin
17.4%
Previous year: 15.9%
+9.4%
Gross Margin
43.3%
Previous year: 42%
+3.1%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.26B
Previous year: $920M
+36.7%
Free Cash Flow
$407M
Previous year: $590M
-31.0%
Total Assets
$22.4B
Previous year: $21.8B
+2.5%

Ecolab Revenue

Ecolab EPS

Ecolab Revenue by Segment

Ecolab Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

Ecolab expects continued strong performance in 2025 with adjusted EPS projected in the range of $7.42 to $7.62, up 12% to 15%. Growth is expected to be driven by strong demand in key segments and improved value pricing.

Positive Outlook

  • Strong momentum in U.S. business, the most profitable region
  • Continued market share gains through One Ecolab initiative
  • Increased demand from data centers, microelectronics, and life sciences
  • Expected organic operating margin expansion toward 20% target
  • Improved pricing strategies to offset macroeconomic challenges

Challenges Ahead

  • 4% unfavorable impact on earnings growth from currency translation
  • Healthcare segment remains under pressure after divestiture
  • Macroeconomic uncertainty in international markets
  • Higher costs from investments in digital and growth initiatives
  • One-time restructuring charges expected in 2025