에 대한 최신 뉴스 Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) 주식

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.

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 2.39% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 10.81%. Currently, Ecolab has a market capitalization of $72.26 billion. 
Buying $100 In ECL: If an investor had bought $100 of ECL stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $781.21 today based on a price of $253.97 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/2024/1727901319_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.

News

Trading Ideas

Here's How Much $100 Invested In Ecolab 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

BMO Capital analyst John McNulty maintains Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) with a Market Perform and raises the price target from $234 to $260.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on Ecolab, Raises Price Target to $260

14 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $271.5, a high estimate of $306.00, and a low estimate of $228.00. This upward trend is evident, with the current average reflecting a 5.55% increase from the previous average price target of $257.23.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727366435_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Ecolab. The following summary 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>$305.00</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$306.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Spector</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$276.00</td>
<td>$288.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Haas</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeffrey Zekauskas</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$228.00</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Wittmann</td>
<td>Baird</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
<td>$243.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cunningham</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steve Byrne</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$272.00</td>
<td>$251.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cunningham</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
<td>$257.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Spector</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$282.00</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shlomo Rosenbaum</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$283.00</td>
<td>$233.00</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: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect 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?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Ecolab analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Ecolab</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>Understanding the Numbers: Ecolab's Finances</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is above the industry average, indicating that it is relatively larger in size compared to peers. This may suggest a higher level of investor confidence and market recognition.
Revenue Growth: Ecolab displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 30 June, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 3.47%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Materials sector.
Net Margin: Ecolab's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 12.32%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ecolab's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 5.95%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 2.3%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: Ecolab's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.98, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
<h2>What Are Analyst Ratings?</h2>
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
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;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Peeling Back The Layers: Exploring Ecolab Through Analyst Insights

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Bernstein raised the price target for Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) from $92 to $115. Bernstein analyst Danilo Gargiulo upgraded the stock from Market Perform to Outperform. Starbucks shares rose 1.2% to close at $95.62 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SBUX/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>JMP Securities increased the price target for Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) from $550 to $635. JMP Securities analyst Andrew Boone maintained a Market Outperform rating. Meta shares gained 0.9% to close at $568.31 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Keybanc raised Crocs, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CROX#NYSE">CROX</a>) price target from $149 to $155. Keybanc analyst Ashley Owens maintained an Overweight rating. Crocs shares fell 1.2% to close at $143.04 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CROX/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Baird boosted McDonald&#8217;s Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) price target from $280 to $320. Baird analyst David Tarantino maintained an Outperform rating. McDonald&#8217;s shares rose 0.1% to close at $300.47 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MCD/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Baird raised Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTAS#NASDAQ">CTAS</a>) price target from $194 to $209. Baird analyst Andrew Wittmann maintained a Neutral rating. Cintas shares gained 1.2% to close at $207.21 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CTAS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Keybanc raised the price target for On Holding AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONON#NYSE">ONON</a>) from $47 to $60. Keybanc analyst Ashley Owens maintained an Overweight rating. On Holding fell 0.7% to close at $50.20 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ONON/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>BMO Capital raised Lightspeed Commerce Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LSPD#NYSE">LSPD</a>) price target from $18 to $20. BMO Capital analyst Thanos Moschopoulos maintained an Outperform rating. Lightspeed Commerce shares jumped 12.9% to close at $15.68 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LSPD/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Piper Sandler raised the price target for Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) from $270 to $305. Piper Sandler analyst Charles Neivert maintained an Overweight rating. Ecolab shares gained 0.2% to close at $254.82 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ECL/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Benchmark raised Flutter Entertainment plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLUT#NYSE">FLUT</a>) price target from $255 to $265. Benchmark analyst Mike Hickey maintained a Buy rating. Flutter Entertainment shares gained 5.1% to close at $239.86 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FLUT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs increased State Street Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STT#NYSE">STT</a>) price target from $98 to $100. Goldman Sachs analyst Alexander Blostein maintained a Buy rating. State Street shares fell 0.5% to close at $88.50 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/STT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying META stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="514" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/26084433/image-213-1024x514.png" alt="" class="wp-image-567631" style="width:586px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/26084433/image-213-1024x514.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/26084433/image-213-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/26084433/image-213-768x386.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/26084433/image-213.png 1316w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41024505/top-5-industrials-stocks-that-may-collapse-in-q3">Top 5 Industrials Stocks That May Collapse In Q3</a></li>
</ul>

