Ecolab Inc. vs Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $273.3 (market cap $76.06B), while Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. trades at $180.2 (market cap $84.90B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. are close in size by market cap, and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.25%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | MRSH | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $76.06B | $84.90B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Financials |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $212.28 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $157.32 |
Enterprise Value | $84.81B | $105.74B |
Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 2.25% |
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.
Marsh (MRSH) trades at $178.05, down 1.92% on the day, near the analyst consensus low target of $175. The stock shows bullish technical signals with strong moving average support, while recent quarterly earnings have consistently beaten expectations. The company maintains solid profitability with a 14.26% net margin and 27.42% ROE, supported by a 10% dividend increase announced in July 2026. Revenue growth has been steady, reaching $26.98B in 2025, though profit margins show slight compression from previous years.
The outlook remains balanced with strong fundamentals and shareholder returns offset by valuation concerns and rising cost pressures. Investment opportunity centers on consistent earnings beats, dividend growth, and AI initiatives through Oliver Wyman. Key risks include premium valuation multiples, softer insurance pricing tailwinds, and execution challenges in sustaining organic growth as operating expenses rise.
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 →Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc is a professional services firm that provides advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. The company operates through two main segments: risk and insurance services and consulting. In risk and insurance services, the firm offers services via Marsh (an insurance broker) and Guy Carpenter (a risk and reinsurance specialist). The consulting division comprises Mercer (a provider of human resource services) and Oliver Wyman (management and economic consultancy).
Read more on MRSH →