Will Ecolab (ECL) Beat Estimates Again in Its Next Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - Ecolab (ECL) is highlighted as a strong candidate for investors due to its consistent performance in beating earnings estimates and positive outlook for future earnings reports [1]. Company Performance - Ecolab has a solid track record of exceeding earnings estimates, particularly in the last two quarters, with an average surprise of 0.98% [2]. - In the most recent quarter, Ecolab reported earnings of $1.68 per share, surpassing the expected $1.66 per share, resulting in a surprise of 1.20%. In the previous quarter, it reported $1.34 per share against an expectation of $1.33 per share, achieving a surprise of 0.75% [3]. Earnings Estimates - Recent estimates for Ecolab have been trending upwards, with a positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), indicating a strong likelihood of an earnings beat [4]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP for Ecolab is currently +2.99%, suggesting that analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects. This, combined with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), points to a potential earnings beat in the upcoming report [7]. Predictive Metrics - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have historically produced positive surprises nearly 70% of the time, indicating a high probability of beating consensus estimates [5]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions, which may be more accurate than earlier predictions [6].