Dernières nouvelles pour Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) Stock

Ecolab

Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the industrial manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and life sciences markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. Additionally, Ecolab sells customized water management solutions across its end markets. The company has a strong hold on the US market and is growing its presence abroad.

Ecolab Inc

Ecolomondo Corp

First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF

ECLIPSE BANCORP INC by Eclipse Bancorp Inc.

Eclipse Bancorp Inc

Barclays analyst Manav Patnaik maintains Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $300 to $275.

News

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Barclays Maintains Overweight on Ecolab, Lowers Price Target to $275

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Bill Peterson downgraded the rating for United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) from Overweight to Neutral and lowered the price target from $43 to $38. United States Steel shares closed at $41.39 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRMXanalyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Baird analyst David Manthey downgraded Hillman Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLMN#NASDAQ">HLMN</a>) from Outperform to Neutral and cut the price target from $12 to $9. Hillman Solns shares closed at $7.92 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HLMN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Jason Haas downgraded the rating for Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight and lowered the price target from $265 to $240. Ecolab shares closed at $238.18 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ECL/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying ECL stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="603" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16083415/image-7-1024x603.png" alt="" class="wp-image-874256" style="width:533px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16083415/image-7-1024x603.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16083415/image-7-300x177.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16083415/image-7-768x452.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16083415/image-7.png 1082w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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This Ecolab Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 3 Downgrades For Wednesday

Ecolab Announces 5% Trade Surcharge On All Services In The United States, Effective May 1

Wells Fargo analyst Jason Haas downgrades Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $265 to $240.

Wells Fargo Downgrades Ecolab to Equal-Weight, Lowers Price Target to $240

Across the recent three months, 11 analysts have shared their insights on Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>), expressing a variety of opinions spanning from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a concise overview of recent ratings by analysts, offering insights into the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and drawing comparisons with the preceding months for a holistic perspective.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Ecolab, revealing an average target of $290.45, a high estimate of $313.00, and a low estimate of $265.00. Marking an increase of 1.03%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $287.50. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744747225_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look</h2>
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Ecolab. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
&#x7C; Analyst &#x7C; Analyst Firm &#x7C; Action Taken &#x7C; Rating &#x7C;Current Price Target&#x7C; Prior Price Target &#x7C; 
&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C; 
&#x7C;John Roberts &#x7C;Mizuho &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Outperform &#x7C; $285.00&#x7C;$302.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jason Haas &#x7C;Wells Fargo &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $265.00&#x7C;$313.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Patrick Cunningham &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $275.00&#x7C;$305.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Colin Isaac &#x7C;Redburn Atlantic &#x7C;Announces &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $270.00&#x7C;- &#x7C; 
&#x7C;John McNulty &#x7C;BMO Capital &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Outperform &#x7C; $305.00&#x7C;$295.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Charles Neivert &#x7C;Piper Sandler &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $310.00&#x7C;$270.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Joshua Spector &#x7C;UBS &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $280.00&#x7C;$257.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jason Haas &#x7C;Wells Fargo &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $313.00&#x7C;$295.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Shlomo Rosenbaum &#x7C;Stifel &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $307.00&#x7C;$285.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Patrick Cunningham &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $305.00&#x7C;$290.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Vincent Andrews &#x7C;Morgan Stanley &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $280.00&#x7C;$263.00 &#x7C;
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Ecolab. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Ecolab compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Ecolab's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Ecolab's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ECL/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Ecolab analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering Ecolab: A Closer Look</h2>
Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the industrial manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and life sciences markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. Additionally, Ecolab sells customized water management solutions across its end markets. The company has a strong hold on the US market and is growing its presence abroad.
<h3>Breaking Down Ecolab's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Ecolab's financials over 3M reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 1.7% as of 31 December, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Materials sector.
Net Margin: Ecolab's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 11.81% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ecolab's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 5.47% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Ecolab's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 2.13%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.
Debt Management: Ecolab's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.95.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

What Analysts Are Saying About Ecolab Stock

Mizuho analyst John Roberts maintains Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $302 to $285.

