Bill Gates’s Stock Portfolio: Top 15 Stock Picks

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7. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)

Bill Gates’s Stake: $1,405,949,775

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59

Share Price Return Between July 1 and November 3: -5.56%

Representing 2.94% of Bill Gates’s stock portfolio, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is one of his top 15 stock picks.

On October 30, 2025, BMO Capital reiterated its “Outperform” rating on Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL), while reducing its price target from $310 to $307.

The investment firm cited a 7% pullback in Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) shares over the period from October 27 to 29. The firm believes the decline means the creation of a compelling entry point, particularly as the company looks well-positioned to achieve its 12%-15% EPS growth target for 2025. Furthermore, the stock’s valuation multiple is near decade-long lows in comparison to the S&P 500. This may result in shares rebounding toward their updated target, BMO Capital noted.

Meanwhile, just two days earlier, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) reported Q3 2025 results. Thanks to accelerating pricing, modest volume gains, and a 110-basis-point organic operating margin expansion, the quarter marked 13% adjusted EPS growth, taking it to $2.07. The company reported strength across Institutional & Specialty, Pest Elimination, and Life Sciences segments, which offset weaknesses in certain industrial end markets. Accordingly, Ecolab tightened its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to $7.48-$7.58.

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL), a global leader in sustainability, delivers water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions to protect people, food, and vital resources in 170 countries.

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