Pre-Market Outlook

Markets

CROX

CTAS

FLUT

LSPD

ONON

SBUX

Meta To Rally Around 12%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Thursday

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 $305.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Ecolab, Raises Price Target to $305

Ecolab's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) short percent of float has risen 5.71% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 1.82 million shares sold short, which is 0.74% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.32 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/">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">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Ecolab Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726507811_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Ecolab has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more 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://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Ecolab's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.51%, 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/">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

Looking Into Ecolab's Recent Short Interest

RBC Capital analyst Ashish Sabadra 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 $260 to $306.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on Ecolab, Raises Price Target to $306

Launched on 05/08/2007, the First Trust Water ETF (ARCA:FIW) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Industrials - Water segment of the equity market.
Retail and institutional investors increasingly turn to passively managed ETFs because they offer low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency; these kind of funds are also excellent vehicles for long term investors.
Sector ETFs are also funds of convenience, offering many ways to gain low risk and diversified exposure to a broad group of companies in particular sectors. Industrials - Water is one of the 16 broad Zacks sectors within the Zacks Industry classification. It is currently ranked 13, placing it in bottom 19%.
<h2>Index Details</h2>
The fund is sponsored by First Trust Advisors. It has amassed assets over $1.76 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs attempting to match the performance of the Industrials - Water segment of the equity market. FIW seeks to match the performance of the ISE Clean Edge Water Index before fees and expenses.
The ISE Clean Edge Water Index is a modified market capitalization-weighted index comprised of exchange-listed companies that derive a substantial portion of their revenues from the potable and wastewater industry.
<h2>Costs</h2>
Expense ratios are an important factor in the return of an ETF and in the long term, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive counterparts, other things remaining the same.
Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.53%, making it on par with most peer products in the space.
It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.61%.
<h2>Sector Exposure and Top Holdings</h2>
While ETFs offer diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk, a deep look into a fund&#39;s holdings is a valuable exercise. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.
This ETF has heaviest allocation in the Industrials sector--about 53.60% of the portfolio. Utilities and Healthcare round out the top three.
Looking at individual holdings, Veralto Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vlto#NYSE">VLTO</a>) accounts for about 4.71% of total assets, followed by American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/awk#NYSE">AWK</a>) and Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ecl#NYSE">ECL</a>).
The top 10 holdings account for about 39.51% of total assets under management.
<h2>Performance and Risk</h2>
Year-to-date, the First Trust Water ETF return is roughly 9.14% so far, and is up about 20.28% over the last 12 months (as of 09/12/2024). FIW has traded between $77.30 and $107.61 in this past 52-week period.
The ETF has a beta of 1.02 and standard deviation of 19.40% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 37 holdings, it has more concentrated exposure than peers.
<h2>Alternatives</h2>
First Trust Water ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Because of this, FIW is an excellent option for investors seeking exposure to the Industrials ETFs segment of the market. There are other additional ETFs in the space that investors could consider as well.
Invesco S&amp;P Global Water Index ETF (ARCA:CGW) tracks S&amp;P GLOBAL WATER INDEX and the Invesco Water Resources ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pho#NASDAQ">PHO</a>) tracks NASDAQ OMX US Water Index. Invesco S&amp;P Global Water Index ETF has $981.69 million in assets, Invesco Water Resources ETF has $2.17 billion. CGW has an expense ratio of 0.56% and PHO charges 0.60%.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2335017/should-you-invest-in-the-first-trust-water-etf-fiw?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-sector_etf-2335017">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Large Cap

Sector ETFs

Dividends

ETFs

PowerShares Exchange Traded Fund Water Resource Portfolio

VLTO

Should You Invest in the First Trust Water ETF?

