Ecolab Inc.

NYSE:ECL Stock Report

Market Cap: US$69.7b

Ecolab Management

Management criteria checks 4/4

Ecolab's CEO is Christophe Beck, appointed in Jan 2021, has a tenure of 5.33 years. total yearly compensation is $17.40M, comprised of 8% salary and 92% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.033% of the company’s shares, worth $23.28M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 4.8 years and 7.4 years respectively.

Key information

Christophe Beck

Chief executive officer

US$17.4m

Total compensation

CEO salary percentage7.99%
CEO tenure5.3yrs
CEO ownership0.03%
Management average tenure4.8yrs
Board average tenure7.4yrs

Recent management updates

Recent updates

Narrative Update Apr 25

ECL: Structural Pricing Power Will Support Execution Of CoolIT Data Center Acquisition

Analysts nudged the price target on Ecolab slightly lower to reflect a fair value adjustment of about $0.33, balancing more cautious margin and discount rate assumptions with Street research that highlights both recent target cuts and a string of upgrades and price target increases related to pricing power and the CoolIT acquisition. Analyst Commentary Street research on Ecolab has been active, with a mix of higher and lower price targets alongside several upgrades.
Seeking Alpha Apr 23

Ecolab: Cool Off With Heating Up Returns

Summary Ecolab is positioned as a critical behind-the-scenes beneficiary of the AI and data center expansion, providing essential water and hygiene solutions. ECL's growth is underpinned by recurring revenue, strategic acquisitions like CoolIT Systems, and accelerating demand for water management in AI-driven industries. Shares trade at a forward P/E of 32.6, below a fair value estimate of $283, with projected 12.7% annual EPS growth through 2028. Key risks include energy/raw material inflation and geopolitical/currency headwinds, but ECL's Dividend Aristocrat status and stable model support long-term total returns. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update Apr 10

ECL: Structural Pricing Power Will Support Execution Of Future Data Center Acquisition

The updated analyst price target for Ecolab edges slightly lower to $319.29 from $320.43, as analysts factor in mixed recent research that includes several target cuts tied to valuation concerns around the $4.75b CoolIT deal, as well as upgrades and price target raises that highlight Ecolab's pricing power and positioning as a potential inflation beneficiary. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Ecolab reflects a mixed but engaged analyst community, with several firms revisiting their models after the announced US$4.75b CoolIT acquisition and recent pricing actions.
Narrative Update Mar 26

ECL: Structural Pricing Power Will Support Execution On CoolIT Data Center Deal

Ecolab's updated analyst price target edges down from $321.86 to $320.43 as analysts factor in higher revenue growth assumptions, slightly lower projected profit margins, and a modestly reduced future P/E multiple, following a mix of recent target increases, target cuts, and rating changes across the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Ecolab shows a mix of optimism and caution, with several firms adjusting ratings and targets around pricing power, deal valuation, and execution.
Narrative Update Mar 11

ECL: Upward Sector Catalysts And Buybacks Will Support Elevated Execution Risk

The updated analyst price target for Ecolab reflects a modest recalibration in our model. The fair value estimate of $321.86 is supported by slightly higher revenue growth assumptions, a lower discount rate, and broadly consistent profit margin and future P/E inputs that align with a recent wave of upward price target revisions from multiple research firms.
Narrative Update Feb 25

ECL: Fair Outlook As Sector Catalysts Meet Elevated Execution Risk

The analyst fair value estimate for Ecolab has shifted from about $296 to around $322 as analysts collectively raise price targets. This change reflects updated views on margin potential, valuation multiples, and the broader chemicals sector backdrop.
Narrative Update Feb 10

ECL: Fair Outlook As Data Center Cooling Meets Sector Supply Uncertainty

Narrative Update The analyst price target on Ecolab has been nudged higher by about $1 to roughly $296, as analysts incorporate slightly firmer assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, and a modestly lower future P/E, supported by recent price target increases at several firms even as some ratings have turned more cautious. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Ecolab reflects a mix of optimism on long term positioning and caution on near term risk and valuation, with several firms adjusting price targets and at least one turning more guarded on the shares.
Narrative Update Jan 26

