Ecolab Inc. vs PulteGroup, Inc. — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $273.17 (market cap $76.06B), while PulteGroup, Inc. trades at $127.73 (market cap $23.89B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 3.2× PulteGroup, Inc.'s market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.08%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | PHM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $76.06B | $23.89B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $142.56 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $108.65 |
Enterprise Value | $84.81B | $23.84B |
Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.83% |
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.
PulteGroup (PHM) trades at $127.11, up 2.05% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong profitability metrics including a 12.14% net margin. Recent earnings show mixed results with a Q3 2025 beat but subsequent misses, while cash flow trends improved in 2025. The stock is near its 52-week high of $144.50, reflecting resilience despite housing market headwinds from rising mortgage rates.
Outlook is cautiously optimistic with a consensus price target of $145.20 offering 14% upside, but risks include margin pressure from discounts and rate buydowns. Investment opportunity hinges on execution amid affordability challenges, with analyst sentiment balanced between buy and hold ratings.
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 →PulteGroup Inc is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States, operating in 40 markets across 23 states. The company mainly builds single-family detached homes (85% of unit sales) and offers products to entry-level, move-up, and active-adult buyers. PulteGroup offers homebuyers mortgage financing and title agency services through its financial services segment. The company is headquartered in Atlanta.
Read more on PHM →