Compare Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Ecolab Inc. vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $279.84 (market cap $79.79B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $132.56 (market cap $321.77B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 4× Ecolab Inc.'s market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.79B | $321.77B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Health |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $131.84 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $88.57B | $368.53B |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 2.61% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
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.
Merck (MRK) trades at $130.9, up 1.81% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $140.36. Recent earnings beats and a 72.97% gross margin highlight strong profitability, while the acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals aims to bolster its oncology pipeline. The stock faces headwinds from a high P/E ratio of 104.34 and fluctuating cash flows.
The outlook is positive with robust fundamentals and strategic M&A, but valuation concerns and competitive pressures in pharma pose risks. Upside is likely if earnings growth continues, though investors should monitor debt levels and integration of acquisitions.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Ecolab Inc.
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 →About Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →
