We're winning the right way, by doing what matters most: taking care of our customers and each other. That commitment drove record sales, earnings per share, operating income margins and free cash flow.
2025 was another record year for Ecolab. Thanks to our 48,000 associates, we delivered record sales, earnings per share, operating income margins and free cash flow by staying focused on what matters most: taking care of our customers and each other. This approach continues to drive strong, consistent growth across the company.
Our team delivered strong performance across our businesses. Institutional & Specialty helped hospitality customers improve performance, address labor challenges and run efficiently. Global Water drove growth by delivering measurable value across commercial and industrial markets and advanced major opportunities in the fast-growing microelectronics and data center industries. Life Sciences delivered another strong year in biopharma as demand for high standards in contamination control and purification grew. And Pest Elimination drove strong growth as our digitally connected smart devices expanded their reach and delivered stronger outcomes for customers.
A major highlight of the year was welcoming Ovivo Electronics to the Ecolab family. Its world-leading ultrapure water technology strengthens our position across the microelectronics value chain and enables a best-in-class circular water offering for the fast-growing semiconductor market. With Ovivo, we now have the capability to serve all three industries fueling Artificial Intelligence's (Al) growth: fabs, power systems and data centers.
Innovation continued to fuel our progress. We introduced smarter, more automated, more sustainable solutions across our portfolio-from advanced liquid cooling for data centers to Al-enabled cleaning systems in food and beverage facilities and Purolite resins for life-saving drug production. These solutions combine science-based expertise, data-driven insights, Al technologies and world-class service. This unique blend is what defines Ecolab, as we help millions of customers across 40 industries in 170 countries deliver better outcomes, higher performance and minimized environmental impact. It's why we know what best-in-class looks like and how to help every customer reach it.
Our purpose-driven growth was also recognized globally. Ecolab was named one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune, ranking first in our industry for the 12th year. We also earned a rare Double-A rating by CDP, the world's leading environmental rating organization, and were named on the Ethical Companies list by Ethisphere for the 19th consecutive year.
Our momentum in Al was also recognized on Fortune's AIQ ranking, which identifies companies best prepared to lead in the age of Al. Ecolab's number nine position reflects how we apply advanced analytics and Al technologies that help customers operate more efficiently, drive growth and conserve water and energy. We are helping shape the future of Al by combining deep technical expertise with purposeful innovation.
As we look ahead, the world is growing more complex, and our diverse portfolio positions us well to help customers stay ahead. We win by delivering better business outcomes, stronger operational performance and lower environmental impact, and we continue to raise the bar by investing in our people, technologies and One Ecolab growth strategy. The momentum we built this year gives us a strong foundation for the years ahead, and with a more connected organization, advanced portfolio and deeper customer partnerships, we are well positioned to keep delivering high performance for our customers and shareholders.
I'm proud of what our team accomplished in 2025 and excited for what comes next. Thank you for your belief in Ecolab and in the work we do together. The best chapters of our story are ahead.
Christophe Beck
CHAIRMAN & CEO
Xavier analysis
The letter consistently uses positive language such as 'record year,' 'strong growth,' 'accelerating momentum,' and 'well positioned' to describe the company's performance, strategic achievements, and future outlook, with no mention of significant challenges or setbacks.
Strategic themes by emphasis
#1Record Financial Performance & Growth
#2Innovation, Technology & AI Leadership
#3Customer-Centricity & Value Proposition
#4Global Recognition & Purpose-Driven Growth
#5Future Outlook & Strategic Investments
#6Team Contribution & Pride
11 named projects & initiatives
Ovivo Electronics, ultrapure water technology, digitally connected smart devices, advanced liquid cooling, AI-enabled cleaning systems, Purolite resins +5 more
4 product, 4 other, 1 acquisition, 1 technology, 1 strategic initiative
Forward-looking statements
6 total: 0 quantified, 5 directional, 1 vague
Capital allocation priority
Organic Growth (People and Technology)
Key quotes
“We're winning the right way, by doing what matters most: taking care of our customers and each other.”
This quote encapsulates the company's core philosophy and priorities, highlighting customer and employee focus as key drivers of success.
“This unique blend is what defines Ecolab, as we help millions of customers across 40 industries in 170 countries deliver better outcomes, higher performance and minimized environmental impact.”
This statement defines Ecolab's competitive advantage and value proposition through its integrated solutions and global impact.