Ecolab Poised for Long-Term Growth as Strong Customer Switching Costs Drive Pricing Power
Ecolab is the global leader in cleaning, sanitation, and water management. For example, it provides products that help its hospitality and food-service customers do laundry and wash dishes. With unmatched scale and a solid razor-and-blade business model, Ecolab's competitive advantages are strong. The company's cleaning and sanitation scale dwarfs the competition. Ecolab generates over double the revenue of its largest rival. Ecolab controls roughly 9.5% of the $165 billion global market. Its industries are fragmented, with many markets made up of regional and local competitors. The company is an attractive partner to global hospitality, food-service, and manufacturing firms. We think it will continue to grow through market share gains and expansion into new end markets.