ECL: Fair Outlook As Cooling Demand Meets Uncertain Chemicals And Agriculture Backdrop

Ecolab's analyst price target has moved slightly higher to about $295, as analysts factor in small adjustments to fair value and profitability assumptions, along with recent target increases from firms such as Citi, BofA, and UBS, partly offset by a downgrade from another research house. Analyst Commentary Recent research has been mixed, with some bullish analysts fine tuning their targets higher and one bearish analyst turning more cautious.
Narrative Update Jan 11

ECL: Fair Outlook Balances Margin Strength With Uncertain Chemical And Agriculture Backdrop

Analysts have inched their fair value estimate for Ecolab higher, with the price target moving by about US$2.56 to US$294.71, citing updated views on revenue growth potential, a slightly adjusted discount rate, and ongoing discussion of industry catalysts such as chemical sector oversupply, mixed agriculture trends, and possible demand support from improving PMI indicators and future rate cuts. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates around Ecolab point to a generally constructive stance, with price targets nudging higher and coverage being reinstated with a positive angle.
Narrative Update Dec 26

ECL: Rising Margins And Dividend Growth Will Support Resilient Returns

Analysts have nudged their price target on Ecolab slightly higher, with fair value rising about $0.40 to approximately $292 per share, citing expectations for continued operating margin expansion into 2026 and resilient above average returns on equity, despite a challenging macro backdrop for specialty chemicals. Analyst Commentary Street research remains constructive on Ecolab, with recent updates highlighting both upside drivers and lingering macro sensitivities that could influence the pace of multiple expansion and earnings growth.
Narrative Update Dec 11

ECL: Rising Margins And Dividend Increase Will Support Strong Returns Into 2026

Analysts have modestly raised their price target on Ecolab by $10 to $325, citing improving operating margins, above average returns on equity, and resilient prospects despite a challenging macro backdrop for specialty chemicals volumes. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight that Ecolab's medium term setup remains attractive, underpinned by structurally improving operating margins and above average returns on equity that support a higher valuation multiple.
Analysis Article Dec 08

Ecolab's (NYSE:ECL) Shareholders Will Receive A Bigger Dividend Than Last Year

Ecolab Inc. ( NYSE:ECL ) will increase its dividend from last year's comparable payment on the 15th of January to...
Narrative Update Nov 27

ECL: Margin Expansion From One Ecolab Will Drive Steady Returns Into 2026

Analysts have raised their price targets for Ecolab, with the consensus forecast increasing from $315 to $325 per share. This change is driven by expectations for continued margin expansion and robust medium-term growth prospects.
Narrative Update Nov 13

ECL: Margin Expansion Will Drive Stronger Performance Through 2026

Ecolab’s fair value price target has been modestly increased from $290.15 to $291.75. This reflects analysts’ continued confidence in the company’s margin expansion and growth prospects, despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
Analysis Article Oct 31

The Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) Third-Quarter Results Are Out And Analysts Have Published New Forecasts

Shareholders might have noticed that Ecolab Inc. ( NYSE:ECL ) filed its quarterly result this time last week. The early...
Narrative Update Oct 29

Margin Expansion And Digital Solutions Will Drive Outperformance Over The Next Few Years

The fair value estimate for Ecolab has increased slightly from $286.10 to $290.15. Analysts point to improving medium-term growth prospects and higher operating margin expectations, citing several recent upward price target revisions.
Analysis Article Sep 21

With EPS Growth And More, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) Makes An Interesting Case

For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to...
Narrative Update Sep 06

Digital Technologies And Life Sciences Will Open New Markets

Ecolab’s consensus analyst price target was modestly raised to $285.95, reflecting increased confidence in growth and margin expansion from the "One Ecolab" initiative and improved sector sentiment, despite valuation concerns. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts cite the "One Ecolab" initiative as a catalyst for accelerating growth and driving margin expansion.
Analysis Article Sep 04

Is Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) A Risky Investment?

