Why Investors Are Turning to Ecolab (ECL) for Stable Materials Dividends

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is included among the 13 Best Materials Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is recognized as a global leader in providing solutions for water management, sanitation, and pest elimination, serving millions of sites worldwide. Its services span a wide range of applications— from cooling water systems at data centers and recycling water in electronics manufacturing, to infection control in hospitals and sanitation and pest management for hotels and restaurants.

During Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)’s recent earnings call, management expressed confidence in achieving adjusted EPS growth of 12% to 15% through the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, while continuing to invest in core growth areas. They also reiterated their expectation of reaching an 18% operating income margin for the full year 2025, progressing toward a long-term target of 20% by 2027. Pricing is anticipated to stabilize around 3% in the third and fourth quarters, with the full impact of the trade surcharge factored in.

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is a strong dividend payer, having raised its payouts for 33 consecutive years. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.99%, as of July 29.

While we acknowledge the potential of ECL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 11 Innovative Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and 10 Best and Safe Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

Disclosure: None.