US Ecology, Inc. (ECOL)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
US Ecology, Inc. (ECOL) trades at $47.99 with AI Score 46/100 (Grade C). US Ecology, Inc. provides environmental services, including waste management and recycling, to commercial and government entities across multiple countries. Sector: Industrials.
Price live · AI analysis from May 9, 2026Analyst Coverage for ECOL: ECOL does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates ECOL against Industrials peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
ECOL: the 1 perspectives are evenly split.
How is this calculated? →US Ecology, Inc. (ECOL) Industrial Operations Profile
US Ecology, Inc. delivers environmental solutions, specializing in hazardous and non-hazardous waste management. With a focus on treatment, disposal, and recycling services across diverse sectors, the company operates through multiple segments, including Waste Solutions, Field Services, and Energy Waste, serving a global clientele.
What Is the Investment Thesis for ECOL?
US Ecology operates in a sector with increasing regulatory oversight and growing demand for specialized waste management. The company's comprehensive service offerings and established infrastructure provide a competitive advantage. However, with a P/E ratio of 282.1 and a profit margin of 0.5%, the company's valuation and profitability warrant careful consideration. Growth catalysts include expanding environmental regulations and increasing industrial activity. Key value drivers include optimizing operational efficiency and expanding service offerings in high-growth markets. Investors should monitor the company's ability to improve profitability and manage its capital expenditures effectively.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
ECOL Key Highlights
- US Ecology operates through three segments: Waste Solutions, Field Services, and Energy Waste.
- The company provides services in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Mexico.
- US Ecology serves oil refineries, chemical production plants, steel mills, and waste brokers/aggregators.
- The company's P/E ratio is 282.1.
- US Ecology's profit margin is 0.5%.
Who Are ECOL's Competitors?
ECOL is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WM Waste Management, Inc. | $228.46 | -0.84% | $91.74B | 63 |
| RSG Republic Services, Inc. | $215.36 | -0.91% | $66.26B | 72 |
| CLH Clean Harbors, Inc. | $295.08 | +1.33% | $15.59B | 64 |
| ECLMF Ecolomondo Corporation | $0.08 | -0.00% | $17.55M | 63 |
| VCIGF Vitreous Glass Inc. | $4.61 | +0.00% | $29.31M | 56 |
| YDDL One and one Green Technologies. Inc | $2.11 | +1.00% | $96.74M | 56 |
| SCPJ Scope Industries | $325.00 | +8.33% | $297.71M | 55 |
| TNJIF Tianjin Capital Environmental Protection Group Company Limited | $0.40 | -14.98% | $1.04B | 46 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are ECOL's Key Strengths?
- Comprehensive service offerings across multiple waste streams.
- Established network of treatment and disposal facilities.
- Strong relationships with key industrial customers.
- Expertise in handling hazardous and specialty waste.
What Are ECOL's Weaknesses?
- Low profit margin of 0.5%.
- High P/E ratio of 282.1.
- Dependence on industrial activity and regulatory environment.
- Potential for environmental liabilities.
What Could Drive ECOL Stock Higher?
- Increasing stringency of environmental regulations driving demand for specialized waste management services.
- Growth in industrial activity leading to higher volumes of waste generation.
- Potential acquisitions of smaller waste management companies to expand market share.
- Investments in new waste treatment technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
What Are the Key Risks for ECOL?
- Rich valuation — a P/E of 282.1 runs well above the Industrials sector’s ~30x, leaving little room for a miss.
- Insider selling — insiders were net sellers of roughly $7.2M recently.
- Economic downturn leading to reduced industrial activity and waste generation.
- Stricter environmental regulations increasing compliance costs.
- Competition from other waste management companies.
- Environmental incidents and liabilities impacting financial performance.
- Fluctuations in energy prices affecting demand for energy waste management services.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for ECOL?
- Expansion of Waste Solutions Segment: The Waste Solutions segment offers treatment, disposal, beneficial re-use, and recycling of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The market for hazardous waste treatment is expected to grow as environmental regulations become more stringent. US Ecology can capitalize on this trend by expanding its treatment facilities and service offerings, targeting a larger share of the hazardous waste market. This expansion could increase revenue by focusing on high-margin waste streams.