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 2.75% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 10.95%. Currently, Ecolab has a market capitalization of $70.90 billion. 
Buying $1000 In ECL: If an investor had bought $1000 of ECL stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $8,111.29 today based on a price of $249.19 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/2024/1725991223_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 $1000 Invested In Ecolab 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

A significant insider transaction involving the exercise of company stock options was reported on August 28, by Scott D Kirkland, Chief Financial Officer at Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>), as per the latest SEC filing.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000031462/000141588924022475//Archives/edgar/data/31462/000141588924022475/0001415889-24-022475-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Wednesday revealed that Kirkland, Chief Financial Officer at Ecolab in the Materials sector, exercised stock options for 2,753 shares of ECL stock. The exercise price of the options was $107.69 per share.
The Thursday morning market activity shows Ecolab shares down by 0.0%, trading at $249.61. This implies a total value of $390,719 for Kirkland's 2,753 shares.
<h3>Discovering Ecolab: A Closer Look</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 revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 30 June, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 3.47%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Materials sector.
Insights into Profitability:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company maintains a high gross margin of 43.78%, indicating strong cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Ecolab's EPS outshines the industry average, indicating a strong bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 1.72.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: With a high debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, Ecolab faces challenges in effectively managing its debt levels, indicating potential financial strain.
Exploring Valuation Metrics Landscape:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Ecolab's P/E ratio of 41.88 is below the industry average, suggesting the stock may be undervalued.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a higher-than-average P/S ratio of 4.58, Ecolab's stock is perceived as being overvalued in the market, particularly in relation to sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With an EV/EBITDA ratio of 23.27, the company's market valuation exceeds industry averages.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Understanding the Significance of Insider Transactions</h3>
Insider transactions shouldn't be used primarily to make an investing decision, however an insider transaction can be an important factor in the investing decision. 
In legal terms, an "insider" refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of a company's equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This can include executives in the c-suite and large hedge funds. These insiders are required to let the public know of their transactions via a Form 4 filing, which must be filed within two business days of the transaction.
When a company insider makes a new purchase, that is an indication that they expect the stock to rise.
Insider sells, on the other hand, can be made for a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily mean that the seller thinks the stock will go down. 
<h3>A Closer Look at Important Transaction Codes</h3>
When it comes to transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> tend to focus on those in the open market, detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S indicates 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>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Scott D Kirkland At Ecolab Executes Options Exercise, Realizing $390K

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 2.66% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 11.02%. Currently, Ecolab has a market capitalization of $70.35 billion. 
Buying $100 In ECL: If an investor had bought $100 of ECL stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $821.65 today based on a price of $247.23 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/2024/1724691611_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 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) underwent analysis by 14 analysts in the last quarter, revealing a spectrum of viewpoints from bullish to bearish.
The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Ecolab, revealing an average target of $265.0, a high estimate of $283.00, and a low estimate of $228.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 3.33% from the previous average price target of $256.46.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1724256024_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</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>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Spector</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$276.00</td>
<td>$288.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Haas</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeffrey Zekauskas</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$228.00</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Wittmann</td>
<td>Baird</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
<td>$243.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cunningham</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steve Byrne</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$272.00</td>
<td>$251.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cunningham</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
<td>$257.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Spector</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$282.00</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shlomo Rosenbaum</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$283.00</td>
<td>$233.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Ecolab. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Ecolab compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Ecolab's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</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?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Ecolab analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Ecolab</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>Understanding the Numbers: Ecolab's Finances</h3>
Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Ecolab's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 3.47% as of 30 June, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Materials sector.
Net Margin: Ecolab's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 12.32% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ecolab's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 5.95%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): Ecolab's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.3% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: Ecolab's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.98.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
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.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Evaluating Ecolab: Insights From 14 Financial Analysts

RBC Capital analyst Ashish Sabadra reiterates Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $260 price target.

Reiteration

RBC Capital Reiterates Outperform on Ecolab, Maintains $260 Price Target

UBS analyst Joshua Spector 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 $288 to $276.

UBS Maintains Buy on Ecolab, Lowers Price Target to $276

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 2.7% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 11.0%. Currently, Ecolab has a market capitalization of $68.42 billion. 
Buying $1000 In ECL: If an investor had bought $1000 of ECL stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $7,960.89 today based on a price of $240.47 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/2024/1723651268_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.

