ECL · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report

Gross Margin Drivers

ECOLAB INC. · 2026-10-29 · Importance 54 · Surprise 40

Third-quarter 2026 gross profit was $2,069.3 million, or approximately 44.1% of net sales, compared with $1,865.6 million, or 44.8%, a decline of about 0.7 percentage points. Nine-month gross profit was $5,786.0 million, or approximately 43.9% of sales, compared with $5,302.8 million, or 44.6%, also down about 0.7 percentage points. Cost of sales rose 14.2% in the quarter to $2,625.5 million, faster than the 12.7% increase in sales; the filing does not specify the drivers of the gross-margin decline.

Key facts

• Ecolab's reported gross margin was 44.1% in Q3 2026 versus 44.8% in Q3 2025, and 43.9% for the first nine months of 2026 versus 44.6% in 2025. source
• Excluding special items, currency effects, and acquisitions and divestitures, Ecolab's organic gross margin was 44.9% in Q3 2026 versus 44.8% in Q3 2025, and 44.6% versus 44.7% for the first nine months. source
• Ecolab's organic gross margin increased in Q3 2026 versus Q3 2025 because accelerating pricing offset higher commodity costs. source