Applied Materials, Inc. vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Applied Materials, Inc. trades at $524.24 (market cap $414.54B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.06 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Applied Materials, Inc. is far larger — about 5.2× Ecolab Inc.'s market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.03%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AMAT | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $414.54B | $79.73B |
Sector | Technology | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $723.00 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $156.25 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $413.57B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.03% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Applied Materials (AMAT) trades at $539.14, up 2.21% today, showing strong momentum amid bullish technical signals and consistent earnings beats. The stock benefits from robust fundamentals including 29.31% net margins and 39.69% ROE, with revenue growth projected to reach $29B in 2026. Recent news highlights CEO Gary Dickerson's optimistic outlook on AI-driven semiconductor demand, calling this 'the greatest time in the history of our industry' (CNBC, 2026-05-28).
Outlook remains positive with 76.9% analyst buy ratings and $662.82 consensus target, though elevated P/E of 50.72 poses valuation risk. Key opportunities include AI infrastructure expansion and strong operating leverage, while risks involve semiconductor cycle volatility and competitive pressures in chip equipment markets.
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
Latest headlines on both assets
Applied Materials is the world's largest supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, providing materials engineering solutions to help make nearly every chip in the world. The firm's systems are used in nearly every major process step with the exception of lithography. Key tools include those for chemical and physical vapor deposition, etching, chemical mechanical polishing, wafer- and reticle-inspection, critical dimension measurement, and defect-inspection scanning electron microscopes.
Read more on AMAT →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 →