UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its position in shares of Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL – Free Report) by 1.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,617,425 shares of the basic materials company’s stock after acquiring an additional 51,712 shares during the period. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC owned about 1.29% of Ecolab worth $1,007,851,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Wexford Capital LP acquired a new stake in shares of Ecolab during the third quarter valued at about $25,000. JPL Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ecolab in the third quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Costello Asset Management INC bought a new position in Ecolab in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Kemnay Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in Ecolab in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Finally, J.Safra Asset Management Corp acquired a new stake in Ecolab during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.91% of the company’s stock.
Insiders Place Their Bets
In other Ecolab news, Director Michel D. Doukeris bought 7,750 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $258.00 per share, for a total transaction of $1,999,500.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 8,326 shares in the company, valued at $2,148,108. This trade represents a 1,345.49% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Christophe Beck sold 17,862 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $280.14, for a total transaction of $5,003,860.68. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 72,932 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $20,431,170.48. This trade represents a 19.67% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.50% of the company’s stock.
Ecolab Stock Up 0.4%
Ecolab (NYSE:ECL – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 28th. The basic materials company reported $2.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.08 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $4.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.38 billion. Ecolab had a net margin of 12.57% and a return on equity of 22.72%. Ecolab’s quarterly revenue was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.89 earnings per share. Ecolab has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 2.130-2.230 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Ecolab Inc. will post 8.17 earnings per share for the current year.
Ecolab Announces Dividend
The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.73 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 15th. This represents a $2.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. Ecolab’s dividend payout ratio is presently 39.19%.
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades
Several brokerages have issued reports on ECL. UBS Group restated a “buy” rating and issued a $342.00 price target on shares of Ecolab in a research report on Wednesday, July 29th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Ecolab from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a report on Monday, July 20th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Ecolab from $325.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 24th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on Ecolab from $352.00 to $345.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, May 20th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on Ecolab from $325.00 to $335.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, July 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $327.56.
Get Our Latest Research Report on ECL
Ecolab Company Profile
Ecolab, Inc is a global provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. The company develops and supplies cleaning and sanitizing chemicals, dispensing equipment, water-treatment systems, pest elimination services and related technologies designed to help businesses maintain clean, safe and efficient operations. Its offerings span both products and onsite services, often paired with technical support and training.
Ecolab serves a broad range of end markets including hospitality and foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, manufacturing and industrial operations, and energy and utilities.
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