Compare Baxter International Inc (BAX) vs Ecolab Inc. (ECL) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Baxter International Inc vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Baxter International Inc trades at $27.62 (market cap $14.36B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.25 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 5.6× Baxter International Inc's market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.03%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BAX | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.36B | $79.73B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $28.35 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $15.80 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $21.88B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 0.14% | 1.03% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Baxter International (BAX) trades at $27.55, up 2.0% today, showing strong momentum after recent earnings beats. The stock is approaching its 52-week high of $29.35, with technical indicators signaling bullish momentum. Fundamentally, the company reported Q2 2026 earnings of $0.56 per share, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance, though profitability metrics remain negative with a -9.27% net income margin. Recent news highlights operational improvements and strong demand for IV solutions.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic as Baxter demonstrates turnaround progress with raised guidance and earnings beats. Investment opportunity lies in continued operational execution and margin recovery, but risks include persistent negative profitability, high debt levels, and competitive pressures in the medtech space. Wall Street sentiment is mixed with 42% buy ratings but a consensus price target below current levels.
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.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About Baxter International Inc
Baxter offers a variety of medical instruments and supplies to caregivers. It enhanced its portfolio of hospital-focused offerings by acquiring Hillrom in late 2021. Legacy Baxter offers tools to help patients with acute and chronic kidney failure. It also sells a variety of injectable therapies for use in care settings, such as IV pumps, and administrative sets.
Read more on BAX →About Ecolab Inc.
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 →
