Ecolab Inc. vs Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $280 (market cap $79.79B), while Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. trades at $102.3 (market cap $15.71B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 5.1× Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.'s market cap, and Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.23%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | SWK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.79B | $15.71B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | — |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $104.00 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $62.12 |
Enterprise Value | $88.57B | $19.87B |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 3.23% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ECL trades at $284.4, down slightly (-0.27%) on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support (78% buy ratings). The company reported solid Q2 2026 earnings of $2.09 per share, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. Revenue growth is steady, with 2025 revenue at $16.08B, and profitability remains robust with a net income margin of 12.57%. Recent news highlights institutional activity and the completion of the $4.75B CoolIT acquisition, strengthening its high-tech portfolio.
The outlook is positive, driven by earnings momentum, strategic acquisitions, and a consensus price target of $327.90 implying ~15% upside. Key risks include execution of integration for recent acquisitions, input cost pressures, and broader market volatility. The stock presents a compelling opportunity for growth investors seeking exposure to a stable, dividend-paying company with digital and high-tech expansion drivers.
Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) trades at $102.64, down 1.2% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations with EPS of $1.57 versus $1.21 expected, driven by margin expansion and strong organic growth. The company announced a $1 billion U.S. investment plan to boost manufacturing and innovation, signaling strategic growth commitment.
The outlook is positive with improving profitability and debt reduction, but risks include competitive pressures and economic sensitivity. Analysts are mixed with a $93.67 consensus target below current price, suggesting cautious optimism. Upside hinges on continued execution of cost savings and market share gains in tools and infrastructure sectors.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Stanley Black & Decker Inc is a manufacturer of hand and power tools. The company operates three business segments: tools and storage, security, and industrial. Tools and storage, the largest segment by revenue, sells hand tools and power tools to professional end-users, distributors, retail consumers, and industrial customers. Security installs electronic security systems and provides electronic security services including alarm monitoring and video surveillance. Industrial sells engineered fastening products such as stud-welding systems, blind inserts and tools, and engineered plastic and mechanical fasteners. The largest end market is the United States of America.
Read more on SWK →