Mizuho Maintains Outperform on Ecolab, Lowers Price Target to $285

WIIM

AXTA

Shares of companies in the broader chemicals sector are trading lower as stocks pull back after surging Wednesday following President Trump's tariff pause announcement.

Wells Fargo analyst Jason Haas maintains Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $313 to $265.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on Ecolab, Lowers Price Target to $265

Citigroup analyst Patrick Cunningham maintains Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $305 to $275.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Ecolab, Lowers Price Target to $275

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Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOLD#NYSE">GOLD</a>): For the second-straight week, a gold stock makes its way on the Stock Whisper Index. Readers are paying increased attention to gold stocks with the price of gold at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44308014/gold-hits-record-highs-as-trade-war-fears-fuel-safe-haven-demand-mining-stocks-soar">record highs</a>. 
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The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59">Benzinga Pro chart</a> below shows shares dropping slightly on the week in the midst of tariffs from President Donald Trump.
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="498" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181238/Screenshot-375.png" alt="" class="wp-image-856513" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181238/Screenshot-375.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181238/Screenshot-375-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181238/Screenshot-375-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
 Ecolab Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>): The cleaning and sanitation company saw strong interest from readers during the week, which comes with Baird maintaining a Neutral rating and lowering the price target from $288 to $277. 
The company is expected to report first-quarter financial results later this month. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $1.50, up from $1.34 in last year's first quarter; it has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine straight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $3.70 billion, down from $3.75 billion in last year's first quarter. Ecolab beat analyst estimates for revenue in the fourth quarter and has beaten the estimate in five of the last 10 quarters.
"We enter 2025 confident in our ability to deliver continued strong performance in a dynamic environment. Growth in the United States, our largest and most profitable region, continues to be very strong," Ecolab CEO Christophe Beck <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43626120/ecolab-q4-solid-eps-growth-industrial-and-institutional-acceleration-2025-momentum-and-more">said </a>after fourth-quarter financial results.
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Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 2.62% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 10.67%. Currently, Ecolab has a market capitalization of $71.99 billion. 
Buying $1000 In ECL: If an investor had bought $1000 of ECL stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $7,613.53 today based on a price of $253.81 for ECL at the time of writing.
<h3>Ecolab's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743192011_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Ecolab Stock In The Last 20 Years

Ecolab's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) short percent of float has fallen 12.37% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.08 million shares sold short, which is 0.85% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.7 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Ecolab Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742925616_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Ecolab has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Ecolab's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Ecolab's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.65%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Is Ecolab Gaining or Losing Market Support?

In the latest quarter, 10 analysts provided ratings for Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>), showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Ecolab, revealing an average target of $293.4, a high estimate of $313.00, and a low estimate of $270.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 2.91% from the previous average price target of $285.11.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742839249_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination</h2>
The perception of Ecolab by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Colin Isaac</td>
<td>Redburn Atlantic</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John McNulty</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
<td>$295.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Neivert</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Spector</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$257.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Haas</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$313.00</td>
<td>$295.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shlomo Rosenbaum</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$307.00</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cunningham</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vincent Andrews</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$263.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$294.00</td>
<td>$306.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Neivert</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Ecolab. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Ecolab compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for Ecolab's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Ecolab's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ECL/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Ecolab analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know Ecolab Better</h2>
Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the industrial manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and life sciences markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. Additionally, Ecolab sells customized water management solutions across its end markets. The company has a strong hold on the US market and is growing its presence abroad.
<h3>Ecolab's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.
Revenue Growth: Ecolab's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 1.7%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Materials sector.
Net Margin: Ecolab's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 11.81%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ecolab's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 5.47%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 2.13%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, Ecolab adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Assessing Ecolab: Insights From 10 Financial Analysts

