Albertsons Companies Inc vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Albertsons Companies Inc trades at $12.26 (market cap $5.89B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $285.5 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 13.5× Albertsons Companies Inc's market cap, and Albertsons Companies Inc pays the higher dividend (5.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ACI | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $5.89B | $79.73B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $19.74 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $11.03 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $21.29B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 5.61% | 1.03% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Albertsons (ACI) trades at $12.01, down 0.58% with bearish technical signals despite recent insider buying by the CEO and CFO. The company reported mixed Q2 2026 earnings with a miss on EPS expectations but maintains strong revenue growth trends. Valuation metrics show a high P/E ratio of 75.06 but attractive P/S of 0.08, while profitability remains challenged with net margins at just 0.08%.
The outlook remains cautious with analyst consensus at Buy (35%) but significant legal investigations and margin pressure creating headwinds. The $13.20 price target offers 10% upside potential, though execution risks and competitive grocery market dynamics require careful monitoring for sustained recovery.
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
Albertsons is the second-largest traditional grocer in America, operating 2,276 stores under 24 banners in 34 states (as of the end of fiscal 2021). Around 75% of stores have pharmacies, while nearly 20% also sell fuel. Albertsons has a significant private-label operation, accounting for around 20% of sales (excluding fuel). While its own brand assortment is mainly manufactured by third parties, Albertsons operates 20 food production plants (as of the end of fiscal 2021). Albertsons is a top-two grocer in two thirds of its major markets (as of early 2022, according to company data), and virtually all of its sales come from the United States.
Read more on ACI →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 →