Compare Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Hershey Co (HSY) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Ecolab Inc. vs Hershey Co — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $274.31 (market cap $76.06B), while Hershey Co trades at $172.46 (market cap $34.54B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 2.2× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.41%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | HSY | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $76.06B | $34.54B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $236.28 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $162.31 |
Enterprise Value | $84.81B | $39.34B |
Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 3.41% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ECL trades at $269.75, down 0.77% on the day, with a bearish technical signal. The stock shows strong fundamentals with 2025 revenue of $16.08B and net income of $2.08B, though recent quarterly EPS results have been mixed. The company recently completed the $4.75B CoolIT acquisition to strengthen its AI cooling portfolio, positioning high-tech as a growth engine. Analyst consensus remains strongly bullish with a $327.43 price target, representing 21% upside potential from current levels.
The outlook is positive given strong analyst support and strategic acquisitions, but risks include execution of the CoolIT integration, rising cost pressures, and mixed quarterly earnings performance. The stock's premium valuation (P/E 36.57) requires sustained earnings growth to justify current levels, making upcoming Q2 2026 results on July 28 critical for near-term direction.
Hershey (HSY) trades at $171.46, down 2.16% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $2.35 exceeding expectations. Revenue growth remains steady, and the company benefits from easing cocoa costs and margin recovery. Recent corporate actions include a $1.45 dividend payment scheduled for June 2026.
The outlook for HSY is cautiously optimistic, driven by margin improvement and innovation, though near-term price pressure and competitive risks persist. The consensus price target of $209.25 suggests upside potential, but investors should monitor execution on H2 2026 guidance and input cost trends.
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 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 →About Hershey Co
Hershey is a leading confectionery manufacturer in the U.S. (around a $25 billion market), controlling around 46% of the domestic chocolate space (per IRI). Beyond its namesake label, the firm's mix has expanded over the last 85 years and now consists of 100 brands, including Reese's, Kit Kat, Kisses, and Ice Breakers. Hershey's products are sold in about 80 countries, albeit with just a high-single-digit percentage of sales coming from markets outside the U.S., including Brazil, India, and Mexico. The firm has sought inorganic opportunities to extend its reach beyond its core confection business, adding Amplify Snack Brands and its Skinny Pop ready-to-eat popcorn to its mix and Pirate Brands (including the Pirate's Booty, Smart Puffs, and Original Tings brands) over the past few years.
Read more on HSY →
