ecopetrol stock: Comprehensive Guide

Ecopetrol (stock)

Ecopetrol stock refers to the publicly traded equity of Ecopetrol S.A., Colombia's largest integrated oil and gas company. This guide explains what Ecopetrol stock is, where it trades (including the U.S. ADR listing), the financial and market metrics investors track, dividend and governance details, key risks, and practical steps for investors considering exposure to this Latin American oil major. The article is written for beginners and investors who want a structured, source‑backed reference — and it highlights how to access Ecopetrol shares using mainstream brokerages or Bitget's trading solutions and Bitget Wallet where appropriate.

Note: market figures change constantly. As of 29 January 2026, according to Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg (see References), headline market metrics are stated for context; always verify live quotes before making decisions.

Company overview

Ecopetrol S.A. is a vertically integrated oil and gas company headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia. Founded as the national oil company and now operating as a publicly listed corporation, the company participates across the hydrocarbons value chain. Key business segments include:

• Exploration & Production (E&P): upstream exploration, appraisal and production of crude oil and natural gas across Colombia and selected international concessions.
• Transportation & Logistics: ownership and operation of pipelines, storage terminals and related midstream infrastructure that support domestic and export flows.
• Refining, Petrochemicals & Biofuels: refining crude into finished petroleum products, producing petrochemical feedstocks and developing biofuel projects.
• Other activities: energy transition investments, power generation, and non‑operational business lines tied to services and joint ventures.

Ecopetrol's footprint is predominantly in Colombia, with exploration and production assets in Latin America and partnerships or minority stakes in projects abroad. Historically, the company has combined a public mandate to support domestic energy security with commercial objectives to generate returns for shareholders.

Stock listings and ticker symbols

Ecopetrol stock trades on multiple venues:

• Primary Colombian listing: Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC) — commonly shown as ECOPETROL (share classes and local identifiers may appear in local market data).
• U.S. listing (American Depositary Receipt): New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) — ticker symbol: EC (ADR representing Ecopetrol shares; see ADR section for ratio details).
• Market data vendors and terminals also display Ecopetrol under conventions used by Bloomberg and Reuters (for example, terminal tickers like EC:US on some platforms).

When checking quotes, confirm whether the price is quoted in Colombian pesos (COP) for local listings or U.S. dollars (USD) for ADRs. Currency differences and FX movement can cause apparent divergence between local and ADR price trends.

American Depositary Receipt (ADR) details

Ecopetrol maintains an ADR program that allows U.S. investors to buy shares denominated in USD without owning local Colombia‑listed securities directly. Important ADR considerations:

• ADR ticker: EC on the NYSE.
• ADR ratio: The depositary receipt structure defines how many ordinary shares equal one ADR. Brokers and the depositary bank list the exact ratio in the ADR prospectus; U.S. investors should confirm the ratio with their broker or the depositary before interpreting per‑share metrics.
• Trading hours: ADRs trade on U.S. exchange hours (pre‑market and after‑hours may apply depending on broker). The ADR's trading hours differ from Colombian market hours; intraday price differences may arise because of this and FX movements.
• Custodial/brokerage considerations: ADR holders receive dividends in USD (subject to withholding), and corporate actions are typically processed by the depositary bank. For some corporate events, ADR holders may have limited rights compared to direct holders of local shares; read the ADR prospectus and broker disclosures.

As of 29 January 2026, financial data vendors list Ecopetrol ADR (NYSE: EC) for U.S. trading — verify ADR ratio and depositary details through the issuer's investor relations materials or the depositary bank for precise mechanics.

Trading and market data

Investors commonly track the following market statistics for Ecopetrol stock (on ADR and local listing bases):

• Market capitalization: aggregate equity value derived from share price × shares outstanding.
• Average daily trading volume: liquidity indicator for the listing in question (ADR vs local shares can show different volumes).
• Public float: portion of shares available to public investors versus locked or state‑owned holdings.
• 52‑week high / low: range used to assess recent price volatility.
• Bid/ask spread and intraday volatility: important for execution cost estimates.

As of 29 January 2026, according to Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg reporting, Ecopetrol ADR (EC) displayed market capitalization figures in the multi‑billion USD range and average daily volumes on U.S. venues measured in the low millions of shares; these metrics vary by source and are updated intraday. For precise, real‑time market data, consult a live quote from your brokerage or market data provider.

Data sources (examples): Yahoo Finance, TradingView, MarketWatch, Bloomberg, CNBC and local Colombian exchange feeds. Each vendor may have slight methodological differences or refresh intervals — note delayed quotes on some free platforms.

Historical price performance

Ecopetrol stock’s historical performance has been shaped by oil price cycles, domestic developments in Colombia, currency (COP/USD) moves, and company‑specific events (production updates, capital allocation changes). Key points:

• Commodity sensitivity: oil and gas price trends tend to dominate large moves in Ecopetrol stock. During global oil rallies, Ecopetrol typically outperforms due to levered hydrocarbon exposure; during price collapses, share price compresses.
• Local vs ADR pricing: the BVC listing (COP) and the NYSE ADR (USD) may diverge short term due to FX fluctuations and differing trading hours. Over longer periods, currency adjustments should reconcile the two in total return terms.
• Notable milestones: major price inflection points historically coincide with global oil shocks, large reserves discoveries or impairments, significant corporate transactions, and changes in state ownership or dividend policy.

When reviewing historical charts, compare performance on a constant‑currency basis (adjusting COP series into USD) if you need to isolate operational returns from currency effects.

Financial metrics and valuation

Analysts and investors use common financial metrics to evaluate Ecopetrol stock, including:

• Earnings per share (EPS) and adjusted EPS: measure of profitability on a per‑share basis; may be affected by one‑off items.
• Price‑to‑earnings (P/E) and forward P/E: valuation multiples relative to current and expected earnings.
• Revenue and net income growth: top‑line and bottom‑line trends driven by commodity prices and production volumes.
• EV/EBITDA: enterprise multiple useful when comparing firms with different capital structures.
• Dividend yield and payout ratio: cash return to shareholders versus earnings or free cash flow.
• Debt metrics: net debt, debt/EBITDA and interest coverage ratios — critical in cyclical commodity businesses.

Ecopetrol’s valuations are often compared to regional oil majors and global integrated energy companies. Low P/E multiples can reflect higher risk (country, operational) or cyclical poor earnings; conversely, high yields may compensate investors for perceived risks.

Analyst forecasts vary; consult consensus estimates from recognized research providers and the company’s own guidance in earnings releases.

Dividends and shareholder returns

Ecopetrol has historically distributed dividends, and dividend policy can be an important component of the total return for shareholders. Key considerations:

• Dividend history: the company’s payouts have varied with commodity cycles, cash generation and government policy.
• Dividend yield: the yield on Ecopetrol stock (ADR or local) can be materially higher than global peers during high oil price environments but is variable and not guaranteed.
• Payout schedule and ex‑dividend dates: domestic and ADR holders may observe differences in timing due to depositary processing. ADR holders typically receive dividends in USD after local conversion and withholding taxes are applied.
• Withholding tax: foreign investor withholding on Colombian‑sourced dividends may apply; ADRs often reflect this after conversion and depositary processing. Confirm applicable tax rules with a tax advisor.

As of 29 January 2026, data aggregators report that Ecopetrol offered yields in the mid‑single to high‑single percent range based on trailing dividends and prevailing ADR prices; yields will change with subsequent distributions and price moves. Always verify ex‑dividend dates and net dividend amounts via company releases and ADR depositary notices.

Corporate governance and ownership

Ecopetrol’s governance structure is influenced by historical state ownership and public listing requirements:

• Government stake: the Colombian state has historically been a significant shareholder, which can influence strategic direction, capital allocation and governance priorities.
• Board composition: comprised of executive and non‑executive directors; boards in partially state‑owned companies often include government‑nominated members as well as independent directors.
• Key executives: the CEO and executive team manage daily operations and strategy; changes in leadership can have material market impacts.
• Minority shareholder considerations: state influence can raise specific questions around minority rights, dividend policy, and the prioritization of national policy versus shareholder returns.

Investors should read corporate governance disclosures and annual reports to understand board composition, executive compensation, and related‑party transactions.

Major shareholders and institutional ownership

Major holders typically include:

• The Colombian government (or entities acting on its behalf) as a large shareholder.
• Institutional investors (pension funds, asset managers) that may hold positions via local or ADR listings.
• Strategic partners or state‑owned enterprises with stakes tied to national energy objectives.

Ecopetrol is also commonly held by ETFs and index funds that track Latin American, emerging market, or energy sector indices; these passive holders can influence liquidity and flows during index rebalances.

Institutional ownership percentages and top holders are available in public filings and market data platforms; check the latest institutional holdings reports for current lists.

Analyst coverage and market sentiment

Several sell‑side research teams and independent analysts cover Ecopetrol, publishing ratings and price targets. Market sentiment tends to cluster around a few themes:

• Commodity outlook: bullish or bearish views on oil and gas largely drive rating changes.
• Production and reserve trends: upgrades or downgrades often follow changes in reserve estimates or production guidance.
• Fiscal policy and dividends: analysts react to government announcements that affect dividend policy or capital allocation.

Consensus ratings vary across providers; watch for notable upgrades or downgrades from major global brokers and research houses, and read the reasoning in analyst notes for context.

Financial results and reporting

Ecopetrol follows a regular reporting cadence with quarterly and annual financial statements. Key reporting notes:

• Fiscal year: follows a calendar‑year reporting cycle (quarterly and annual releases); check the investor relations site for precise filing dates.
• Where to find filings: investor relations pages, stock exchange disclosures on the BVC, and ADR depositary communications for U.S. holders.
• What to watch in results: production volumes, refining margins, realization prices, operating costs, capex guidance, reserve revisions, and net debt trends.

Earnings calls and investor presentations give management’s forward outlook and are critical for interpreting short‑term stock reactions.

