Ecolab Inc. vs VF Corp — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $285.5 (market cap $79.73B), while VF Corp trades at $14.76 (market cap $5.86B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 13.6× VF Corp's market cap, and VF Corp pays the higher dividend (2.42%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | VFC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.73B | $5.86B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $21.55 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $11.79 |
Enterprise Value | $88.51B | $10.14B |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 2.42% |
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.
VFC trades at $14.99, up 1.63% on the day, with a bearish technical signal and mixed earnings. Recent Q1 2027 results missed EPS estimates, though revenue exceeded expectations. The company faces challenges with Vans brand performance and a CFO transition, but maintains a raised fiscal 2027 sales outlook. Cash flow trends show improvement in 2026, with net cash flow turning positive.
Outlook remains cautious due to weak consumer sentiment and brand-specific headwinds, but deleveraging progress and margin gains offer potential upside. Risks include persistent Vans drag and macro pressures. Analyst consensus is Hold with a $17.44 price target, suggesting modest upside from current levels.
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 →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 →