- Growth in Field Services Segment: The Field Services segment provides logistics and emergency response solutions. With increasing industrial activity and potential environmental incidents, the demand for emergency response services is expected to rise. US Ecology can expand its field services capabilities and geographic reach to capture a larger share of this market. This includes investing in specialized equipment and training personnel to handle a wider range of emergency situations.
- Energy Waste Management Services: The Energy Waste segment provides critical support services to upstream oil and gas customers. As oil and gas production continues, the need for specialized waste management services will persist. US Ecology can strengthen its position in this market by offering innovative waste treatment and disposal solutions tailored to the energy sector. This includes developing technologies for treating and recycling oilfield waste.
- Geographic Expansion: US Ecology currently operates in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Mexico. Expanding its geographic footprint into new markets with growing industrial activity and environmental regulations can drive growth. This includes establishing partnerships with local companies and investing in infrastructure to support waste management operations in new regions. Target markets could include Southeast Asia and South America.
- Technological Innovation: Investing in innovative technologies for waste treatment and recycling can provide a competitive advantage. This includes developing advanced treatment processes for hazardous waste, improving recycling rates, and reducing the environmental impact of waste management operations. By adopting new technologies, US Ecology can attract environmentally conscious customers and improve its operational efficiency.
What Opportunities Does ECOL Have?
- Expansion of waste treatment and disposal capacity.
- Growth in emergency response and oil spill removal services.
- Geographic expansion into new markets.
- Adoption of innovative waste treatment technologies.
What Threats Does ECOL Face?
- Stricter environmental regulations and compliance costs.
- Economic downturn and reduced industrial activity.
- Competition from other waste management companies.
- Potential for environmental incidents and liabilities.
What Are ECOL's Competitive Advantages?
- Established network of treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.
- Comprehensive service offerings across multiple waste streams.
- Strong relationships with key industrial customers.
- Expertise in handling hazardous and specialty waste.
What Does ECOL Do?
Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Boise, Idaho, US Ecology, Inc. has evolved into a leading provider of environmental services. Originally known as American Ecology Corporation, the company rebranded in 2010 to reflect its expanded scope. US Ecology operates through three primary segments: Waste Solutions, Field Services, and Energy Waste. The Waste Solutions segment focuses on the treatment, disposal, beneficial re-use, and recycling of hazardous, non-hazardous, and specialty waste. This includes operating company-owned treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, as well as providing wastewater treatment services. The Field Services segment offers logistics and response solutions, including waste packaging, collection, transportation, and total waste management. It also provides land and marine-based emergency response, oil spill removal, remediation, and industrial services. The Energy Waste segment caters to upstream oil and gas customers, providing energy waste management and critical support services, such as spill containment, site remediation, equipment cleaning, and specialty equipment rental. US Ecology serves a diverse range of clients, including oil refineries, chemical production plants, steel mills, and waste brokers/aggregators, extending its reach across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Mexico.
What Products and Services Does ECOL Offer?
- Provides hazardous waste management services.
- Offers non-hazardous waste disposal solutions.
- Engages in recycling and beneficial re-use of waste materials.
- Provides wastewater treatment services.
- Offers emergency response and oil spill removal services.
- Provides waste packaging, collection, and transportation services.
- Offers energy waste management and critical support services to up-stream oil and gas customers.
How Does ECOL Make Money?
- Generates revenue from waste treatment and disposal fees.
- Earns income from recycling and re-use of waste materials.
- Provides logistics and transportation services for waste management.
- Offers emergency response services on a contract basis.
What Industry Does ECOL Operate In?
The waste management industry is characterized by stringent environmental regulations and increasing demand for specialized waste treatment and disposal services. The market is driven by industrial activity, population growth, and growing awareness of environmental sustainability. US Ecology competes with other waste management companies, focusing on hazardous and specialty waste streams. The industry is expected to grow, driven by stricter regulations and increasing volumes of industrial waste. US Ecology's position in this market is supported by its comprehensive service offerings and established infrastructure.
Who Are ECOL's Key Customers?
- Oil refineries and chemical production plants.
- Steel mills and other industrial manufacturers.
