Ecolab Inc.
Ecolab Inc. provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Global Water, Global Institutional & Specialty, Global Pest Elimination, and Global Life Sciences. The Global Water segment offer…
What to know about ECL
Ecolab Inc. is a large Basic Materials company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on sentiment and size, but valuation is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider ECL?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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Ecolab Inc. is a large-cap Basic Materials company with a mixed overall financial profile — it sits in the upper half of Basic Materials stocks (6 of 20).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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The stock trades at a premium — investors are paying more per dollar of earnings than most S&P 500 companies. That's fine if strong growth justifies it, but leaves little room for disappointment.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.01%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Volatility is close to the S&P 500 average — typical market swings, nothing unusual.
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Analyst sentiment is broadly positive and short interest is low — professionals who cover this stock are mostly optimistic about its near-term prospects.
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There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Basic Materials sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how ECL compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 36.42 | Below avg |
| Forward P/E | 28.02 | Below avg |
| PEG Ratio | 2.54 | Average |
| Price to Sales | 4.60 | Average |
| Price to Book | 7.57 | Below avg |
| EV/EBITDA | 21.25 | Below avg |
| Earnings Yield | 2.75% | Below avg |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 44.37% | Above avg |
| Operating Margin | 16.93% | Average |
| Net Profit Margin | 12.80% | Average |
| Return on Equity | 22.43% | Above avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 8.01% | Above avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 10.00% | Above avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 4.26% | Average |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | 7.80% | Average |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 4.67% | Average |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.99 | Average |
| Debt to Equity | 0.92 | Average |
| Interest Coverage | 9.32 | Above avg |
| Altman Z-Score | 4.83 | Above avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | Below avg |
| Payout Ratio | 37.35% | Average |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -5.62% | Above avg |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 2.47% | Average |
| OCF to Sales | 18.41% | Average |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.91 | Above avg |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 25.46% | Above avg |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 1.44% | Top 25% |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 1.74 | Above avg |
| Target Upside % | 17.84% | Above avg |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 75.74B | Above avg |
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