Wells Fargo analyst Jason Haas initiates coverage on Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) with a Overweight rating and announces Price Target of $270.

Initiation

Wells Fargo Initiates Coverage On Ecolab with Overweight Rating, Announces Price Target of $270

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pacb#NASDAQ">PACB</a>), popularly known as PacBio, has been gaining from its continued focus on research and development. The optimism, led by a decent first-quarter 2024 performance and its product development activities, is expected to contribute further. However, stiff competition and macroeconomic concerns persist.
In the year-to-date period, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company has lost 83.7% against 2.1% growth of the&nbsp;industry. The S&amp;P 500 composite has also gained 8.9% in the said time frame.
The renowned global provider of sequencing systems has a market capitalization of $373.1 million. The company projects 18% growth for 2024 and expects to maintain its strong performance going forward. PacBio&#39;s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and met the same in one, delivering an average surprise of 11.61%.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/3c/73621.jpg?v=785374302" /> 
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Let&#39;s delve deeper.
Focus on R&amp;D:&nbsp;We are optimistic about PacBio&#39;s continued R&amp;D efforts that focus on programs to develop new and existing platforms, as well as increasing throughput and decreasing costs on behalf of its customers.
PacBio is working toward improving commercial execution to drive the adoption of both the Revio and Onso platforms. PacBio scaled the manufacturing of the Onso platform during the first quarter, enabling it to deliver instruments based on demand much more rapidly. This strengthened its ability to sell the system.
Per management, PACB is also developing a high-throughput short-read platform that is expected to enable the company to serve high-throughput labs with PACB&#39;s leading Sequencing by Binding technology. The company believes that it will be highly competitive in terms of both throughput and cost versus competitive offerings. Per management, the addressable market for this platform is estimated to be more than $1 billion per year.
PacBio also continues to develop its next-generation SMRT cell. This cell is expected to power a new long-read platform, whose throughput exceeds the Revio system.
Product Development Activities:&nbsp;We are optimistic about PacBio&#39;s solid potential in the RNA-sequencing market, which has been fortifying the company&#39;s footprint worldwide. The company recently announced the PureTarget repeat expansion panel, a new approach that enables thorough examination of 20 genes linked to severe neurological conditions, including difficult-to-sequence genes with tandem repeat expansions.
In June, PacBio and Form Bio, a provider of advanced computational life sciences technology, came together and announced a range of new initiatives intended toward advancing and unifying the Adeno-associated virus industry.
In March, PacBio announced the PureTarget repeat expansion panel, a new solution designed to enable the comprehensive analysis of 20 genes associated with serious neurological disorders. In February, the company announced two new high throughput library preparation kits and workflows &mdash; the HiFi Prep Kit 96 and the HiFi Plex Prep Kit 96 &mdash; optimized for its Revio sequencing system.
PacBio is also continuously collaborating with several companies to expand the reach and access of its products. Last month, it signed an agreement with Novogene, a Chinese company providing genomics services and solutions. Per the terms of the agreement, Novogene will use Revio long-read sequencing system to expand the capabilities of its new lab in Munich, Germany.
Decent Q1 Results:&nbsp;PacBio exited the first quarter of 2024 with decent results, wherein earnings were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate and revenues beat the same.
PACB saw an uptick in Product as well as Consumables revenues. Strong geographical performances in the Asia-Pacific region and EMEA were also encouraging. The expansion of adjusted gross margin was also promising. Continued strong prospects in the Revio system, with customers placing orders, looked assertive.
<h3>Downsides</h3>
Macroeconomic Concerns:&nbsp;Macroeconomic dynamics, including rising inflation and global supply-chain constraints, have negatively impacted PacBio&#39;s customers and lengthened customer sales cycles. These factors might affect its revenues and operations throughout 2024.
Business Seasonality:&nbsp;Sales of the company&#39;s sequencing instruments vary on a quarterly or yearly basis, which contributes to the lengthy sales cycle and increases the magnitude of quarterly or annual fluctuations in its operating results.
<h3>Estimate Trend</h3>
PacBio has been witnessing a stable estimate revision trend for the second quarter of 2024, ahead of its earnings. Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its adjusted loss per share is pinned at 24 cents.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $40.5 million, indicating a 14.8% decrease from the year-ago reported number.
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. Price</h3>
<img alt="Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. Price" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/9c/1723037794.png" style="height:255px; width:530px" title="" />
Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. price | Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. Quote
</div>
<h3>Key Picks</h3>
Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space that have announced quarterly results are&nbsp;Universal Health Services (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/uhs#NYSE">UHS</a>), Boston Scientific (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bsx#NYSE">BSX</a>) and&nbsp;Ecolab&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ecl#NYSE">ECL</a>).
Universal Health Services, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 19%.
UHS&#39; earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 14.58%.
Its shares have rallied 39.2% year to date compared with the&nbsp;industry&#39;s 30.8% growth.
Boston Scientific, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 12.6%. BSX&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 7.18%.
Boston Scientific&#39;s shares have risen 27.6% year to date compared with the&nbsp;industry&#39;s 3.2% growth.
Ecolab, carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 14.9%. ECL&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 0.98%.
Ecolab&#39;s shares have rallied 17.8% year to date against the&nbsp;industry&#39;s 21.2% decline.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2318205/reasons-to-retain-pacbio-pacb-stock-in-your-portfolio-now?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|rank_focused-2318205">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Biotech

