ECL Ecolab Inc. - Fundamental Analysis
NEUTRAL
ECL Stock | Fundamental Analysis & Investment Insights
NYSE
•
Basic Materials
•
Specialty Chemicals
Current Price
$258.58
Analyst Target
$291.75
+12.8% Upside
52W High
$286.04
52W Low
$221.62
AI Analysis
Powered by advanced machine learning algorithms
Confidence Score
72%
Analysis Accuracy
Ecolab Inc. (ECL) trades at a premium valuation with strong historical profitability and solid revenue growth of 17.8% YoY, outpacing the Basic Materials sector average of 3.1%. However, its elevated P/E of 37.15 and forward P/E of 34.48 exceed both sector and peer (LIN) levels, while insider selling activity over the past six months signals caution at current prices. Despite robust ROE of 21.87% and consistent quarterly earnings beats until recently, the last four quarters have seen declining EPS surprises averaging -0.11%, suggesting weakening momentum. Analysts maintain a 'buy' recommendation with a $291.75 target implying ~12.8% upside, but this is counterbalanced by lackluster near-term price performance, including a -5.5% one-month return.
Key Strengths
Revenue growth of 17.8% YoY significantly exceeds peer average of 3.1% and sector norm
High profitability with ROE of 21.87%, well above sector average of 17.98%
Gross margin of 44.36% reflects strong pricing power and cost discipline in specialty chemicals
Operating cash flow generation supports reinvestment and dividend sustainability
Low payout ratio of 37.41% provides buffer and room for future dividend growth
Key Risks
Valuation premium: P/E of 37.15 vs sector avg 28.32 and peer LIN at 28.32 creates vulnerability to multiple contraction
Insider selling worth $6.29M in last 6 months, including CEO transaction, suggests lack of confidence at current levels
Declining earnings surprise trend: average miss of -0.11% over last 4 quarters after prior consistency
High debt/equity of 1.04 vs sector average of 0.65 increases leverage risk in rising rate environment
Price momentum weakening: -5.5% over 1 month and trading below 52-week high by ~9.6%
AI Fair Value Estimate
Based on comprehensive analysis
$258.58
0.0% below current price
Performance Snowflake
Multi-dimensional AI analysis across 5 key categories
Stock Price & Analyst Targets
Real-time price movements and analyst price targets
Historical Performance Trends
Long-term financial metrics and growth patterns
Valuation Metrics
Key valuation ratios and pricing indicators
Profitability, Growth & Financial Health
Detailed profit margins, ROE, debt ratios, and liquidity metrics
Sector Comparison & Peer Analysis
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Insider Trading & Analyst Ratings
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