Compare Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Ecolab Inc. vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $272.77 (market cap $76.06B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $338.43 (market cap $73.79B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. and Norfolk Southern Corporation are close in size by market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.64%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $76.06B | $73.79B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Technology |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $328.54 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $260.32 |
Enterprise Value | $84.81B | $89.55B |
Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 1.64% |
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 $273.62, up 1.43% with a bearish technical signal despite strong analyst support. The company shows solid fundamentals with $16.08B revenue, 12.8% net margin, and 22.31% ROE. Recent Q1 2026 earnings met expectations while Q2 2026 results are pending. The $4.75B CoolIT acquisition strengthens AI cooling capabilities, positioning for long-term growth in high-tech markets.
ECL presents a compelling growth story with improving profitability and strategic acquisitions, though current valuation multiples appear elevated. Key risks include execution of recent acquisitions and rising cost pressures. With 76% analyst buy ratings and a $327.43 consensus target suggesting 20% upside, the stock offers potential for patient investors despite near-term technical weakness.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $338.82, up 3.67% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI levels. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 results expected on July 23, 2026. Fundamentals show robust profitability, including a 21.91% net income margin and 17.6% ROE, though valuation multiples like a P/E of 27.68 are elevated. Key news includes ongoing regulatory review of the proposed merger with Union Pacific.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus targets $344.40 with a buy rating, but regulatory uncertainty around the merger and high valuation pose risks. Earnings growth and merger progress are critical for upside, while any regulatory setbacks could pressure the stock. Investors should weigh strong fundamentals against execution and macro risks.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 Norfolk Southern Corporation
Norfolk Southern Corporation is a major North American railroad company operating one of the largest freight rail networks in the eastern United States. The company transports a diverse range of commodities, including coal, intermodal containers, and various industrial products. NSC is a critical link in the nation's supply chain, providing efficient, long-haul transportation services to and from ports and industrial centers.
Read more on NSC →
