Compare Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Ecolab Inc. vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $281.74 (market cap $78.97B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $104.96 (market cap $37.19B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 2.1× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Ecolab Inc. for 90 Days and Paychex, Inc. for 56 Days on average.
| ECL | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $78.97B | $37.19B |
Volume | 974,947 | 3,344,316 |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $128.59 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $85.57 |
Typical Hold Time | 90 Days | 56 Days |
Enterprise Value | $87.75B | $40.87B |
Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 4.56% |
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 $278.10, down 0.97% on the day, with strong analyst support (78% buy ratings) and a $326.38 consensus price target suggesting 17% upside. The stock shows bullish technical signals with support at $275 and resistance at $279. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations with 9.7% sales growth, while the company maintains dividend aristocrat status with consistent payout increases.
ECL presents a compelling growth story with expanding high-tech and digital segments, though elevated valuation multiples (P/E 37.81) and rising debt from the CoolIT acquisition warrant caution. The essential nature of its hygiene and water management services provides defensive characteristics, while upcoming Q3 earnings on October 27 will be critical for validating growth trajectory.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $101.55, up 0.52% on the day, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with a 27.35% net income margin and 47.06% ROE, but valuation ratios like P/E of 20.73 and P/S of 5.67 appear elevated. Recent news highlights mixed sentiment, with earnings outperformance offset by concerns over dividend sustainability and labor market cooling.
The outlook is cautious; while fundamentals remain solid with consistent revenue growth, high debt levels and bearish technicals pose risks. Analyst consensus leans hold with a $111 price target, suggesting limited upside. Key opportunities include dividend yield and PEO growth, but investors face headwinds from economic sensitivity and competitive pressures.
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 Paychex, Inc.
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →