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Baird analyst Timothy Wojs downgraded the rating for The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZEK#NYSE">AZEK</a>) from Outperform to Neutral and lowered the price target from $58 to $53. AZEK shares closed at $41.39 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AZEK/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>BMO Capital analyst Phillip Jungwirth downgraded Civitas Resources, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIVI#NYSE">CIVI</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform and lowered the price target from $50 to $42. Civitas Resources shares closed at $34.79 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CIVI/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Evercore ISI Group analyst Stephen Kim downgraded the rating for Lennar Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>) from Outperform to In-Line and lowered the price target from $159 to $131. Lennar shares closed at $115.22 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LEN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Ronald Epstein downgraded Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) from Buy to Neutral and cut the price target from&nbsp;$685&nbsp;to&nbsp;$485. Lockheed Martin shares closed at $439.70 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LMT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Redburn Atlantic analyst Colin Isaac downgraded Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) from Buy to Neutral and announced&nbsp;a $270&nbsp;price target. Ecolab shares closed at $251.00 on Thursday. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ECL/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying LEN stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/03/44454777/top-3-risk-off-stocks-that-may-explode-this-month-2">Top 3 Risk Off Stocks That May Explode This Month</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

AZEK

CIVI

COHR

This Lennar Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Downgrades For Monday

Redburn Atlantic analyst Colin Isaac downgrades Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) from Buy to Neutral and announces $270 price target.

Redburn Atlantic Downgrades Ecolab to Neutral, Announces $270 Price Target

Disclosed in a recent SEC filing on March 10, Kirkland, Chief Financial Officer at Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>), made a noteworthy transaction involving the exercise of company stock options.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing from the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000031462/000141588925007544//Archives/edgar/data/31462/000141588925007544/0001415889-25-007544-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Monday showed that Kirkland, Chief Financial Officer at Ecolab, a company in the Materials sector, just exercised stock options worth 2,884 shares of ECL stock with an exercise price of $119.12.
The Tuesday morning update indicates Ecolab shares up by 0.12%, currently priced at $266.0. At this value, Kirkland's 2,884 shares are worth $423,601.
<h3>All You Need to Know About Ecolab</h3>
Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the industrial manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and life sciences markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. Additionally, Ecolab sells customized water management solutions across its end markets. The company has a strong hold on the US market and is growing its presence abroad.
<h3>Breaking Down Ecolab's Financial Performance</h3>
Revenue Growth: Ecolab's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 1.7%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Materials sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Interpreting Earnings Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company sets a benchmark with a high gross margin of 43.35%, reflecting superior cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Ecolab's EPS is significantly higher than the industry average. The company demonstrates a robust bottom-line performance with a current EPS of 1.67.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 0.95, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.
Financial Valuation Breakdown:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The current Price to Earnings ratio of 36.05 is higher than the industry average, indicating the stock is priced at a premium level according to the market sentiment.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 4.84 as compared to the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): At 21.37, the company's EV/EBITDA ratio outperforms industry norms, reflecting positive market perception. This positioning indicates optimistic expectations for the company's future performance.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
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<h3>Why Pay Attention to Insider Transactions</h3>
Insider transactions serve as a piece of the puzzle in investment decisions, rather than the entire picture.
In the realm of legality, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are required to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Notably, when a company insider makes a new purchase, it is considered an indicator of their positive expectations for the stock.
Conversely, insider sells may not necessarily signal a bearish stance on the stock and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>Understanding Crucial Transaction Codes</h3>
In the domain of transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> frequently turn their focus to those taking place in the open market, as meticulously outlined in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000031462">Check Out The Full List Of Ecolab's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Options Exercise: Scott D Kirkland At Ecolab Realizes $423K

BMO Capital analyst John McNulty maintains Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $295 to $305.