David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...
Analysis Article Aug 21

Is It Too Late To Consider Buying Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)?

NYSE:ECL 1 Year Share Price vs Fair Value Explore Ecolab's Fair Values from the Community and select yours Today we're...
Analysis Article Aug 01

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) Just Released Its Second-Quarter Results And Analysts Are Updating Their Estimates

Ecolab Inc. ( NYSE:ECL ) shareholders are probably feeling a little disappointed, since its shares fell 3.0% to US$262...
Analysis Article Jul 21

What Ecolab Inc.'s (NYSE:ECL) P/E Is Not Telling You

With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 36.2x Ecolab Inc. ( NYSE:ECL ) may be sending very bearish signals at the...
Analysis Article Jun 15

A Look At The Fair Value Of Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)

Key Insights Ecolab's estimated fair value is US$227 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share price of...
Analysis Article May 28

Here's Why We Think Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) Is Well Worth Watching

For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to...
Seeking Alpha Apr 07

Ecolab: 40 Times Free Cash Flow Is Still Not Justified

Summary Despite Ecolab's 47.5% gain since my last article, I maintain a "Hold" rating due to its high valuation and uncertain growth prospects. Valuation multiples remain high, with Ecolab trading at 34.4 times earnings and 40.0 times free cash flow, similar to three years ago. Ecolab's management targets 12%-15% EPS growth, but I find this overly optimistic given historical performance and current market conditions. Even with high growth assumptions, Ecolab appears fairly valued at best, making it a risky long-term investment despite its quality. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Jan 25

Ecolab: Becoming A Cleaner Picture

Summary Ecolab shares remain expensive despite solid earnings growth in 2024 and anticipated growth in 2025, trading at 35 times earnings with a modest 3% earnings yield. The company has a strong long-term track record, but organic growth has been modest over the past decade. Ecolab's strategic divestments and bolt-on acquisitions, like the sale of its surgical solutions business and purchase of Barclay Water Management, aim to optimize its portfolio. I'm cautiously optimistic about Ecolab, awaiting a share price pullback or continued stagnation before considering an investment. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Nov 17

Ecolab Q3: Balanced Price And Volume Growth

Summary Ecolab reported strong financial results with 4% organic revenue growth and 22% adjusted operating profit growth, yet I believe the stock is overvalued. The company’s value-based pricing and innovative products are driving growth, but I assign a 'Sell' rating with a fair value of $220 per share. Ecolab’s pest control and infection prevention markets are projected to grow, but cost pressures and competition pose risks. Despite potential stock price support from share repurchases, I maintain a cautious outlook due to overvaluation concerns. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha

CEO Compensation Analysis

How has Christophe Beck's remuneration changed compared to Ecolab's earnings?
DateTotal CompensationSalaryCompany Earnings
Mar 31 2026n/an/a

US$2b

Dec 31 2025US$17mUS$1m

US$2b

Sep 30 2025n/an/a

US$2b

Jun 30 2025n/an/a

US$2b

Mar 31 2025n/an/a

US$2b

Dec 31 2024US$16mUS$1m

US$2b

Sep 30 2024n/an/a

US$2b

Jun 30 2024n/an/a

US$2b

Mar 31 2024n/an/a

US$2b

Dec 31 2023US$16mUS$1m

US$1b

Sep 30 2023n/an/a

US$1b

Jun 30 2023n/an/a

US$1b

Mar 31 2023n/an/a

US$1b

Dec 31 2022US$9mUS$1m

US$1b

Sep 30 2022n/an/a

US$1b

Jun 30 2022n/an/a

US$1b

Mar 31 2022n/an/a

US$1b

Dec 31 2021US$8mUS$1m

US$1b

Sep 30 2021n/an/a

US$1b

Jun 30 2021n/an/a

US$1b

Mar 31 2021n/an/a

US$869m

Dec 31 2020US$6mUS$700k

US$967m

Sep 30 2020n/an/a

US$1b

Jun 30 2020n/an/a

US$1b

Mar 31 2020n/an/a

US$1b

Dec 31 2019US$5mUS$671k

US$1b

Compensation vs Market: Christophe's total compensation ($USD17.40M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.79M).

