Compare Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Ecolab Inc. vs Packaging Corporation of America — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $281.83 (market cap $78.97B), while Packaging Corporation of America trades at $230.51 (market cap $20.49B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 3.9× Packaging Corporation of America's market cap, and Packaging Corporation of America pays the higher dividend (2.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Ecolab Inc. for 90 Days and Packaging Corporation of America for 45 Days on average.
| ECL | PKG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $78.97B | $20.49B |
Volume | 974,947 | 493,499 |
Sector | Basic Materials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $257.43 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $191.68 |
Typical Hold Time | 90 Days | 45 Days |
Enterprise Value | $87.75B | $24.30B |
Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 2.61% |
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 $281.69, up 1.29% with strong analyst support (78% buy ratings) and a $326.38 consensus target. The stock shows bullish technical momentum above key support at $279, supported by improving fundamentals including 9.7% Q2 sales growth and consistent dividend increases. Recent institutional buying and director purchases signal confidence ahead of Q3 earnings on October 27.
Outlook remains positive with High-Tech and Digital segments driving growth, though elevated P/E of 37.8 and rising debt from the CoolIT acquisition present valuation and execution risks. The dividend aristocrat status and essential service model provide stability, making ECL attractive for long-term investors despite near-term cost pressures.
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) trades at $230.51, up 1.43% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal from moving averages and oscillators. Recent earnings show mixed results with Q2 2026 beating estimates but Q4 2025 missing, while revenue growth is projected from $9.0B in 2025 to $9.5B in 2026. The company maintains a solid dividend, declaring $1.50 per share payable in October 2026, and analyst consensus leans hold with a $272.43 price target.
PKG faces headwinds from cost pressures and negative net cash flow, but strong institutional interest and stable packaging demand offer support. Risks include margin compression and economic sensitivity, yet the stock's current discount to analyst targets presents a potential upside for patient investors focused on fundamental strength.
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 Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America is a leading producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in North America. The company also produces white papers, which include printing and writing papers. PKG operates as an integrated manufacturer, with a strong focus on high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce, food and beverage, and other industrial and consumer markets.
Read more on PKG →
