Compare Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) vs Ecolab Inc. (ECL) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Costco Wholesale Corporation vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Costco Wholesale Corporation trades at $942.17 (market cap $422.52B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.69 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Costco Wholesale Corporation is far larger — about 5.3× Ecolab Inc.'s market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.03%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| COST | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $422.52B | $79.73B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $1.09K | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $849.63 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $410.66B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 0.62% | 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
Costco (COST) trades at $942.26, down 0.59% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and mixed earnings performance. The company shows strong revenue growth, reaching $275.24B in 2025, and consistent profitability with a 3.01% net margin. Recent March sales surged 11.3% year-over-year, indicating robust consumer demand. However, valuation remains elevated with a P/E of 47.93, above sector averages.
Outlook remains positive with 65% analyst buy ratings and a $1,120 consensus price target, representing 19% upside. Key risks include high valuation sensitivity and competitive pressures. The membership fee increase and strong renewal rates support recurring revenue, but investors should monitor margin sustainability amid expansion costs.
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
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Costco Wholesale Corporation
The leading warehouse club, Costco has 815 stores worldwide (at the end of fiscal 2021), with most sales derived in the United States (72%) and Canada (14%). It sells memberships that allow customers to shop in its warehouses, which feature low prices on a limited product assortment. Costco mainly caters to individual shoppers, but roughly 20% of paid members carry business memberships. Food and sundries accounted for 40% of fiscal 2021 sales, with non-food merchandise 29%, warehouse ancillary and other businesses (such as fuel and pharmacy) nearly 17%, and fresh food 14%. Costco's warehouses average around 146,000 square feet
Read more on COST →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 →
