Ecolab Inc. (ECL) Price Target Analysis
Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated May 1, 2026
Current Price
$257.65
Price Target
$327.11
Target Range
$293.00 — $345.00
Analyst Rating
Buy
Forward P/E30.8x
Trailing P/E35.4x
Forward PEG—
Implied Growth+14.7%
Median Target$330.00
Analyst Spread15.9%
Price Forecast (1 Year)
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
Bear Case
$293
+13.7%
Consensus
$327
+27.0%
Bull Case
$345
+33.9%
Valuation Model TargetsConfidence: 58/100
Bear$152
Base$311
Bull$331
ECL Price Target Analysis
Updated May 6, 2026As of May 6, 2026, Ecolab Inc. (ECL) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $327.11, based on estimates from 37 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $257.65, this represents a potential upside of +27.0%. The company has a market capitalization of $72.77B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $293.00 to a high of $345.00, representing a 16% spread in expectations. The median target of $330.00 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 26 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,10 rating it Hold, and 1 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. This overwhelmingly bullish sentiment suggests analysts see significant catalysts for upside ahead.
From a valuation perspective, ECL trades at a trailing P/E of 35.4x and forward P/E of 30.8x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +14.7% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $311.35, with bear and bull scenarios of $151.59 and $330.64 respectively. Model confidence stands at 58/100, reflecting moderate uncertainty in projections.
Investment Context: Price targets represent analyst expectations for the next 12 months and should be considered alongside your own research. Targets are based on analysts' assumptions about earnings growth, margins, and market conditions which may change. For sector-specific context, view other Basic Materials stocks.
Analyst Sentiment Comparison
Industry Peer AnalysisAvg Peer Upside+22.3%
Avg Forward P/E20.8x
Peers with Coverage10 / 10
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SHWThe Sherwin-Williams Company | $77.1B | $312.46 | $389.43 | +24.6% | Buy | 26.6x | 38 |
 IFFInternational Flavors & Fragrances Inc. | $18.1B | $70.77 | $87.75 | +24.0% | Buy | 16.1x | 33 |
 RPMRPM International Inc. | $12.7B | $99.41 | $122.67 | +23.4% | Buy | 18.1x | 22 |
 FMCFMC Corporation | $1.9B | $14.87 | $15.58 | +4.8% | Hold | 8.4x | 42 |
 CHDChurch & Dwight Co., Inc. | $22.2B | $93.53 | $99.60 | +6.5% | Buy | 24.9x | 34 |
 WSTWest Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | $22.3B | $309.97 | $315.83 | +1.9% | Buy | 36.0x | 14 |
 NDSNNordson Corporation | $15.7B | $282.69 | $311.50 | +10.2% | Buy | 24.7x | 20 |
 CTASCintas Corporation | $68.2B | $169.25 | $223.40 | +32.0% | Hold | 34.6x | 30 |
 ACCOACCO Brands Corporation | $371M | $4.02 | $8.00 | +99.0% | Hold | 4.8x | 7 |
 DOWDow Inc. | $29.4B | $40.80 | $39.55 | -3.1% | Hold | 13.8x | 35 |
Upside Potential Comparison
ACCOCTASSHWIFFRPMNDSNCHDFMCFull ECL Stock Analysis
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Start ComparisonECL — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying ECL stock.
What is the ECL stock price target for 2026?
The consensus Wall Street price target for ECL is $327.11, representing 27.0% upside from the current price of $257.65. With 37 analysts covering the stock, this strong upside suggests significant value not yet reflected in today's share price.
Is ECL a buy, sell, or hold?
ECL has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 37 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 26 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $327.11 implies 27.0% upside from current levels.
Is ECL stock overvalued or undervalued?
ECL trades at a forward P/E of 30.7697x, representing a moderate valuation. With analysts targeting $327.11 (27.0% implied move), the stock appears reasonably valued with upside.
How high can ECL stock go?
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $345 for ECL, while the most conservative target is $293. The consensus of $327.11 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $331 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
How many analysts cover ECL stock?
ECL is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 37 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 26 have Buy ratings, 10 recommend Hold, and 1 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
What is the ECL stock forecast?
The 12-month ECL stock forecast based on 37 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $327.11, with estimates ranging from $293 (bear case) to $345 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $311, with bear/bull scenarios of $152/$331.
What is ECL's fair value based on fundamentals?
Our quantitative valuation model calculates ECL's fair value at $311 (base case), with a bear case of $152 and bull case of $331. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 58/100.
What is ECL's forward P/E ratio?
ECL trades at a forward P/E ratio of 30.8x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 35.4x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Should I buy ECL stock?
Wall Street analysts are very optimistic on ECL, with a "Buy" consensus rating and $327.11 price target (27.0% upside). 26 of 37 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Why do ECL price targets vary so much?
ECL analyst price targets range from $293 to $345, a 16% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $327.11 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $152-$331 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.