Ecolab Inc. vs First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $285.5 (market cap $79.73B), while First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund trades at $315.63. The key difference: Ecolab Inc. pays a 1.03% dividend while First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund pays none, and First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund is trading nearer its 52-week high, Ecolab Inc. nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | QTEC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.73B | — |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Broad Market / Factor |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $335.74 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $207.03 |
Enterprise Value | $88.51B | — |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | — |
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.
QTEC trades at $316.59, up 1.7% with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The ETF, tracking NASDAQ-100 technology stocks, lacks disclosed P/E and P/S ratios. A small dividend of $0.03 is scheduled for June 2026, with support at $313 and resistance at $319.
Outlook remains positive due to strong technical momentum, though overbought RSI signals caution. Risks include tech sector volatility and reliance on broad market trends. Analyst coverage highlights its role for diversified tech exposure without specific ratings available.
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 →QTEC is an ETF that seeks to track the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index. The fund provides targeted exposure to companies within the NASDAQ-100 that are classified as technology or telecommunications companies, focusing on firms involved in software, hardware, and related services. QTEC is a tool for investors seeking focused exposure to high-growth, large-cap technology companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange.
Read more on QTEC →