10 Best Stocks to Buy According to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust

7. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust’s Stake: $1.2 billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection control products and services. Its product offerings include water and energy management, infection control, and other solutions aimed at increasing efficiency.

William Blair reaffirmed an Outperform rating on Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) on April 16, following the company’s announcement of a 5% trade fee on all of its products and services in the United States, which will go into effect May 1. The premium is intended to offset the increased costs of raw materials, packaging, and equipment caused by recent changes in tariff rates. Ecolab, which sources over 90% of its raw materials regionally, indicated that delivered product costs account for roughly 45% of its Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). The company believes that the fee will be adequate for tackling tariff-related cost increases.

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) reported $4 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2024, up roughly 2% year-over-year. Organic sales increased by 4%, led by higher growth in the Industrial and Healthcare & Life Sciences segments. The company also maintained solid results in the Pest Elimination and Institutional & Specialty divisions.