- Waste brokers and aggregators.
- Government entities requiring environmental services.
ROE 1%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for US Ecology, Inc. stands at 0.9%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 0.3%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. ECOL trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 282.10, above the Industrials sector average of ~30x. A current ratio of 1.95 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 0.4%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
How US Ecology, Inc. Is Valued
Relative to its peer group, ECOL's quantitative score of 46/100 is below the peer average of 64/100.
Net sellingInsider Activity
The most recent 12 insider filings for US Ecology, Inc. break down as 12 sales and 0 purchases. On net that is roughly 151K shares disposed (about $7.2M), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.
ECOL Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in the company's future performance, indicating that management believes in the value proposition.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting ECOL's potential growth in the environmental services sector.
- Market perception is improving as investors recognize the increasing demand for sustainable waste management solutions.
- Recent regulatory changes favoring environmental initiatives could position ECOL as a leader in its industry, enhancing its competitive edge.
Bear Case
- Some analysts express concerns about ECOL's ability to scale operations effectively in a competitive landscape, which could hinder growth.
- Bearish sentiment from the community reflects worries about potential economic slowdowns impacting demand for waste management services.
- Recent headlines about environmental compliance issues have raised red flags, leading to skepticism about the company's operational reliability.
- Investor focus on broader market volatility may overshadow ECOL's fundamentals, leading to a cautious outlook among traders.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
ECOL Latest News
No recent news available for ECOL.
ECOL Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for ECOL.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for ECOL.
ECOL MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates ECOL's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Classification
Industry Waste ManagementLeadership: Jeffrey R. Feeler
CEO
Jeffrey R. Feeler serves as the CEO of US Ecology, Inc. His background includes extensive experience in the environmental services industry. He has held various leadership positions within the company, contributing to its strategic direction and operational performance. Feeler's expertise spans waste management, environmental compliance, and business development. He is responsible for overseeing the company's overall operations and driving its growth initiatives.
Track Record: Under Jeffrey Feeler's leadership, US Ecology has focused on expanding its service offerings and geographic reach. He has overseen strategic acquisitions and investments in infrastructure to support the company's growth. Key milestones include expanding the company's presence in the energy waste sector and improving operational efficiency. Feeler has also emphasized sustainability and environmental stewardship in the company's operations.
What Investors Ask About US Ecology, Inc. (ECOL) — Industrials
What does US Ecology, Inc. do?
US Ecology, Inc. specializes in providing environmental services to commercial and government entities. The company operates through three segments: Waste Solutions, Field Services, and Energy Waste. They offer treatment, disposal, and recycling of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, emergency response services, and waste management solutions for the energy sector. Their services cater to industries such as oil refineries, chemical production plants, and steel mills.
What do analysts say about ECOL stock?
Analyst coverage of US Ecology, Inc. focuses on its position in the waste management industry and its growth potential. Key valuation metrics include the company's P/E ratio and profit margin. Analysts monitor the company's ability to improve profitability and manage its capital expenditures effectively. Consensus estimates reflect expectations for revenue growth and earnings improvement, driven by increasing industrial activity and stricter environmental regulations. However, the high P/E ratio warrants careful consideration.
What are the main risks for ECOL?
US Ecology, Inc. faces several risks, including economic downturns that could reduce industrial activity and waste generation. Stricter environmental regulations could increase compliance costs. Competition from other waste management companies could impact market share and profitability. The company also faces potential environmental liabilities from incidents and spills. Fluctuations in energy prices can affect demand for its energy waste management services.
What are the key factors to evaluate for ECOL?
US Ecology, Inc. (ECOL) holds an AI score of 46/100 (low). P/E: 282.1x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Not financial advice.
How frequently does ECOL data refresh on this page?
ECOL prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven ECOL's recent stock price performance?
US Ecology, Inc. (ECOL) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Comprehensive service offerings across multiple waste streams. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider ECOL overvalued or undervalued right now?
US Ecology, Inc. (ECOL) trades at 282.1x earnings. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying ECOL?
Before investing in US Ecology, Inc. (ECOL), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Financial data is based on the most recent available information.
- Industry analysis is based on current market trends and expert opinions.