Corporate actions and strategic developments

Corporate actions that commonly move Ecopetrol stock include:

• Asset sales or acquisitions: portfolio reshaping can change long‑term cash flow profiles.
• Capital raises: debt or equity issuance affects dilution and leverage.
• Share buybacks: can be supportive of per‑share metrics if executed when cash generation permits.
• Strategic investments: moves into renewables, hydrogen, or low‑carbon projects reflect energy transition strategies and can alter valuation outlooks.

Recent years have seen Ecopetrol pursue both traditional upstream investments and exploratory steps into lower‑carbon energy projects; track press releases and the investor relations calendar for confirmed actions.

Risks and factors affecting the stock

Ecopetrol stock is exposed to several material risks:

• Commodity price exposure: primary driver; declines in oil and gas prices reduce revenue and cash flow.
• Country and political risk: policy changes, taxation, or regulatory shifts in Colombia can affect operations and returns.
• Currency risk: local revenues and costs in COP versus ADR pricing in USD can create FX‑driven volatility.
• Regulatory and environmental risk: stricter emissions regulation or environmental liabilities from operations may increase costs or require asset write‑downs.
• Operational risk: exploration failures, production interruptions, or accidents can cause immediate share price impacts.
• Leverage: high debt levels increase vulnerability in low‑price scenarios.

Investors should review company disclosures and third‑party country risk assessments for a holistic risk view.

How to invest / trading considerations

Here are practical notes for investors considering Ecopetrol stock:

• Choosing listing: U.S. investors commonly buy the ADR (NYSE: EC) for USD settlement and U.S. trading hours. Investors seeking local liquidity or wanting to exercise shareholder rights in Colombia may pursue local BVC shares through brokers that provide access to the Colombian market.
• Brokers and custodians: many U.S. and international brokers support ADR trading. Bitget also offers trading services for a variety of assets; consider Bitget and Bitget Wallet when assessing custody and execution workflows.
• Tax and dividend withholding: Colombian withholding tax on dividends typically applies; ADR holders should confirm net dividend treatment with their custodians and tax advisors.
• Liquidity considerations: ADR liquidity often differs from local market liquidity — monitor average daily volume and bid/ask spreads before placing large orders.
• Settlement and corporate events: ADR holders should consult the depositary bank communications for rights issues, elections and other corporate events.

Remember: this guide is informational and not investment advice. Consult a licensed advisor for personalized recommendations.

Comparison with peers

Investors often benchmark Ecopetrol against regional and global integrated oil & gas peers. Comparison points include:

• Scale and reserves: compare production volumes, reserve life and reserve types (conventional vs unconventional).
• Refining and downstream integration: degree of vertical integration influences resilience to crude price swings.
• Dividend policy and cash yield: yield and payout sustainability relative to peers.
• Sovereign influence: state ownership levels can differ significantly and affect strategic choices.

Regional peers might include large Latin American oil companies and national oil companies; global peers include major integrated oil and energy firms. Use EV/EBITDA, P/E (normalized), production per share, and reserves metrics for apples‑to‑apples comparisons.

Historical controversies and notable events

Like many large integrated energy companies, Ecopetrol has experienced episodes that attracted regulatory, legal or public attention, including environmental incidents, labor disputes and scrutiny over social and community impacts. These events can affect reputation, operational continuity and sometimes result in fines or remediation costs.

For a complete timeline of material controversies and their outcomes, review company disclosures, local regulator reports and reputable news coverage. Material events that historically affected the share price are typically documented in investor presentations and annual reports.

See also

• List of Colombian companies listed internationally
• American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) — program mechanics and investor considerations
• Petroleum industry in Colombia
• New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC)

References and data sources

• As of 29 January 2026, according to Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg and other market data providers, headline market metrics for Ecopetrol ADR (NYSE: EC) were reported in provider dashboards (check the live feed for current numbers).
• Market data and quotes may be referenced from financial data aggregators and news providers (examples: Yahoo Finance, TradingView, MarketWatch, Robinhood, Zacks, Finviz, CNBC, CNN Markets and Bloomberg). For the most authoritative source on corporate actions and financial statements, consult Ecopetrol's official investor relations disclosures and filings on the Bolsa de Valores de Colombia.

Sources are listed to illustrate where investors commonly verify numbers; always consult primary filings and the depositary bank for ADR-specific mechanics.

Practical next steps and how Bitget can help

If you want to monitor or trade Ecopetrol stock:

• Check a live quote for NYSE: EC or the local BVC listing to see up‑to‑the minute market data and confirm ADR ratio and dividend notices.
• Use a brokerage (or Bitget’s trading services) that provides access to ADRs and international equities. Bitget also offers custody via Bitget Wallet for eligible assets and trading tools to track price movements and set alerts.
• Read the latest earnings release, investor presentation and ADR depositary notices before making allocation decisions.

For more on trading mechanics, custody, or alerts, explore Bitget’s trading features and Bitget Wallet for secure asset management and notifications.

Further exploration

Want deeper analysis? Review recent quarterly reports, analyst notes and the company’s sustainability disclosures. For tax or portfolio allocation questions, consult a licensed tax or financial professional.