Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) reported third-quarter earnings on Tuesday that matched analyst expectations, with higher prices and margin expansion offsetting softer demand in some markets. Despite the solid results, shares slipped 1.6% in premarket trading.
The company posted adjusted earnings of $2.07 per share, a 13% increase from the year-ago period and in line with estimates. Revenue grew 4% year over year to $4.17 billion, slightly above the $4.12 billion consensus. Organic sales rose 3%, driven by strength in the Institutional & Specialty and Food & Beverage units, while weakness in Basic Industries and Paper shaved about one percentage point off growth.
Operating income margin expanded to 18.7%, supported by a 3% boost from value pricing and 1% volume growth. Ecolab Digital sales also surged 25% to $96 million.
For the fourth quarter, Ecolab projected earnings between $2.02 and $2.12 per share, implying 12%–14% growth, and reaffirmed its full-year guidance of $7.48–$7.58 per share, up 12%–17% from last year.
CEO Christophe Beck expressed confidence in the company’s medium-term outlook. He said Ecolab remains well positioned to deliver continued double-digit earnings growth in 2026, supported by its Life Sciences, Pest Elimination, and Digital divisions.
The company also benefited from easing product costs and early signs of a demand rebound in key end markets, helping to sustain its pricing momentum and profitability.