Compare Danaher Corporation (DHR) vs Ecolab Inc. (ECL) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Danaher Corporation vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Danaher Corporation trades at $207.26 (market cap $147.18B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.25 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Danaher Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.03%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DHR | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $147.18B | $79.73B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $242.05 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $161.91 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $169.39B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 0.76% | 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
Danaher (DHR) trades at $204.76, up 2.37% today, near its pivot point of $203 with bullish technical signals. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q3 2026 expected at $1.92 EPS. Revenue for 2025 was $24.57B with a net income margin of 15.95%, though margins have trended down from 22.9% in 2022. Recent news includes the Masimo acquisition approval and a $172.5 million settlement over pandemic-era disclosures (Reuters, 2026-04-23).
Outlook is positive with strong analyst support (69% buy ratings) and a consensus price target of $202.33, slightly below current price. Risks include margin compression, high valuation (P/E 36.5), and integration challenges from acquisitions. Cash flow improved to $2.54B net in 2025 after a dip in 2023-2024, supporting dividend payments and growth initiatives.
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 Danaher Corporation
In 1984, Danaher's founders transformed a real estate organization into an industrial-focused manufacturing company. Through a series of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including the Fortive separation in 2016, Danaher now focuses primarily on manufacturing scientific instruments and consumables in three segments: life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental and applied solutions. In late 2019, Danaher separated from its dental business through an initial public offering process, and in early 2020, it acquired GE's Biopharma business, now called Cytiva, which added to its life sciences segment.
Read more on DHR →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 →
