Compare Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock (WTRG) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Ecolab Inc. vs Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $288.75 (market cap $80.65B), while Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock trades at $39.82 (market cap $11.15B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 7.2× Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock's market cap, and Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock pays the higher dividend (3.67%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Ecolab Inc. for 91 Days and Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock for 0 Days on average.
| ECL | WTRG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $80.65B | $11.15B |
Volume | 847,309 | 1,760,234 |
Sector | Basic Materials | Utilities |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $42.00 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $36.25 |
Typical Hold Time | 91 Days | 0 Days |
Enterprise Value | $89.44B | $19.66B |
Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.67% |
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 $285.66, up 0.48% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong analyst support. The company reported revenue of $16.08B in 2025, with a net income margin of 12.57% and robust profitability metrics. Recent news highlights its dividend aristocrat status and growth in high-tech and digital segments, with Q3 2026 earnings anticipated on October 27, 2026.
The outlook remains positive given analyst consensus and a $326.38 price target, though risks include elevated valuation multiples and increased debt from recent acquisitions. Earnings growth and contract renewal resilience underpin the investment case, but cost fluctuations and execution risks warrant monitoring.
WTRG trades at $39.29, up 0.36% with neutral technical signals. The stock shows mixed earnings performance with two beats and one miss in recent quarters, while maintaining strong profitability margins (21.6% net income margin). Analyst consensus is bullish with a $44.50 price target, supported by ongoing acquisitions and pending merger developments with American Water.
The stock presents a stable utility investment with moderate growth potential through strategic acquisitions, though near-term earnings volatility and integration risks from the pending merger warrant caution. Current valuation at 20.15 P/E appears reasonable given the company's consistent cash flow generation and defensive sector positioning.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Investor sentiment on Pluang
What Pluang investors did over the last 30 days
Investor sentiment on Pluang
What Pluang investors did over the last 30 days
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 Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock
Essential Utilities Inc. is a holding company for regulated water, wastewater, and natural gas utilities, operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands. It serves customers across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky.
Read more on WTRG →
