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 $274.02 (market cap $76.06B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $113.42 (market cap $39.12B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.33%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $76.06B | $39.12B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Industrials |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $84.81B | $42.60B |
Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 4.33% |
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 $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.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $109.52, down 1.11% today but near the consensus price target of $110. The stock shows strong fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 beating estimates. Technical indicators are bullish on moving averages while oscillators remain neutral. Recent news highlights AI expansion and strong small business job growth, supporting the positive outlook.
PAYX presents a balanced investment case with robust profitability (27% net margin) and dividend appeal, though valuation multiples appear elevated. Key risks include macroeconomic sensitivity to small business hiring and competitive pressures. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 63% hold ratings, suggesting cautious optimism amid current price levels near fair value.
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 →