Earnings

Penny Stocks

Small Cap

General

PACB

Reasons to Retain PacBio Stock in Your Portfolio Now

Ecolab's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) short percent of float has fallen 16.05% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 1.69 million shares sold short, which is 0.68% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.76 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/">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">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Ecolab Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1722887115_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://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Ecolab's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.53%, 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/">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.

Announces Intent to Repurchase up to $500 Million of Its Stock
Ecolab Inc. today closed on the sale of its global surgical solutions business to Medline for total consideration of approximately $950 million in cash. With Ecolab's strong balance sheet, the proceeds from this transaction enhance the company's ability to invest in attractive growth opportunities and return capital to shareholders. Therefore, the company announced its intent to repurchase up to an additional $500 million of Ecolab stock during the second half of 2024.

Buybacks

Asset Sales

Ecolab Closes Sale Of Global Surgical Solutions Business For ~$950M In Cash, Announces Intent To Repurchase Up To $500M Of Its Stock

13 analysts have shared their evaluations of Ecolab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>) during the recent three months, expressing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Ecolab, revealing an average target of $264.15, a high estimate of $283.00, and a low estimate of $228.00. Observing a 3.76% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $254.58. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1722456058_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Ecolab is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of 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>Jeffrey Zekauskas</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$228.00</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Wittmann</td>
<td>Baird</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
<td>$243.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cunningham</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steve Byrne</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$272.00</td>
<td>$251.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cunningham</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
<td>$257.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Spector</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$282.00</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shlomo Rosenbaum</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$283.00</td>
<td>$233.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Spector</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$269.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashish Sabadra</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>-</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: Offering a comprehensive view, analysts assess stocks qualitatively, spanning from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey 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>
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?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">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: Delving into Financials</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 March, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 5.05%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out 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 10.98%, the company demonstrates 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 5.07% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Ecolab's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 1.91% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: Ecolab's debt-to-equity ratio is notably higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 0.99, the company relies more heavily on borrowed funds, indicating a higher level of financial risk.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

