Ecolab Inc. vs Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc — how do they compare? Ecolab Inc. trades at $286.29 (market cap $79.73B), while Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc trades at $97 (market cap $18.65B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is far larger — about 4.3× Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc's market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.03%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ECL | ZBH | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $79.73B | $18.65B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Health |
52-Week High | $308.35 | $107.71 |
52-Week Low | $245.73 | $79.58 |
Enterprise Value | $88.51B | $25.72B |
Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 0.98% |
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.
Zimmer Biomet (ZBH) trades at $96.55, down 0.66% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $103.56. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, beating estimates with EPS of $2.07, and raised its full-year outlook. Revenue growth remains steady, supported by hips, specialty businesses, and technology, though net income margin has moderated from 2023 peaks. Recent corporate news includes a dividend declaration and expansion of its technology center in India.
The outlook for ZBH is positive, driven by consistent earnings beats and strategic growth initiatives, but investors face risks from margin pressure and increasing debt levels. The stock offers potential upside to the consensus target, supported by institutional accumulation, though competitive and macroeconomic headwinds in the medtech sector warrant caution.
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 →Zimmer Biomet designs, manufactures, and markets orthopedic reconstructive implants, as well as supplies and surgical equipment for orthopedic surgery. With the acquisitions of Centerpulse in 2003 and Biomet in 2015, Zimmer holds the leading share of the reconstructive market in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Roughly 70% of total revenue is derived from sales of large joints, another quarter comes from extremities, trauma, and related surgical products.
Read more on ZBH →