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Ecolab Inc (NYSE:ECL). stock reached a significant milestone, achieving an all-time high of 274.27 USD. This peak underscores the company’s robust market performance over the past year, with a P/E ratio of 36.1x and market capitalization of $77.7 billion. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears to be trading above its Fair Value, suggesting investors should carefully evaluate entry points. Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, has experienced a notable 16.4% increase in its stock price over the last 12 months. This upward trend reflects strong investor confidence and the company’s resilience, supported by a healthy 44% gross profit margin and 39 consecutive years of dividend increases. InvestingPro subscribers can access 12 additional key insights about Ecolab’s financial health and growth prospects through the comprehensive Pro Research Report, helping investors make more informed decisions.
In other recent news, Ecolab Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Ovivo Electronics for approximately $1.8 billion in cash, aiming to enhance its water solutions for semiconductor manufacturing. Ovivo Electronics is projected to generate sales of $500 million in 2025. Additionally, Ecolab declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.65 per common share, continuing its 88-year streak of dividend payments. The company also appointed Julie P. Whalen, former CFO of Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE), to its board of directors, where she will serve on the Audit and Finance Committees. In analyst updates, Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) raised its price target for Ecolab to $314, citing a steady growth outlook, although the company’s second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.89 matched the Bloomberg consensus estimate but slightly missed Mizuho’s expectation. Furthermore, Ovivo Inc. confirmed it will sell its Electronics division to Ecolab for approximately C$2.4 billion, with the transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. These developments reflect Ecolab’s strategic moves to strengthen its position in the water technology sector.
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