📊 ECL Key Takeaways
Is Ecolab Inc.. (ECL) a Good Investment?
Ecolab demonstrates solid operational efficiency with a 17.0% operating margin and strong return on equity of 21.2%, supported by healthy free cash flow generation of $1.9B. The company maintains reasonable leverage at 0.75x debt/equity with strong interest coverage of 8.9x, though near-term growth is modest at 2.2% revenue expansion and slight net income contraction.
Ecolab shows solid fundamental quality, with strong operating profitability, healthy returns on capital, and consistent free cash flow generation. The business appears financially sound with manageable leverage and good interest coverage, though recent growth is modest and earnings have been slightly pressured. Overall, the company looks like a high-quality operator with durable fundamentals rather than a fast grower.
Why Buy Ecolab Inc.. Stock? ECL Key Strengths
- Strong profitability with 12.9% net margin and 21.2% ROE indicating efficient capital deployment
- Robust free cash flow generation of $1.9B (11.8% FCF margin) provides financial flexibility
- Solid operational metrics with 8.9x interest coverage and 0.75x debt/equity showing manageable leverage
- Positive insider activity with 31 Form 4 filings in last 90 days suggests management confidence
- Strong profitability with 17.0% operating margin and 12.9% net margin
- Healthy capital efficiency reflected in 21.2% ROE and 8.4% ROA
- Reliable cash generation with $2.95B operating cash flow and $1.90B free cash flow
ECL Stock Risks: Ecolab Inc.. Investment Risks
- Revenue growth deceleration at only 2.2% YoY with net income declining 0.8% YoY indicates demand softness
- Tight liquidity position with 1.08x current ratio and 0.81x quick ratio limits operational flexibility
- High long-term debt of $7.4B relative to annual operating cash flow requires sustained cash generation
- Flat to negative earnings momentum with diluted EPS down 1.2% YoY suggests profitability pressure
- Revenue growth is modest at 2.2% YoY, suggesting limited near-term expansion momentum
- Net income and diluted EPS declined slightly year over year, indicating some earnings pressure
- Liquidity is only adequate, with a 1.08x current ratio and 0.81x quick ratio
Key Metrics to Watch
- Quarterly revenue growth rate and operating margin sustainability
- Free cash flow trends and capital allocation decisions
- Debt reduction progress and refinancing activities
- Return on equity maintenance and working capital efficiency
- Organic revenue growth and operating margin trend
- Free cash flow conversion and net debt/interest coverage
Ecolab Inc.. (ECL) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Ecolab Inc.. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
ECL Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
ECL vs Consumer Sector: How Ecolab Inc.. Compares
How Ecolab Inc.. compares to Consumer sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Ecolab Inc.. Stock Overvalued? ECL Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Ecolab Inc.. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Consumer sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Ecolab Inc.. Balance Sheet: ECL Debt, Cash & Liquidity
ECL Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Ecolab Inc..'s revenue has grown significantly by 26% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $4.79 reflects profitable operations.
ECL Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
ECL Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $4.0B | $585.0M | $2.05 |
| Q2 2025 | $4.0B | $490.9M | $1.71 |
| Q1 2025 | $3.7B | $402.5M | $1.41 |
| Q3 2024 | $4.0B | $404.0M | $1.41 |
| Q2 2024 | $3.9B | $329.7M | $1.15 |
| Q1 2024 | $3.6B | $233.4M | $0.82 |
| Q3 2023 | $3.7B | $347.1M | $1.21 |
| Q2 2023 | $3.6B | $308.3M | $1.08 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Ecolab Inc.. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
ECL SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Ecolab Inc.. (CIK: 0000031462)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
| Date | Form | Document | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 15, 2026 | 8-K | ecl-20260410x8k.htm | View → |
| Apr 2, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/form4-04022026_090400.xml | View → |
| Apr 2, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/form4-04022026_090421.xml | View → |
| Apr 2, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/form4-04022026_090421.xml | View → |
| Apr 2, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/form4-04022026_090442.xml | View → |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about ECL
What is the AI rating for ECL?
Ecolab Inc.. (ECL) has a Combined AI Rating of BUY from Claude (BUY) and ChatGPT (BUY) with 78% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are ECL's key strengths?
Claude: Strong profitability with 12.9% net margin and 21.2% ROE indicating efficient capital deployment. Robust free cash flow generation of $1.9B (11.8% FCF margin) provides financial flexibility. ChatGPT: Strong profitability with 17.0% operating margin and 12.9% net margin. Healthy capital efficiency reflected in 21.2% ROE and 8.4% ROA.
What are the risks of investing in ECL?
Claude: Revenue growth deceleration at only 2.2% YoY with net income declining 0.8% YoY indicates demand softness. Tight liquidity position with 1.08x current ratio and 0.81x quick ratio limits operational flexibility. ChatGPT: Revenue growth is modest at 2.2% YoY, suggesting limited near-term expansion momentum. Net income and diluted EPS declined slightly year over year, indicating some earnings pressure.
What is ECL's revenue and growth?
Ecolab Inc.. reported revenue of $16.1B.
Does ECL pay dividends?
Ecolab Inc.. pays dividends, with $753.6M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find ECL SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Ecolab Inc.. (CIK: 0000031462) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is ECL's EPS?
Ecolab Inc.. has a diluted EPS of $7.28.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is ECL a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Ecolab Inc.. has a BUY rating with 78% confidence. The AI analysis suggests favorable fundamentals based on SEC filings. This is not investment advice.
Is ECL stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for ECL: ROE of 21.2% (sector avg: 18%), net margin of 12.9% (sector avg: 8%). Higher ROE suggests strong returns relative to peers.
Should I buy ECL stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Ecolab Inc.. a combined BUY rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is ECL's free cash flow?
Ecolab Inc..'s operating cash flow is $3.0B, with capital expenditures of $1.0B. FCF margin is 11.8%.
How does ECL compare to other Consumer stocks?
Vs Consumer sector averages: Net margin 12.9% (avg: 8%), ROE 21.2% (avg: 18%), current ratio 1.08 (avg: 1.5).