ECL trades 17.9% below Wall Street's consensus target of $326.13.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes ECL achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 33.9x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 37 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of September 24, 2026, Ecolab Inc. (ECL) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $326.13, based on estimates from 37 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $276.72, this represents a potential upside of +17.9%. The company has a market capitalization of $77.88B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $275.00 to a high of $360.00, representing a 26% spread in expectations. The median target of $331.00 aligns closely with the consensus average.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 29 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,7 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 38.0x and forward P/E of 33.9x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +9.0% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $138.15, with bear and bull scenarios of $87.04 and $182.03 respectively. Model confidence stands at 47/100, suggesting limited visibility into future performance.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SHWThe Sherwin-Williams Company | $79.3B | $326.46 | $391.50 | +19.9% | Buy | 27.0x | 38 |
 IFFInternational Flavors & Fragrances Inc. | $21.9B | $85.71 | $95.00 | +10.8% | Buy | 24.9x | 34 |
 RPMRPM International Inc. | $12.8B | $100.06 | $132.86 | +32.8% | Buy | 18.2x | 22 |
 FMCFMC Corporation | $1.2B | $9.90 | $15.11 | +52.6% | Hold | 7.5x | 42 |
 CHDChurch & Dwight Co., Inc. | $22.8B | $96.03 | $108.88 | +13.4% | Buy | 25.4x | 34 |
 WSTWest Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | $26.5B | $375.97 | $407.00 | +8.3% | Buy | 41.9x | 16 |
 NDSNNordson Corporation | $17.9B | $321.42 | $360.20 | +12.1% | Buy | 27.0x | 21 |
 CTASCintas Corporation | $76.8B | $191.97 | $231.25 | +20.5% | Hold | 39.2x | 30 |
 ACCOACCO Brands Corporation | $392M | $4.25 | $6.00 | +41.2% | Hold | 4.8x | 7 |
 DOWDow Inc. | $20.7B | $28.65 | $34.78 | +21.4% | Hold | 11.8x | 36 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying ECL stock.
Ecolab Inc. (ECL) has a consensus 12-month price target of $326.13, implying 17.9% upside from $276.72. The 37 analysts covering ECL see moderate appreciation potential.
ECL has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 37 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 29 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $326.13 implies 17.9% upside from current levels.
ECL trades at a forward P/E of 33.9363x, representing a moderate valuation. With analysts targeting $326.13 (17.9% implied move), the stock appears reasonably valued with upside.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $360 for ECL, while the most conservative target is $275. The consensus of $326.13 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $182 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
ECL is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 37 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 29 have Buy ratings, 7 recommend Hold, and 1 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month ECL stock forecast based on 37 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $326.13, with estimates ranging from $275 (bear case) to $360 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $138, with bear/bull scenarios of $87/$182.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates ECL's fair value at $138 (base case), with a bear case of $87 and bull case of $182. 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 47/100.
ECL trades at a forward P/E ratio of 33.9x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 38.0x. 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.
Wall Street analysts are optimistic on ECL, with a "Buy" consensus rating and $326.13 price target (17.9% upside). 29 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.
ECL analyst price targets range from $275 to $360, a 26% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $326.13 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $87-$182 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
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