Colgate-Palmolive Company vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Colgate-Palmolive Company trades at $92.47 (market cap $74.26B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.13 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Colgate-Palmolive Company and Ecolab Inc. are close in size by market cap, and Colgate-Palmolive Company pays the higher dividend (2.28%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CL | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $74.26B | $79.73B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $99.14 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $74.98 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $80.74B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 2.28% | 1.03% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) trades at $93.27, up 0.29% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $0.99, exceeding estimates, driven by strong margins and organic growth in emerging markets, though North American performance remains weak. Operating cash flow remains robust at $4.2 billion in 2025, supporting shareholder returns.
Outlook is mixed: valuation appears stretched with a P/E of 36.72, but analyst consensus targets $99.10. Risks include competitive pressures in North America and high debt levels. The stock offers a stable dividend, but growth concerns and insider selling warrant caution.
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
Since its founding in 1806, Colgate-Palmolive has grown to become a leading global consumer product company. In addition to its namesake oral care line, the firm manufactures shampoos, shower gels, deodorants, and home care products that are sold in over 200 countries (international sales account for about 70% of its consolidated total, including approximately 45% from emerging regions). It also owns specialty pet food maker Hill's, which sells its products through veterinarians and specialty pet retailers.
Read more on CL →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 →