Cintas Corporation vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Cintas Corporation trades at $206.23 (market cap $81.25B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.47 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Cintas Corporation and Ecolab Inc. are close in size by market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.03%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CTAS | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $81.25B | $79.73B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $225.10 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $163.55 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $83.67B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 1.02% | 1.03% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Cintas (CTAS) trades at $203.05, up 0.45% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong fundamental performance. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $1.29, beating estimates, and revenue growth continues with a 17.75% net income margin. Recent news highlights Bank of America's upgrade to 'Buy' and a quarterly dividend announcement, reflecting confidence in its outlook.
The outlook for CTAS is positive, supported by consistent earnings beats and robust profitability, though high valuation multiples like a P/E of 41.35 pose a risk. Upside exists toward the consensus price target of $225.83, but investors should monitor competitive pressures and economic sensitivity.
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
In its core uniform and facility services unit (78% of sales), Cintas provides uniform rental programs to businesses across the size spectrum, mostly in North America. The firm is by far the largest provider in the industry. Facilities products generally include the rental and sale of entrance mat, mops, shop towels, hand sanitizers, and restroom supplies. Cintas also runs a first aid and safety services business (11% of sales), a fire protection services business (7% of sales), and a uniform direct sales business (4% of sales).
Read more on CTAS →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 →