Groupama Asset Management has reduced its stake in Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) by 6.3% during the second quarter of 2023, as detailed in the firm’s latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Following the sale of 2,117 shares, Groupama now holds a total of 31,404 shares, valued at approximately $8.4 million.
This adjustment in holdings comes amidst other institutional shifts in Ecolab’s ownership. Notably, the Saudi Central Bank acquired a new position in the company during the first quarter, investing around $25,000. Similarly, Financial Connections Group Inc. entered the market with a stake worth approximately $26,000 in the second quarter. Furthermore, J.Safra Asset Management Corp. increased its holdings by an impressive 202.6%, owning 115 shares valued at around $31,000 after purchasing an additional 77 shares during the last quarter.
The trend of increasing stakes continues with Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC, which raised its holdings by 81.5%, now owning 118 shares valued at $32,000. Additionally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC has recently acquired a new position valued at approximately $41,000. Currently, institutional investors collectively own 74.91% of Ecolab’s shares.
Analyst Ratings and Corporate Performance
Ecolab has become a focal point for various analysts, with mixed ratings influencing investor sentiment. In a research report released on October 8, 2023, Weiss Ratings maintained a “buy (b)” rating. Subsequently, Erste Group Bank initiated coverage, also issuing a “buy” recommendation. Meanwhile, UBS Group adjusted its target price down from $299.00 to $291.00 while retaining a “neutral” rating. Conversely, Mizuho set a higher price target at $315.00, and Citigroup revised its target from $325.00 to $323.00, maintaining a “buy” outlook.
Overall, analysts have rated Ecolab positively, with three giving a Strong Buy rating, thirteen issuing a Buy rating, and five suggesting a Hold. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock boasts an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of approximately $295.14.
Insider Trading Activity
In addition to institutional shifts, insider trading has been notable at Ecolab. On November 12, 2023, CEO Christophe Beck sold 21,714 shares at an average price of $261.41, resulting in a total transaction value of approximately $5.68 million. Following this sale, Beck’s ownership fell by 23.01%, leaving him with 72,644 shares valued at around $18.99 million.
Moreover, Executive Vice President Boo Alexander A. De sold 1,422 shares on November 24, 2023, for approximately $381,451.50, which represents a 19.89% decrease in their ownership. The executive now holds 5,726 shares worth about $1.54 million. Insider ownership at Ecolab is currently at a minimal 0.04%.
Current Market Standing
As of the latest trading session, Ecolab shares opened at $275.03, reflecting a 0.6% increase. The company has a market capitalization of $77.90 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.52. Ecolab’s stock performance shows a twelve-month low of $221.62 and a high of $286.04.
Ecolab recently reported quarterly earnings on October 28, 2023, revealing earnings per share (EPS) of $2.07, matching analysts’ expectations. The firm posted a net margin of 12.49% and a return on equity of 22.55%, with revenue totaling $4.17 billion, surpassing expectations of $4.12 billion. The revenue reflects a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year.
Looking ahead, Ecolab has provided guidance for the fourth quarter of 2025, estimating EPS between $2.020 and $2.120, while projecting full-year guidance for 2025 at $7.480 to $7.580. Analysts forecast an EPS of $7.54 for the current year.
Ecolab Inc. provides a range of services related to water, hygiene, and infection prevention, operating across three segments: Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences.
