Ecolab (ECL) Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

ECL - Ecolab, Inc.

SOAP, DETERGENTS, CLEANG PREPARATIONS, PERFUMES, COSMETICS
$288.09
-0.07 (-0.02%) ▼
5d: +0.13%
30d: +4.3%
90d: +9.48%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
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Analysis Updated: Oct 21, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Oct 27, 2026 4d
Smart Money Accumulation

Options open interest is building while the stock consolidates - a pattern consistent with institutional accumulation. View Scanner →

Signal fired Oct 16, 2026 at $288.89 · last confirmed Oct 19, 2026

Strength: 5.0/10

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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)

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💡
Bottom Line:
📊 MIXED SIGNALS: ECL shows conflicting indicators. Wait for confirmation before entering.
See Forward Earnings Fair Value & Price Prediction →

Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)

Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation

0% (Stagnation) 50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$369.54
Based on 9.6% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$229.45
Trading above historical range

How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 25.0x Exit PE.

View Full DCF Model

In-depth Analysis How we analyze

Valuation Analysis: ECL is currently trading at $288.09, which is considered extended relative to its 30-day fair value range of $273.19 to $285.37. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 30.6) is in line with its historical norms (29.5). At these levels, the market is pricing in 1.3% annual earnings growth. This growth rate appears achievable given the company's track record, suggesting the valuation is rational.

Technical Outlook: Technically, ECL is in a uptrend. The price is approaching resistance at $295.95. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation.

Market Sentiment: ECL scores 28/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge. Note this measures entry quality, not trend direction — a low score can mean the chart is extended after a strong run (don't chase) or still falling without stabilization; better entries typically come after a pullback toward the 20-day average. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $325.05 (+12.8%). Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.

Quick Decision Summary

Current Position EXTENDED
Historical Trading Range $273.19 - $285.37
Company Quality Score 44/100 (HOLD)
Volume Confirmation HIGH
Confidence Score 27.1%

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All Signals

  • BEARISH: Price extended above range
  • BEARISH: Weak technical setup (28/100)
  • BULLISH: High volume confirmation
  • BULLISH: Trading below Wall St target ($325.05)
  • NEUTRAL: Market pricing in 1.3% annual earnings growth - fairly valued
  • WARNING: Composite score 44/100 in the bottom quintile — this cohort historically lags the market

Trading Range Analysis

30-Day Trading Range $273.19 - $285.37
Current vs Trading Range EXTENDED

Support & Resistance Levels

Support Level $276.15
Resistance Level $295.95
Current Trend Uptrend
Technical data as of Oct 21, 2026

Fundamental Context

Forward P/E (Next Year Est.) 30.65
Wall Street Target $325.05 (+12.8%)
Revenue Growth (YoY) 9.7%
Earnings Growth (YoY) 3.3%
Profit Margin 12.6%
Valuation Premium vs History +1.3% premium
PE vs Historical 30.7 vs 29.5 FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY): +1.3% (market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target $291.84 (+1%)
2-Year Target $295.63 (+3%)
3-Year Target $299.47 (+4%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes) (PE: 31→30) PE COMPRESSION $288.20 (0%)
Earnings growth offset by PE compression
3-Year Scenarios Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull: (PE: 30.7, Growth: 15.1%) $439.78 (+53%)
Base: (SPY PE: 19.9, Growth: 15.1%) $284.93 (-1%)
Bear: (PE: 16.9, Growth: 15.1%) $242.19 (-16%)
📈 Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (39x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (31x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 38.68 | Current EPS (TTM): $7.45
Bull Case $399.87 (+39%)
Analyst growth 26.2%, PE expands to 42.6
Base Case $363.52 (+26%)
Market implied 26.2%, PE stable at 38.7
Bear Case $195.95 (-32%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 32.9
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
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Last updated: October 21, 2026 10:35 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 11:35 PM
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Technical Signals Check

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Insider Activity (6 Months)
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NEUTRAL

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Advanced ECL Option Strategies

Professional options setups generated by AI based on today's ECL price and gamma walls.

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