The Analyst Landscape: 13 Takes On Ecolab

The environmental services industry is transforming continuously to create and discover solutions for effective waste disposal and management and is poised to proliferate. Amid this backdrop, quality stocks Ecolab (ECL), Republic Services (RSG), and Waste Management (WM) could be ideal portfolio additions. Continue reading... The ever-growing global population has resulted in an increase in waste generation. In 2016, global municipal solid waste generation stood at <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/246178/projected-global-waste-management-market-size/">2.02 billion metric tons</a> and was projected to surpass three billion metric tons by 2050. These concerns have emerged as key drivers for the growth of the environmental services market.
Therefore, it could be wise to invest in fundamentally strong waste disposal stocks Ecolab Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ECL/">ECL</a>), Republic Services, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RSG/">RSG</a>), and Waste Management, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WM/">WM</a>) for a profitable and sustainable portfolio.
The alarmingly rising concerns of environment conservation, waste management, and sustainable practices have <a href="https://www.capstonepartners.com/insights/article-waste-and-recycling-ma-update/">brought waste disposal to the center</a>. Factors including sustainability pressure, geographic expansion and consolidation, and the addition of new service capabilities are increasingly driving merger and acquisition activities promoting the waste and recycling sector.
Companies are increasingly investing in technologies and processes to reduce their environmental footprint. Also, increasing regulatory pressures and customer demand for sustainable service are transforming the segment.
With this, the global waste management market is expected to grow from $1.20 trillion in 2024 to reach around $2.17 trillion by 2033, exhibiting growth at a <a href="https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/waste-management-market-72285482.html#:~:text=The%20current%20market%20size%20of,USD%201219.6%20billion%20in%202024.">CAGR of 6.8%</a> during the forecast period (2024-2033). During the forecast period, the market is expected to evolve with advances in decomposition technologies and harsher regulatory requirements.
Given the industry's encouraging prospects, let's look at the fundamentals of the best three <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/waste-disposal/">Waste Disposal</a> stocks, beginning with the third choice.
Stock #3: Ecolab Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ECL/">ECL</a>)
ECL offers water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services internationally. The company operates through: Global Industrial; Global Institutional &amp; Specialty; and Global Healthcare &amp; Life Sciences segments.
On August 1, ECL closed the sale of its global surgical solutions business to Medline for a total consideration of $950 million in cash. Also, owing to ECL's strong balance sheet, the company intends to use the proceeds from this transaction to repurchase up to an additional $500 million of its stock in the second half of 2024.
On June 3, ECL's Purolite resin business, and Repligen Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RGEN/">RGEN</a>), a life sciences company focused on bioprocessing technology leadership, commercially launched Purolite's DurA Cycle, a protein A chromatography resin for large-scale purification processes.
The innovation marked a significant milestone in Purolite's long-term strategic partnership with Repligen and reflected ECL's dedication to driving advancements in the bioprocessing industry.
ECL's <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netsales.asp">net sales</a> increased 3.4% year-over-year to $3.98 billion for the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024. The company's non-GAAP adjusted operating income grew 30.4% from the year-ago value to $669.80 million. Adjusted net income and EPS attributable to Ecolab amounted to $481.50 million and $1.68, indicating growth of 35.3% and 35.5% from the prior year's quarter, respectively.
In addition, the company's free cash flow rose 3.2% year-over-year to $414.20 million.
As per the business outlook for the third quarter of 2024, ECL expects its adjusted EPS to be between $1.75 and $1.85, showing a 14% to 20% growth from the year-ago value.
Further, the company raised its full-year 2024 adjusted EPS range to $6.50 - $6.70, reflecting growth between 25% and 29% from the prior guidance of $6.40 - $6.70.
Street expects ECL's revenue and EPS for the third quarter (ending September 2024) to increase 2.5% and 18.3% year-over-year to $4.06 billion and $1.82, respectively. Furthermore, the company topped the consensus EPS estimates in each trailing four quarters.
Shares of ECL have surged 11.3% over the past six months and 35.5% over the past year to close the last trading session at $249.19.
ECL's solid prospects are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. It has an overall rating of B, equating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
The stock has a B grade for Stability and Quality. Within the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/waste-disposal/">Waste Disposal</a> industry, ECL is ranked #7 out of 13 stocks.
<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ECL/">Click here</a> to access additional ratings of ECL for Growth, Momentum, Sentiment, and Value.
Stock #2: Republic Services, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RSG/">RSG</a>)
