10 Dividend Stocks With Low Payout Ratios and Strong Upside Potential

9. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)

Upside Potential as of June 24: 17.2%

5-Year Average Payout Ratio: 43.96%

On June 24, Citi raised its price recommendation on Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) to $330 from $325. It reiterated a Buy rating on the stock. The firm also placed Ecolab on an “upside 90-day catalyst watch,” calling it its top specialty chemicals pick heading into the second-quarter earnings season. Analyst Patrick Cunningham said the company stands to benefit the most from easing raw material costs. In a research note, he added that Ecolab’s “mission-critical” products put the company in a strong position to convert surcharges into structural pricing.

On June 10, Wells Fargo raised its price goal on ECL to $275 from $260. It maintained an Equal Weight rating. The firm said it met with Investor Relations executive Andy Hedberg at its Industrials Conference and came away encouraged by Ecolab’s confidence in offsetting commodity cost pressures through its energy surcharge. Wells Fargo also noted that the company’s growth engines, particularly its High-Tech business, continue to drive growth.

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services designed to protect people and the resources essential to life.