Ecolab Inc
NYSE: ECL · BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS
Updated 2026-09-11
Ecolab Inc (ECL) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for ECL.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
ECL historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in ECL's own 5Y range.
ECL intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Standard discounted cash flow models produce unreliable output for unprofitable or near-breakeven companies. Revenue-based multiples such as P/S and EV/Sales, combined with the historical valuation position above, give a more reliable read for this stock.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
ECL valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 38.34x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 4.77x
Is ECL overvalued in 2026?
Ecolab Inc (ECL) currently trades at $276.18 per share with a market capitalization of $80,384,229,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 53/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 38.3x, above its 5-year median of 37.5x. The PEG ratio of 2.95 indicates the price has run ahead of the underlying growth rate.
Looking at its own history, ECL is currently trading more expensive than 69% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 69th percentile of its historical range, a reasonable but unremarkable position.
A standard DCF model does not produce reliable output for ECL under current conditions. For unprofitable or near-breakeven companies, revenue-based multiples such as EV/Sales and historical P/S percentile are more informative than intrinsic value calculations.
Financial quality is a concern. The Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags weakening fundamentals that deserve closer scrutiny before the valuation case can be fully trusted.
Bottom line: ECL trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 53/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is ECL overvalued?
ECL scores 53/100 on our Smart Value Score (Grade C), a mixed overall profile. A standard DCF is unreliable here given the profitability profile, so valuation leans on revenue-based measures like EV/Sales and the P/S percentile below.
What is ECL's fair value?
A standard DCF is unreliable for ECL given its current profitability profile. Revenue-based approaches like EV/Sales or the historical P/S percentile are more informative for this stock.
What P/E ratio does ECL trade at?
ECL trades at a P/E of 38.3x on trailing twelve-month earnings, against a 5-year median of 37.5x. P/E is what you pay per dollar of profit, and sitting above its own median means the stock is pricier than usual relative to its earnings.
Is ECL a buy based on valuation?
Our Smart Value rating for ECL is Hold, from a Smart Value Score of 53/100 that blends growth, quality, and valuation. The profile is balanced and best suited to investors who already have a thesis. This is research to inform your decision, not personalized financial advice.
How does ECL's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, ECL sits in the 69th percentile of its own 5Y range, above its long-run median relative to where it has traded. A high percentile means today's multiple is near the top of its historical band.
What is ECL's Smart Value Score?
ECL's Smart Value Score is 53/100. It is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation into a single 0-100 read, and scores above 75 are rare, signaling strong multi-factor alignment.