Ecolab Inc. vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $281.83 (market cap $78.97B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $208.83 (market cap $83.98B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. and Waste Management, Inc. are close in size by market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.8%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Ecolab Inc. for 90 Days and Waste Management, Inc. for 130 Days on average.
| ECL | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $78.97B | $83.98B |
Volume | 974,947 | 2,182,180 |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $196.77 |
Typical Hold Time | 90 Days | 130 Days |
Enterprise Value | $87.75B | $106.78B |
Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 1.8% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ECL trades at $281.69, up 1.29% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. The stock shows robust fundamentals with revenue growth to $16.08B in 2025, a net income margin of 12.57%, and a 21.85% ROE. Recent news highlights its dividend aristocrat status and essential business model in hygiene and water management, with Q2 2026 earnings beating expectations.
Outlook is positive given high analyst buy ratings (78.38%) and a $326.38 price target, though risks include elevated debt from the CoolIT acquisition and cost fluctuations. The stock offers steady growth and income, supported by contract renewals and digital expansion, but investors should monitor execution on debt integration and margin pressures.
WM trades at $210.10, up 0.56% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong profitability metrics including a 29.83% ROE. Recent earnings have mostly beaten expectations, and the company maintains a solid dividend. Revenue grew to $25.20 billion in 2025, though net income margin dipped to 10.74%. Analyst consensus is strongly positive with no sell ratings.
The outlook for WM is favorable due to consistent cash flow, pricing power, and strategic acquisitions. Risks include elevated debt levels and sensitivity to economic cycles. With a P/E of 29.72, the stock is priced for growth, supported by bullish analyst sentiment and defensive business model strengths.
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 →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →