Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) Reaches New 1-Year High Following Strong Earnings

Shares of Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The company traded as high as $294.84 and last traded at $295.4910, with a volume of 324622 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $288.16.

The basic materials company reported $2.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.07 by $0.01. Ecolab had a net margin of 12.91% and a return on equity of 22.73%. The company had revenue of $4.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.20 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.81 earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Ecolab has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.430-8.630 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.670-1.730 EPS.

Ecolab Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th were paid a $0.73 dividend. This is an increase from Ecolab’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. This represents a $2.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 16th. Ecolab’s payout ratio is currently 41.95%.

More Ecolab News

Here are the key news stories impacting Ecolab this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Q4 results: adjusted EPS $2.08 beat consensus and management reported margin expansion and accelerating demand; FY‑2026 EPS guidance of $8.43–$8.63 reinforces a stronger profit outlook. Ecolab forecasts 2026 profit above estimates on strong demand
• Positive Sentiment: Management tone: the earnings call was described as upbeat, with the company outlining initiatives and acquisitions (including Ovivo) that support 12%–15% EPS growth targets for 2026. Ecolab outlines 12%–15% EPS growth for 2026
• Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades: Jefferies raised its price target to $352 and kept a Buy rating — a large upward revision that supports upside thesis and likely contributed to buying interest. Benzinga
• Positive Sentiment: Additional buy-side support: RBC boosted its target to $337 (Outperform) and other firms (e.g., Wells Fargo) raised targets — these actions reinforce investor confidence in recovery and margin gains. Benzinga
• Neutral Sentiment: Mixed analyst views: JPMorgan raised its target to $295 but kept a Neutral rating, signaling some caution remains despite higher targets. Benzinga
• Negative Sentiment: Market nuance: some pre‑market weakness was noted despite the beat — revenue came in essentially flat vs. estimates ($4.19B vs. $4.20B) and a few analysts flagged mixed segment momentum, which could cap near‑term upside. ECL Stock Falls in Pre-Market Despite Q4 Earnings Beat

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Robert W. Baird set a $327.00 price objective on shares of Ecolab in a research note on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Ecolab from $265.00 to $295.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Ecolab from $315.00 to $352.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday. Evercore upgraded Ecolab from an “in-line” rating to an “outperform” rating and increased their target price for the company from $265.00 to $300.00 in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on Ecolab from $324.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Ecolab has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $317.80.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director David Maclennan acquired 750 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 8th. The shares were bought at an average price of $257.60 per share, with a total value of $193,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 23,035 shares in the company, valued at $5,933,816. This trade represents a 3.37% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Boo Alexander A. De sold 1,422 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $268.25, for a total transaction of $381,451.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 5,726 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,535,999.50. This represents a 19.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders own 0.04% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Wexford Capital LP purchased a new position in Ecolab in the third quarter worth $25,000. JPL Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Ecolab during the 3rd quarter worth $26,000. Corundum Trust Company INC acquired a new position in Ecolab during the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Ecolab in the fourth quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, J.Safra Asset Management Corp boosted its holdings in Ecolab by 202.6% in the second quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 115 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 74.91% of the company’s stock.

Ecolab Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. The firm has a market cap of $85.87 billion, a PE ratio of 41.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.99. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $272.49 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $271.14.

Ecolab Company Profile

Ecolab, Inc is a global provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. The company develops and supplies cleaning and sanitizing chemicals, dispensing equipment, water-treatment systems, pest elimination services and related technologies designed to help businesses maintain clean, safe and efficient operations. Its offerings span both products and onsite services, often paired with technical support and training.

Ecolab serves a broad range of end markets including hospitality and foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, manufacturing and industrial operations, and energy and utilities.