Ecolab Inc. (ECL) P/E Ratio History
Historical price-to-earnings valuation from 1989 to 2025
Loading P/E history...
ECL Valuation Context
How does the current P/E compare to historical and market benchmarks?
P/E Ratio Analysis
As of May 6, 2026, Ecolab Inc. (ECL) trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.4x, with a stock price of $257.65 and trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $7.30.
The current P/E is 14% below its 5-year average of 41.2x. Over the past five years, ECL's P/E has ranged from a low of 29.5x to a high of 60.0x, placing the current valuation at the 15th percentile of its historical range.
Compared to the Basic Materials sector median P/E of 22.3x, ECL trades at a 59% premium to its sector peers. The sector includes 123 companies with P/E ratios ranging from 2.0x to 166.2x.
Relative to the broader market, ECL commands a significant premium over the S&P 500 median P/E of 25.1x. Investors should consider the company's growth prospects, competitive position, and earnings quality when evaluating whether the current valuation is justified.
For a comprehensive intrinsic value estimate using discounted cash flow analysis, see our ECL DCF Valuation Calculator →
Note: P/E ratio is just one valuation metric. It does not account for balance sheet strength, cash flow quality, or growth sustainability. Always conduct comprehensive due diligence before making investment decisions.
ECL P/E vs Peers
P/E ratio compared to closely matched public peers
| Company | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | PEG Ratio | EPS Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $77B | 30.4 | 4.40 | -3% | |
| $13B | 18.6 | 1.03Best | +17% | |
| $22B | 31.0 | - | +27% | |
| $22B | 45.6 | 5.51 | +2% | |
| $16B | 33.2 | 2.25 | +5% | |
| $68B | 38.5 | 2.30 | +16% | |
| $371M | 9.1Lowest | - | +142%Best |
Peers sorted by market capitalization. P/E below peers may indicate undervaluation or lower growth expectations. Consider PEG ratio for growth-adjusted comparison.
ECL Historical P/E Data (1989–2025)
Quarterly P/E ratios calculated from closing price and TTM EPS
| Quarter | Date | Price | TTM EPS | P/E Ratio | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 Q4 | Wed Dec 31 2025 00:00:00 GM | $262.52 | $7.28 | 36.1x | -8% |
| FY2025 Q3 | $273.86 | $6.96 | 39.3x | +1% | |
| FY2025 Q2 | Mon Jun 30 2025 00:00:00 GM | $269.44 | $7.49 | 36.0x | -8% |
| FY2025 Q1 | Mon Mar 31 2025 00:00:00 GM | $253.52 | $7.36 | 34.4x | -12% |
| FY2024 Q4 | $234.32 | $7.38 | 31.8x | -19% | |
| FY2024 Q3 | Mon Sep 30 2024 00:00:00 GM | $255.33 | $7.13 | 35.8x | -8% |
| FY2024 Q2 | Sun Jun 30 2024 00:00:00 GM | $238.00 | $5.96 | 39.9x | +2% |
| FY2024 Q1 | Sun Mar 31 2024 00:00:00 GM | $230.90 | $5.40 | 42.8x | +9% |
| FY2023 Q4 | Sun Dec 31 2023 00:00:00 GM | $198.35 | $4.79 | 41.4x | +6% |
| FY2023 Q3 | Sat Sep 30 2023 00:00:00 GM | $169.40 | $4.31 | 39.3x | +1% |
| FY2023 Q2 | Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GM | $186.69 | $4.11 | 45.4x | +16% |
| FY2023 Q1 | Fri Mar 31 2023 00:00:00 GM | $165.53 | $4.04 | 41.0x | +5% |
Average P/E for displayed period: 39.1x
Full ECL Stock Analysis
Analyst consensus, bull case, AI-generated risk factors, and peer comparison — all in one place.
See ECL's True Return
Price is only half the story. See total return with reinvested dividends.
Launch CalculatorIs ECL Undervalued?
DCF intrinsic value, peer multiples, and analyst estimates — see what the stock is really worth.
View ValuationCompare ECL vs LIN
Side-by-side business, growth, and profitability comparison vs Linde plc.
Start ComparisonECL — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying ECL stock.
Is ECL stock overvalued or undervalued?
ECL trades at 35.4x P/E, near its 5-year average of 41.2x. The 15th percentile ranking places valuation within normal historical bounds.
How does ECL's valuation compare to peers?
Ecolab Inc. P/E of 35.4x compares to sector median of 22.3x. The premium reflects expected growth above peers.
What is ECL's PEG ratio?
ECL PEG ratio is N/A. Above 2.0 indicates premium valuation relative to growth rate. Historical P/E data spans 1989-2025.