Ecolab Inc. vs VF Corp — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $281.36 (market cap $78.97B), while VF Corp trades at $14.92 (market cap $5.71B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 13.8× VF Corp's market cap, and VF Corp pays the higher dividend (2.48%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Ecolab Inc. for 90 Days and VF Corp for 64 Days on average.
| ECL | VFC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $78.97B | $5.71B |
Volume | 974,947 | 8,987,330 |
Sector | Basic Materials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $21.55 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $12.62 |
Typical Hold Time | 90 Days | 64 Days |
Enterprise Value | $87.75B | $10.00B |
Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 2.48% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ECL trades at $278.10, down 0.97% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The company reported $16.08B in 2025 revenue, with a net income margin of 12.57% and strong profitability metrics. Recent news highlights its dividend aristocrat status and growth in high-tech segments, while institutional buying and insider purchases reflect confidence.
Outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $326.38, implying 17% upside, supported by analyst buy ratings (78%). Risks include elevated valuation multiples and increased debt from the CoolIT acquisition. Earnings growth in high-tech and digital segments is a key catalyst, though cost fluctuations pose headwinds.
VFC trades at $14.38, down 0.48% on the day, with a mixed technical picture showing a bullish moving average signal but neutral oscillators. The stock is near its 52-week low, reflecting ongoing challenges. Recent earnings have been volatile, with two misses in the last three quarters, and the company reported a net loss of $189.72 million for 2025. Revenue has declined from $11.8 billion in 2022 to $9.5 billion in 2025, though 2026 projects a return to profitability.
The outlook for VFC hinges on executing its turnaround amid weak Vans performance. The stock's discounted valuation (P/E of 20.84, P/S of 0.6) offers potential upside if brand recovery gains traction, but high execution risk and competitive pressures pose significant threats. Analyst consensus is mixed with a Hold rating, and the stock faces near-term resistance at $15.
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 →VF designs, produces, and distributes branded apparel and accessories. Its largest apparel categories include action sports, outdoor, and workwear. Its portfolio of about a dozen brands includes Vans, The North Face, Timberland, Supreme, and Dickies. VF markets its products in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific through wholesale sales to retailers, e-commerce, and branded stores owned by the company and partners. The company has grown through multiple acquisitions and traces its roots to 1899.
Read more on VFC →