Ecolab Inc. vs Kohl's Corporation — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $273.3 (market cap $76.06B), while Kohl's Corporation trades at $17.6 (market cap $1.94B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 39.2× Kohl's Corporation's market cap, and Kohl's Corporation pays the higher dividend (2.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | KSS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $76.06B | $1.94B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $24.71 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $9.39 |
Enterprise Value | $84.81B | $8.04B |
Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 2.92% |
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.
Kohl's (KSS) trades at $16.42, down 0.79% on the day, as the stock shows mixed signals. Technically, the overall signal is bearish with key support at $16, while fundamentally, the company presents deep value with a P/E of 7.18 and P/B of 0.48, despite declining revenue and a thin 1.77% net margin. Recent Q1 2026 earnings beat expectations, and news highlights a focus on proprietary brands and a new COO appointment as part of a turnaround effort.
The outlook is a battle between deep value and operational challenges. The low valuation multiples and recent earnings beats present a potential opportunity for value investors, but significant risks remain from persistent revenue declines, weak profitability, and intense retail competition. Analyst sentiment is cautiously mixed with a $16.75 price target slightly above the current price.
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 →Kohl's operates 1,165 department stores in 49 states that sell moderately priced private-label and national brand clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and home furnishings. Most of these stores are in strip centers. Kohl's also operates a large digital sales business. Women's apparel is Kohl's largest category, having generated 27% of its 2021 sales. The retailer, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, opened its first department store in 1962.
Read more on KSS →