Compensation vs Earnings: Christophe's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.


CEO

Christophe Beck (57 yo)

5.3yrs
Tenure
US$17,404,935
Compensation

Mr. Christophe Beck serves as Independent Director at Delta Air Lines, Inc. since December 12, 2024. He serves as President of Ecolab Inc. since April 1, 2026 and has been its Chief Executive Officer since...


Leadership Team

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Christophe Beck
CEO, President & Chairman of the Board5.3yrsUS$17.40m0.033%
$ 23.3m
Scott Kirkland
Chief Financial Officer4.3yrsUS$5.19m0.0070%
$ 4.9m
Margeaux King
Executive Vice President of Human Resources1.3yrsUS$4.70m0.00041%
$ 285.7k
Darrell Brown
Co-Chief Operating Officer of Global Marketsless than a yearUS$5.65m0.012%
$ 8.1m
Gregory Russell Cook
Co-Chief Operating Officer of Global Businessesno dataUS$3.36m0.0071%
$ 4.9m
Dan LeCloux
Executive VP & Chief Technical Officerno datano datano data
Andrew Hedberg
Director of Investor Relationsno datano datano data
Jandeen Boone
Executive VP1.9yrsno data0.00034%
$ 236.9k
Chris Leong
Executive VP and Chief Marketing & Innovation Officerno datano datano data
Nicholas Alfano
Executive VP & President of Global Industrial Group10.8yrsno data0.0026%
$ 1.8m
Emilio Tenuta
Chief Sustainability Officer & Senior VP6.3yrsno datano data
Alexander De Boo
Executive VP & President of Global Markets6.1yrsno data0.0028%
$ 2.0m
4.8yrs
Average Tenure
57yo
Average Age

Experienced Management: ECL's management team is considered experienced (4.8 years average tenure).


Board Members

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Christophe Beck
CEO, President & Chairman of the Board5.6yrsUS$17.40m0.033%
$ 23.3m
Lionel Nowell
Independent Director7.4yrsUS$347.83k0.0024%
$ 1.6m
David MacLennan
Independent Lead Director10.4yrsUS$377.78k0.0076%
$ 5.3m
Michael Larson
Independent Director14.3yrsUS$337.78k0.0030%
$ 2.1m
John Zillmer
Independent Director20yrsUS$317.78k0.012%
$ 8.2m
Shari Ballard
Independent Director7.4yrsUS$327.78k0.0033%
$ 2.3m
Eric Green
Independent Director3.4yrsUS$337.78k0%
$ 0
Michel Dimitrios Doukeris
Independent Director1.3yrsUS$284.13k0%
$ 0
Judson Althoff
Independent Director2.3yrsUS$323.81k0.00041%
$ 285.7k
Tracy McKibben
Independent Director11.3yrsUS$317.78k0.0013%
$ 878.1k
Suzanne Vautrinot
Independent Director12.3yrsUS$349.38k0.00098%
$ 683.0k
Marion Gross
Independent Director1yrUS$206.66k0%
$ 0
7.4yrs
Average Tenure
61.5yo
Average Age

Experienced Board: ECL's board of directors are considered experienced (7.4 years average tenure).


Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/05/18 12:34
End of Day Share Price 2026/05/18 00:00
Earnings2026/03/31
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.

Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

Ecolab Inc. is covered by 36 analysts. 15 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
John EadeArgus Research Company
Andrew WittmannBaird
Gary BisbeeBarclays