Agilent Technologies Inc vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Agilent Technologies Inc trades at $149.96 (market cap $42.00B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.71 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.03%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| A | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $42.00B | $79.73B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $157.20 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $110.24 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $43.55B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 0.69% | 1.03% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Agilent Technologies (A) trades at $145.97, up 3.28% in the last session, with a bullish technical outlook from moving averages but overbought RSI levels. The company reported strong Q1 2026 earnings, beating estimates with EPS of $1.49, and maintains solid profitability with a net income margin of 19.55%. Recent developments include FDA and EU approvals for diagnostic assays and the acquisition of Biocare Medical, enhancing its healthcare portfolio.
The stock offers upside to the consensus price target of $154.90, supported by analyst optimism (77.5% buy ratings), but high valuation ratios like a P/E of 146.56 pose risks. Investors should monitor execution of growth initiatives and competitive pressures in the life sciences sector, with earnings on August 26, 2026, as a key catalyst.
ECL trades at $285.17, up 0.6% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.09, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. Revenue growth remains steady, with a net income margin of 12.57% and robust cash flow from operations of $2.95B in 2025. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and institutional buying interest.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $327.90, implying 15% upside. Risks include elevated valuation multiples and potential margin pressure from input costs. The stock's momentum is supported by earnings beats and strategic acquisitions, but investors should monitor debt levels and competitive dynamics in the water and hygiene sector.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Originally spun out of Hewlett-Packard in 1999, Agilent has evolved into a leading life sciences and diagnostics firm. Today, Agilent's measurement technologies serve a broad base of customers with its three operating segments: life science and applied tools (45% of fiscal 2021 sales), cross lab (35% of sales consisting of consumables and services related to its life science and applied tools), and diagnostics and genomics (20%). Over half of its sales are generated from the biopharmaceutical, chemical, and energy end markets, but it also supports clinical lab, environmental, forensics, food, academic, and government-related organizations. The company is geographically diverse, with operations in the U.S. (34%) and China (20%) representing the largest country concentrations.
Read more on A →Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the hospitality, healthcare, and industrial markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. The company has a strong hold on the U.S. market and is looking to increase its profitability abroad. Additionally, Ecolab serves customers in water, manufacturing, and life sciences end markets, selling customized solutions.
Read more on ECL →