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 $285.34 (market cap $79.73B), while Packaging Corporation of America trades at $257.82 (market cap $22.70B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 3.5× Packaging Corporation of America's market cap, and Packaging Corporation of America pays the higher dividend (2.36%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | PKG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.73B | $22.70B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Technology |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $256.04 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $191.68 |
Enterprise Value | $88.51B | $26.51B |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 2.36% |
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 $285.17, up 0.6% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.09, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. Revenue growth remains steady, with a net income margin of 12.57% and robust cash flow from operations of $2.95B in 2025. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and institutional buying interest.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $327.90, implying 15% upside. Risks include elevated valuation multiples and potential margin pressure from input costs. The stock's momentum is supported by earnings beats and strategic acquisitions, but investors should monitor debt levels and competitive dynamics in the water and hygiene sector.
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) trades at $256.04, up 1.3% on the day, with a bullish technical trend supported by moving averages and strong support at $252. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.35, beating estimates, driven by record corrugated shipments and contributions from the Greif acquisition, though net income margins face pressure from rising costs. A $1.50 dividend for H1-2026 reflects management's confidence, with a consensus price target of $269.33 suggesting modest upside.
Outlook: PKG benefits from robust demand and strategic acquisitions, but cost headwinds and a high P/E of 33.08 pose valuation risks. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 34.6% buy ratings, indicating cautious optimism amid margin compression and economic uncertainties. Key risks include freight and input cost inflation, competitive pricing pressure, and execution of integration synergies.
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 →
