Director McKibben Tracy B executed two notable transactions involving Ecolab Inc (NYSE:ECL) on February 25, 2026. The director sold 1,265 shares of Ecolab common stock at $308.66 per share, generating proceeds of $390,454. That sale took place close to the stock's 52-week high of $309.27, with shares trading at $306.76 at the time the report was compiled.
On the same day, McKibben also exercised non-employee stock options to acquire 2,300 shares of Ecolab common stock at an exercise price of $115.075 per share, for an aggregate cost of $264,672. Those options were granted under a non-employee stock option plan.
The company itself remains sizeable, with a market value noted at $86.3 billion. Year-to-date, the stock has returned 16.8%, and it trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.7. Analysis from InvestingPro cited in the filing indicates the stock appears overvalued at current levels. InvestingPro also highlights that Ecolab has raised its dividend for 40 consecutive years, listed among 12+ InvestingPro Tips available to subscribers.
These insider moves come amid a string of corporate updates and financial results. For the fourth quarter of 2025, Ecolab reported record earnings, posting diluted earnings per share of $2.08, just above the consensus forecast of $2.07. The company maintained its revenue forecast and delivered $4.19 billion in revenue for the quarter, meeting expectations.
Management changes have also been disclosed. Effective April 1, the company will restructure its chief operating officer role, appointing Darrell R. Brown as Co-COO of Global Markets and Greg B. Cook as Co-COO of Global Businesses. The company described the change as intended to support its next phase of growth.
Following the fourth-quarter results and commentary on margin expansion, Stifel raised its price target on Ecolab to $337 from $300 and maintained a Buy rating. The firm pointed to fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted EBIT margin expansion and the company's guidance for further margin improvement in 2026 as supporting factors for the revised target.
Key takeaways
- Director McKibben sold 1,265 shares of Ecolab on February 25, 2026, at $308.66, totaling $390,454.
- On the same date, McKibben exercised options to buy 2,300 shares at $115.075 per share, costing $264,672, under a non-employee option plan.
- Ecolab reported record Q4 2025 EPS of $2.08 and revenue of $4.19 billion, maintained revenue guidance, and announced a COO restructuring effective April 1.
Context and implications
These transactions occurred as the stock traded near its 52-week high and amid analyst actions that followed the company’s latest results. The combination of insider sales, option exercises, strong quarterly results, and an elevated P/E ratio presents a mixed signal for investors weighing valuation against operational performance.
Risks and uncertainties
- Valuation risk - InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock appears overvalued at current levels, which could affect returns for equity investors.
- Execution risk - The company has announced organizational changes to the COO role intended to support growth; the impact of that restructuring on operations and margins remains to be observed.
- Market sensitivity - The stock is trading near its 52-week high, which may increase price volatility in response to any future earnings or guidance developments.
All transaction figures, corporate announcements, and analyst actions referenced above are taken from the company's filings and reported results.