Carnival Corp vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Carnival Corp trades at $27.75 (market cap $39.71B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $285.5 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 2× Carnival Corp's market cap, and Carnival Corp pays the higher dividend (1.55%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CCL | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $39.71B | $79.73B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $33.99 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $23.89 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $63.63B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 1.03% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Carnival Corporation (CCL) trades at $28.99, up 0.69% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong support at $28. The stock shows robust fundamentals, with revenue growing to $26.62B in 2025 and net income at $2.76B, while recent quarters have beaten EPS estimates. Analysts maintain a buy consensus with a $35.18 price target, and positive news highlights fleet expansion and sustainability initiatives.
The outlook for CCL is positive, driven by record travel demand, cost control, and debt reduction, offering potential upside to the consensus target. Risks include fuel price volatility, economic sensitivity, and high leverage, though improved cash flow and dividend reinstatement support investor confidence.
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
Carnival is the largest global cruise company, with 91 ships in its fleet in October 2022, with eight of its nine brands set to be fully redeployed by the end of 2022. Its portfolio of brands includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America.
Read more on CCL →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 →