Ecolab Inc. vs Kohl's Corporation — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $283.6 (market cap $79.79B), while Kohl's Corporation trades at $18.63 (market cap $2.10B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 38× Kohl's Corporation's market cap, and Kohl's Corporation pays the higher dividend (2.7%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | KSS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.79B | $2.10B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $24.71 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $11.72 |
Enterprise Value | $88.57B | $8.20B |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 2.7% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ECL trades at $284.4, down slightly (-0.27%) on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support (78% buy ratings). The company reported solid Q2 2026 earnings of $2.09 per share, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. Revenue growth is steady, with 2025 revenue at $16.08B, and profitability remains robust with a net income margin of 12.57%. Recent news highlights institutional activity and the completion of the $4.75B CoolIT acquisition, strengthening its high-tech portfolio.
The outlook is positive, driven by earnings momentum, strategic acquisitions, and a consensus price target of $327.90 implying ~15% upside. Key risks include execution of integration for recent acquisitions, input cost pressures, and broader market volatility. The stock presents a compelling opportunity for growth investors seeking exposure to a stable, dividend-paying company with digital and high-tech expansion drivers.
Kohl's stock trades at $19.04, down 1.35% with a bullish technical signal despite recent weakness. The company shows improving fundamentals with three consecutive earnings beats and positive cash flow projections for 2026. Valuation metrics appear attractive with P/E of 7.77 and P/B of 0.52, while recent management changes and proprietary brand growth provide operational momentum.
Kohl's presents a turnaround opportunity with undervalued metrics and improving operational execution, though declining revenue and thin margins pose significant challenges. Analyst consensus remains cautious with a $16.75 price target below current levels, reflecting concerns about sustained growth in a competitive retail environment.
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 →