RSG offers environmental services. The company is involved in the collection and processing of recyclable, solid waste, and industrial waste materials, transportation and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous waste streams, and other environmental solutions.
On July 24, RSG's Board of Directors approved a $0.04 increase in the company's quarterly dividend. The quarterly dividend of $0.58 per share is to be paid on October 15, 2024, to shareholders of record on October 2, 2024.
RSG's annual dividend of $2.32 translates to a yield of 1.13% at the current share price. Its four-year average dividend yield is 1.40%. Moreover, the company's dividend payouts have increased at a CAGR of 8% over the past three years. RSG has raised dividends for 20 consecutive years.
On June 13, RSG and Archaea Energy, a subsidiary of BP (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/BP/">BP</a>), unveiled the first renewable natural gas plant under the companies' Lightning Renewables joint venture. The Archaea Modular Design (AMD) plant at RSG's National Serv-All Landfill in Fort Wayne, Ind., is the first of around 40 landfill gas-to-RNG projects targeted by the JV.
For the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, RSG's revenue rose 8.7% from the prior-year quarter to $4.05 billion. Its operating income grew 15.1% from the year-ago value to $813.80 million. The company's adjusted net income and EPS came in at $508.90 million and $1.61, up 13.9% and 14.2% year-over-year, respectively.
In addition, the company's adjusted EBITDA increased 12.6% year-over-year to $1.26 billion.
The company updated its full-year 2024 financial guidance. RSG expects revenue in the range of $16.07 billion to $16.12 billion. Its adjusted EBITDA is expected to be $4.90 billion - $4.92 billion. Further, the company's adjusted EPS is set at $6.15 -$6.20, and adjusted free cash flow is projected to be between $2.150 billion and $2.170 billion.
Analysts expect RSG's revenue and EPS for the third quarter (ending September 2024) to increase 8% and 5% year-over-year to $4.12 billion and $1.62, respectively. Also, the company has surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in all of the trailing four quarters.
RSG's shares have gained 11.4% over the past six months and 39.3% over the past year to close the last trading session at $205.30.
RSG's sound fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
The stock has a B grade for Stability and Quality. Within the B-rated Waste Disposal industry, RSG is ranked #5 among 13 stocks.
In addition to the POWR Ratings we've stated above, we also have RSG ratings for Momentum, Growth, Value, and Sentiment. Get all RSG ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RSG/">here</a>.
Stock #1: Waste Management, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WM/">WM</a>)
WM provides environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers internationally. The company provides collection services, a material recovery facility (MRF), or a disposal site, and owns and operates transfer stations. It also develops and operates landfill facilities to produce landfill gas to generate electricity.
On August 26, WM declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.75 per share, payable September 27, 2024, to stockholders of record as of September 13, 2024.
WM pays an annual dividend of $3, which translates to a yield of 1.47% at the current share price. Its four-year average dividend yield is 1.59%. Moreover, the company's dividend payouts have increased at a CAGR of 9% over the past three years. WM has raised its dividends for 20 consecutive years.
On June 3, WM and Stericycle, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SRCL/">SRCL</a>), a Leader in Medical Waste Services, entered into a definitive agreement under which WM will acquire all outstanding shares of Stericycle for $62 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $7.2 billion including $1.4 billion of net debt.
The strategic acquisition expands WM's environmental solutions in the healthcare market while advancing WM's sustainability commitments. It provides a complementary business platform and is expected to be accretive to WM's earnings and cash flow.
WM's operating revenues for the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, increased 5.5% from the prior year's quarter to $5.40 billion, and its adjusted income from operations grew 13.6% from the year-ago value to $1.08 billion. The company's adjusted net income and EPS came in at $732 million and $1.82, up 18.6% and 20.5% year-over-year, respectively.
Further, the company's adjusted operating EBITDA increased 10.3% from the year-ago value to $1.62 billion.
Analysts expect WM's EPS for the third quarter (ending September 2024) to increase 15.7% year-over-year to $1.89, and its revenue is estimated to grow 6.1% year-over-year to $5.52 billion for the same period. Moreover, WM topped the consensus EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters.
WM's stock has surged 2.1% over the past month and 32.4% over the past year to close the last trading session at $208.46.
WM's POWR Ratings reflect its robust prospects. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
WM has a B grade for Stability and Quality. It is ranked #3 among the 13 stocks in the same industry.
<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WM/">Click here</a> to access additional WM ratings for Sentiment, Momentum, Value, and Growth.
What To Do Next?
Discover 10 widely held stocks that our proprietary model shows have tremendous downside potential. Please make sure none of these "death trap" stocks are lurking in your portfolio:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/10-stocks-to-sell/?formplacement=artbotad_10sell">10 Stocks to SELL NOW! &gt;</a>

