Summary
Ecolab Inc. (ECL) reported a strong first quarter for 2026, with net sales increasing by 10% year-over-year to $4.07 billion. This growth was driven by a 4% increase in organic sales, reflecting solid performance across all reportable segments, particularly in Global Life Sciences (11% organic sales growth) and Global Pest Elimination (7% organic sales growth). The company's operating income rose by 12% to $622 million, and net income attributable to Ecolab grew by 7% to $432.6 million, translating to diluted EPS of $1.52. The company also announced its agreement to acquire CoolIT Systems for $4.75 billion, a move that is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026 and represents a significant strategic expansion into data center liquid cooling solutions. While the company faced increased interest expenses and higher commodity costs, these were partially offset by pricing actions, productivity gains, and favorable foreign currency translation. Ecolab also continues to manage its restructuring initiatives, "One Ecolab," which is on track to deliver significant annualized cost savings. Investors should note the increase in short-term debt primarily due to funding for recent acquisitions, and the company's ongoing commitment to returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Financial Highlights
53 data points| Revenue | $4.07B |
| Cost of Revenue | $2.30B |
| Gross Profit | $1.77B |
| SG&A Expenses | $1.10B |
| Operating Income | $622.00M |
| Interest Expense | $77.30M |
| Net Income | $432.60M |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.53 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.52 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 282.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 283.70M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales increased 10% to $4.07 billion, with organic sales up 4% year-over-year.
- 2Operating income grew 12% to $622 million, and net income attributable to Ecolab increased 7% to $432.6 million.
- 3Diluted EPS rose 8% to $1.52.
- 4Announced agreement to acquire CoolIT Systems for $4.75 billion, expected to close in Q3 2026.
- 5Global Water segment saw organic sales growth of 2%, driven by strong performance in High-Tech and Food & Beverage.
- 6Global Life Sciences segment reported strong organic sales growth of 11%.
- 7The company implemented an energy surcharge in Q2 2026 to offset rising commodity and logistics costs.