Ecolab Inc. vs Humana Inc — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $286.29 (market cap $79.73B), while Humana Inc trades at $374.25 (market cap $46.31B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. 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.
| ECL | HUM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.73B | $46.31B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Health |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $409.42 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $163.67 |
Enterprise Value | $88.51B | $53.67B |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 0.92% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
Humana (HUM) trades at $385.00, up 4.82% today, with a bullish technical outlook and analyst consensus price target of $399.53. Recent earnings beats in Q1 and Q2 2026, alongside revenue growth to $129.66 billion in 2025, support fundamentals, though net margins have compressed. The company is expanding its Medicaid business and targeting margin improvements by 2027.
The stock offers upside to consensus targets but faces risks from Medicare Advantage margin pressures and regulatory changes. Profitability trends are weak despite revenue growth, requiring successful cost management to meet 2028 targets. Institutional sentiment is mixed with a majority hold rating.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Humana is one of the largest private health insurers in the U.S. with a focus on administering Medicare Advantage plans. The firm has built a niche specializing in government-sponsored programs, with nearly all its medical membership stemming from individual and group Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and the military's Tricare program. The firm is also a leader in stand-alone prescription drug plans for seniors enrolled in traditional fee-for-service Medicare. Humana offers employer-based plans primarily for small businesses along with specialty insurance offerings such as dental, vision, and life. Beyond medical insurance, the company provides other healthcare services, including primary-care services, at-home services, and pharmacy benefit management.
Read more on HUM →