The Analyst Landscape: 20 Takes On Ecolab

20 analysts have shared their evaluations of Ecolab ECL during the recent three months, expressing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.

The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.

Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish
Total Ratings 1 7 12 0 0
Last 30D 0 0 3 0 0
1M Ago 1 3 1 0 0
2M Ago 0 1 1 0 0
3M Ago 0 3 7 0 0

Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $238.65, along with a high estimate of $260.00 and a low estimate of $216.00. Marking an increase of 9.44%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $218.06.

price target chart

Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look

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.

Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target
Jeffrey Zekauskas JP Morgan Raises Neutral $225.00 $220.00
Shlomo Rosenbaum Stifel Raises Hold $233.00 $225.00
Andrew Wittmann Baird Raises Neutral $243.00 $232.00
John Roberts Mizuho Raises Buy $260.00 $216.00
Patrick Cunningham Citigroup Raises Neutral $256.00 $237.00
Ashish Sabadra RBC Capital Maintains Outperform $238.00 -
Pavel Molchanov Raymond James Raises Outperform $250.00 $230.00
Charles Neivert Piper Sandler Announces Overweight $260.00 -
Vincent Andrews Morgan Stanley Raises Equal-Weight $240.00 $230.00
Ashish Sabadra RBC Capital Maintains Outperform $238.00 -
Manav Patnaik Barclays Raises Overweight $260.00 $225.00
Seth Weber Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $250.00 $240.00
Andrew Wittmann Baird Raises Neutral $232.00 $184.00
John McNulty BMO Capital Raises Market Perform $227.00 $212.00
Patrick Cunningham Citigroup Raises Neutral $237.00 $220.00
Ashish Sabadra RBC Capital Maintains Outperform $238.00 -
John Roberts Mizuho Raises Neutral $216.00 $210.00
Manav Patnaik Barclays Raises Equal-Weight $225.00 $215.00
Shlomo Rosenbaum Stifel Raises Hold $225.00 $193.00
Jeffrey Zekaukas JP Morgan Raises Neutral $220.00 $200.00

Key Insights:

  • 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.
  • Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Ecolab compared to the broader market.
  • Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for Ecolab's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.

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.

Stay up to date on Ecolab analyst ratings.

Discovering Ecolab: A Closer Look

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 U.S. market and is growing its presence abroad.

Financial Insights: Ecolab

Market Capitalization Analysis: With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.

Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Ecolab's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 7.28% as of 31 December, 2023, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Materials sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.

Net Margin: Ecolab's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 10.29% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.

Return on Equity (ROE): Ecolab's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 5.12%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.

Return on Assets (ROA): Ecolab's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 1.85%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.

Debt Management: Ecolab's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 1.09. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.

Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings

Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter.

Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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