Compare Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Ecolab Inc. vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $274.02 (market cap $76.06B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $302.5 (market cap $86.90B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. and Valero Energy Corporation are close in size by market cap, and Valero Energy Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.64%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $76.06B | $86.90B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Energy |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $301.43 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $131.77 |
Enterprise Value | $84.81B | $92.66B |
Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 1.64% |
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 $269.75, down 0.77% on the day, with a bearish technical signal. The stock shows strong fundamentals with 2025 revenue of $16.08B and net income of $2.08B, though recent quarterly EPS results have been mixed. The company recently completed the $4.75B CoolIT acquisition to strengthen its AI cooling portfolio, positioning high-tech as a growth engine. Analyst consensus remains strongly bullish with a $327.43 price target, representing 21% upside potential from current levels.
The outlook is positive given strong analyst support and strategic acquisitions, but risks include execution of the CoolIT integration, rising cost pressures, and mixed quarterly earnings performance. The stock's premium valuation (P/E 36.57) requires sustained earnings growth to justify current levels, making upcoming Q2 2026 results on July 28 critical for near-term direction.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $301.43, up 1.91% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving averages. Recent earnings consistently beat estimates, with Q1 2026 EPS of $4.22 versus $3.16 expected. Revenue declined to $122.69B in 2025 but net income margin improved to 3.37%. The stock benefits from elevated refining margins and positive analyst sentiment, with 55.55% recommending Buy.
Outlook remains positive due to robust refining margins and strategic positioning, though risks include volatile energy markets and declining revenue trends. The consensus price target is $276.22, below current levels, suggesting potential near-term consolidation. Investors should weigh strong profitability against cyclical industry headwinds.
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 Valero Energy Corporation
Valero Energy is one of the largest independent refiners in the United States. It operates 14 refineries with a total throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels a day in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero also owns 14 ethanol plants with capacity of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol a year and holds a 50% stake in Diamond Green Diesel, which has capacity to produce 700 million gallons per year of renewable diesel.
Read more on VLO →
