Ecolab Inc. vs Medtronic PLC — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $285.5 (market cap $79.73B), while Medtronic PLC trades at $90.58 (market cap $114.45B). The key difference: Medtronic PLC is the larger of the two by market cap, and Medtronic PLC pays the higher dividend (3.22%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | MDT | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.73B | $114.45B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Health |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $105.35 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $73.75 |
Enterprise Value | $88.51B | $133.19B |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 3.22% |
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.
Medtronic (MDT) trades at $87.16, up 1.44% today, with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $1.55, exceeding expectations, and maintains solid fundamentals with a 13.2% net income margin and $33.54B in revenue for 2025. Recent news highlights growth in cardiac ablation and the Hugo robotic platform, with management guiding for 11.75% organic revenue growth in Q1 2027.
The outlook is positive, supported by analyst consensus of a $98.75 price target and 60% buy ratings. Key opportunities include dividend stability and innovation in medical technology, while risks involve rising debt levels and competitive pressures. The stock's current valuation at a P/E of 23.37 offers moderate upside if execution continues.
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 →One of the largest medical device companies, Medtronic develops and manufactures therapeutic medical devices for chronic diseases. Its portfolio includes pacemakers, defibrillators, heart valves, stents, insulin pumps, spinal fixation devices, neurovascular products, advanced energy, and surgical tools. The company markets its products to healthcare institutions and physicians in the United States and overseas. Foreign sales account for almost 50% of the company's total sales.
Read more on MDT →