<hr />
WM shares were trading at $208.25 per share on Tuesday afternoon, down $0.21 (-0.10%). Year-to-date, WM has gained 17.12%, versus a 16.19% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Rjkumari Saxena</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rajkumari-Saxena_Image-1.jpeg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Rajkumari started her career as a writer but gradually shifted her focus to financial journalism, leveraging her educational background in Commerce. Fascinated by the interplay of business and economic shifts in equities, she aspires to evolve as an analyst. With a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, her mission is to empower investors with insights that lead to profitable decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=rajkumari-saxena">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/wm-ecl-rsg-3-environmental-services-stocks-cleaning-up-the-planet/>3 Environmental Services Stocks Cleaning Up the Planet</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Environmental Services Stocks Cleaning Up the Planet

Ecolab: Focusing On Services, Consumables And Value-Added Services, But Overvalued

Fidelity Select Materials Portfolio Q2 2024 Review

Most and least shorted S&P 500 materials stocks in August

Dividend Champion, Contender, And Challenger Highlights: Week Of September 15

Least shorted S&P 500 stocks in August

IYM: Materials Dashboard For September

Piper Sandler analyst Charles Neivert reiterated a Buy rating on Ecolab (ECL – Research Report) today and set a price target of $305.00. The compan...

Ecolab (ECL): New Buy Recommendation for This Basic Materials Giant

Ecolab: Improving Financials, But The Valuation Could Be Better

Rentokil Initial: Significant Potential And Runway For Growth

ALLE

AMSF

ANET

APLO

APOG

AVGO

BLDR

CBSH

CCBG

CINF

CTVA

EQIX

EVRG

EXPO

FAST

FBCG

FBCV

FBND

FBTC

FCLD

FCOM

FCOR

FCPI

FDHY

FDIG

FDIS

FDLO

FDMO

FDRR

FDVV

FENY

FERG

FETH

FHLC

FIDI

FIDU

FITB

FMAG

FMAT

FMET

FNCL

FQAL

FQVLF

FREL

FRME

FSMD

FSTA

FTEC

FUTY

FVAL

GAIN

GOLF

GOOG

GOOGL

JJSF

LAND

LOGI

LRCX

MBWM

MOFG

NDAQ

ODFL

ONEQ

OTEX

PRGO

RBCAA

RSPM

SAMG

SBAC

SLGN

SWBI

TCBK

TROX

UNTY

UTMD

VICI

Emerging Markets

Movers & Shakers

ZONE

CleanCore Annual Results: Net Loss Narrowed, Gross Margins And Gross Profit Up After Shift In Sales Strategy, Company Reports Having 2 Years Runway Capital

Press Releases

Ecolab Schedules Webcast and Conference Call on July 30th

Health Care

BioProcess360 Partners launch dedicated Life Sciences investment fund to grow emerging bioprocessing tools and technologies

Ecolab Delivers Continued Strong Performance in the Second Quarter; Reported Diluted EPS $1.71; Adjusted Diluted EPS $1.68, +35%; Increased 2024 Adjusted Diluted EPS Outlook: $6.50 - $6.70, +25% - 29%

Ecolab Closes Sale of Global Surgical Solutions Business

Ecolab Declares Cash Dividend

Ecolab Schedules Webcast and Conference Call on October 29th

2024 Ecolab Watermark Study Reveals Water Concerns Shift Consumer Buying Behavior

Commodities

The Executive Leadership Council to Honor Ecolab with 2024 ELC Corporate Award for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

UGI Corporation Appoints Melanie Ruiz and David Bingenheimer to its Board of Directors

Comments

Ecolab

뉴스

에 대한 최신 뉴스 Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) 주식

사람들이 또한 지켜본다

뉴스

파트너 / 기고자

벤징가 글로벌