Ecolab Inc. vs Johnson & Johnson — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $274.29 (market cap $76.06B), while Johnson & Johnson trades at $251.92 (market cap $594.63B). The key difference: Johnson & Johnson is far larger — about 7.8× Ecolab Inc.'s market cap, and Johnson & Johnson pays the higher dividend (2.17%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | JNJ | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $76.06B | $594.63B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Health |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $267.24 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $162.98 |
Enterprise Value | $84.81B | $627.57B |
Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 2.17% |
Volume | — | 6,156,228 |
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.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) trades at $253.85, down 1.52% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company reported Q1 2026 earnings of $2.70 per share, beating estimates, and raised its full-year 2026 outlook. Revenue grew 6.6% annually in Q2 2026, driven by strength in Innovative Medicine and new product launches, though MedTech sales slightly missed expectations.
JNJ offers a compelling investment case with a 64-year dividend king status, robust profitability, and raised guidance, but faces risks from patent expirations and competitive pressures. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $281 price target, suggesting ~11% upside, supported by strong institutional confidence and innovation in AI and robotics targeting $100 billion revenue.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Johnson & Johnson manufactures health care products and provides related services for the consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices and diagnostics markets. The Company sells products such as skin and hair care products, acetaminophen products, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic equipment, and surgical equipment in countries located around the world.
Read more on JNJ →