Ecolab Inc. vs Gartner Inc — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $285.5 (market cap $79.73B), while Gartner Inc trades at $186.93 (market cap $12.20B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 6.5× Gartner Inc's market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays a 1.03% dividend while Gartner Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | IT | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.73B | $12.20B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Technology |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $264.09 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $125.68 |
Enterprise Value | $88.51B | $13.94B |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | — |
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.
Gartner (IT) trades at $185.6, up 0.42% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong earnings beats in recent quarters. The stock shows robust profitability with a 69.63% gross margin and 12% net income margin, though revenue growth has moderated. Recent news highlights Q2 2026 earnings exceeding expectations and raised full-year EPS guidance, driving positive investor sentiment.
Outlook is supported by valuation discounts (P/E 16.69) and high ROE (113.58%), but risks include consulting segment weakness and negative net cash flow trends. Analysts are mixed with a $172.80 consensus target, suggesting cautious optimism amid execution challenges.
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 →Based in Stamford, Conn., Gartner provides independent research and analysis on information technology and other related technology industries. Its research is delivered to clients' desktops in the form of reports, briefings, and updates. Typical clients are chief information officers and other business executives who help plan companies' IT budgets. Gartner also provides consulting services and hosted nearly 80 IT conferences across the globe in 2007.
Read more on IT →