艺康 2024年度报告

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 WELCOME GROWTH, IMPACT, HIGH PERFORMANCE with Artificial Intelligence powereddish machines, circular water systemsand connected pest managementdelivering new insights and value for ourcustomers. while exploring emerging micro-electronics and global high-techopportunities. •Institutional & Specialty deliveredimpressive growth in a down market,helping our restaurant and lodgingcustomers improve performance,optimize labor and reduce costs. The world is also at a moment ofincredible change and opportunity,as it makes the transition to ArtificialIntelligence. This evolution will rewardthose who can successfully addressthe resource constraints presentedby a power- and water-intensivetechnology. These demands play intoEcolab’s strengths, and we are perfectlypositioned to address the water andcooling needs of this high-growthindustry. •Healthcare & Life Sciences refocusedon the infection prevention andinstrument reprocessing needs ofhospital customers, while continuingto emerge as a future leader in thefast-growing biotechnology sector. Thanks to the best sales andservice team in the business,we delivered record sales,record adjusted earnings per share, •Pest Elimination delivered robustperformance, as it made sizableinvestments in the scalable digitalcapabilities that will supportfuture growth. A fascinating chapter has just begun,and Ecolab’s services and solutionshave never been more relevant. Wehave a solid growth formula in place,the right plan to invest in our business,and a winning people strategy that willfuel continued high performance for theyears ahead. record operating income margins andrecord free cash flow by taking care ofour customers. Our team’s unparalleledreach and unique capabilities haveprotected the health of 1.4 billion people,conserved water equivalent to thedrinking needs of nearly 800 millionpeople, safeguarded a third of theworld’s processed food production, andsupported more than a fifth of the world’spower production. And we deliveredour best year ever the right way, beingnamed the most admired companyin our industry and one of the world’smost ethical companies for the 19thconsecutive year. This success is the product of thepassion and expertise of 48,000Ecolab associates serving at millions ofcustomer locations across more than 170countries around the world. We believethe rich diversity of our associates,customers and communities aroundthe world is our strength. That’s why wedraw a direct connection between ourbest year ever and the most engagedand inclusive workforce in our history. I thank you for your investment in Ecolaband your continued belief in our team. Christophe BeckCHAIRMAN & CEO While I am proud of what our winningteam achieved in 2024, I am just asexcited for what lies ahead as we investin our people and the solutions that willfuel our continued growth. New digitaltechnologies will extend the positiveimpact of our sales and service team, Ecolab’s performance was impressiveand broad-based: •Industrial accelerated its performance,generating strong new business wins Thanks to the best sales and service team inthe business, we delivered record sales, recordearnings per share, record operating incomemargins and record free cash flow by taking careof our customers. —Christophe Beck ADELIVERING FOR OUR SHAREHOLDERS a major global company and his deepknowledge of complex operations,world-class branding of innovativeproducts and winning in consumerindustries will make him a tremendousasset to the Board. swe reflect on anotheroutstanding year for Ecolab,the Board of Directorswould like to extend ourheartfelt thanks to thecompany’s 48,000 associates. Under thecapable leadership of Christophe and hisexecutive team, Ecolab has consistentlymet high expectations, delivered positiveimpacts for our customers, and providedsustained returns for its shareholders. We also look forward to welcominganother independent director inMarion Gross, currently Executive VicePresident and Global Chief SupplyChain Officer at McDonalds. Marionhas extensive international businessexpertise with specialist knowledge ofglobal supply chains and the foodserviceindustry. Marion plans to retire fromher current executive role prior to herelection to the Ecolab Board. By the end of the year, the companyachieved record sales, adjusted earningsper share, operating income marginsand free cash flow. This performanceunderpinned the Board’s confidenceas we approved a 14% increase in ourquarterly cash dividend – the 33rdconsecutive annual dividend increase. On behalf of the Board, I have alsoworked to represent your interests byactively seeking and responding tofeedback from our investors to alignEcolab’s strategies with their interestsand expectations. Together, these directors will offer awealth of knowledge and insights thatwill help guide Ecolab’s growth strategy. Finally, the Board would like to thankyou for your continued confidence inour company. We have the privilegeof