BMO Capital Maintains Outperform on Ecolab, Raises Price Target to $305

As of Feb. 25, 2025, three stocks in the materials sector could be flashing a real warning to investors who value momentum as a key criteria in their trading decisions.
The RSI is a momentum indicator, which compares a stock&#8217;s strength on days when prices go up to its strength on days when prices go down. When compared to a stock&#8217;s price action, it can give traders a better sense of how a stock may perform in the short term. An asset is typically considered overbought when the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/rsi"> RSI is above 70</a>, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>. 
Here's the latest list of major overbought players in this sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ReTo Eco-Solutions Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RETO#NASDAQ">RETO</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Feb. 4, ReTo announced the receipt of Nasdaq delisting determination. The company's stock gained around 158% over the past five days and has a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RETO">52-week high of $3.90</a>.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 72.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>RETO Price Action: Shares of ReTo Eco-Solutions gained 74.6% to trade at $1.03 on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ecolab Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Feb. 11, Ecolab reported fourth-quarter sales growth of 2% year-on-year to $4.005 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $3.99 billion. Christophe Beck, Ecolab's chairman and chief executive officer, said, "We enter 2025 confident in our ability to deliver continued strong performance in a dynamic environment. Growth in the United States, our largest and most profitable region, continues to be very strong, and growth across the rest of the world is solid as we more than offset uneven macroeconomic trends." The company's stock gained around 9% over the past month and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ECL"> has a 52-week high</a> of $268.16.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 70.3</li>
<li>ECL Price Action: Shares of Ecolab gained 1.5% to trade at $267.80 on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pactiv Evergreen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTVE#NASDAQ">PTVE</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Jan. 21, Pactiv Evergreen announced the expiration of HSR Act waiting period for acquisition by Novolex at $18 per share. The company's stock gained around 52% over the past six months and has a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PTVE"> 52-week high</a> of $17.86.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 74</li>
<li>PTVE Price Action: Shares of Pactiv Evergreen gained 0.1% to trade at $17.84 on Tuesday. </li>
</ul>
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PTVE

RETO

Top 3 Materials Stocks That May Keep You Up At Night In February

In the preceding three months, 9 analysts have released ratings for Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>), presenting a wide array of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Ecolab, revealing an average target of $294.33, a high estimate of $313.00, and a low estimate of $270.00. Observing a 3.88% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $283.33. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740434469_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination</h2>
The standing of Ecolab among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Charles Neivert</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Spector</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$257.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Haas</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$313.00</td>
<td>$295.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shlomo Rosenbaum</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$307.00</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cunningham</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vincent Andrews</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$263.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$294.00</td>
<td>$306.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Neivert</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John McNulty</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$279.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Ecolab. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of Ecolab compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.</li>
</ul>
Capture valuable insights into Ecolab's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ECL/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Ecolab analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering Ecolab: A Closer Look</h2>
Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the industrial manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and life sciences markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. Additionally, Ecolab sells customized water management solutions across its end markets. The company has a strong hold on the US market and is growing its presence abroad.
<h3>Unraveling the Financial Story of Ecolab</h3>
Market Capitalization: Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Ecolab's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 0.17% as of 31 December, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Materials sector.
Net Margin: Ecolab's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 11.81%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ecolab's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 5.47% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Ecolab's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 2.13%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Ecolab's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.93, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
In addition to their assessments, some analysts extend their insights by offering predictions for key metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates. This supplementary information provides further guidance for traders. It is crucial to recognize that, despite their specialization, analysts are human and can only provide forecasts based on their beliefs.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

The Analyst Verdict: Ecolab In The Eyes Of 9 Experts

Piper Sandler analyst Charles Neivert maintains Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $270 to $310.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Ecolab, Raises Price Target to $310

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Ecolab Schedules Webcast and Conference Call on February 11th

Ecolab Delivers Strong Fourth Quarter and Record 2024 Performance; Reported Diluted EPS $1.66; Adjusted Diluted EPS $1.81, +17%; 2025 Adjusted Diluted EPS Outlook: $7.42 - $7.62, +12% - 15%

Ecolab Schedules Webcast of Industry Conference for February 26, 2025

Ecolab Appoints Michel Doukeris to Board of Directors

Ecolab Declares Cash Dividend

Ecolab Named One of the World's Most Ethical Companies for 19th Consecutive Year

Ecolab Schedules Webcast of Industry Conference for March 13, 2025

Ecolab Schedules Webcast and Conference Call on April 29, 2025

Ecolab Delivers on Commitments to Save Water in Historic AI Era

Ecolab Announces 5% Trade Surcharge in the United States

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