Ecolab (ECL) vs Estee Lauder Companies (EL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Estee Lauder Companies (EL) has outperformed Ecolab (ECL) over the past year, gaining 1.9% versus a loss of 0.3%. Over five years, ECL leads with a +26.3% price change compared with -70.6% for EL. Ecolab is the larger company by market cap ($77.96 billion vs $34.22 billion), about 2.3 times the size, while Estee Lauder Companies is growing revenue faster (+5.0% vs +2.2%).
On valuation, Estee Lauder Companies trades at a lower forward P/E (24.1x vs 29.5x for Ecolab). Estee Lauder Companies offers the higher dividend yield (1.48% vs 1.02%). Ecolab converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 12.9% versus 1.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ECL | EL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $278.10 | $94.45 |
| Market cap | $77.96B | $34.22B |
| 1-day change | -0.97% | +1.17% |
| YTD return | +5.93% | -9.81% |
| 1-year return | -0.32% | +1.91% |
| 5-year return | +26.29% | -70.56% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 37.33 | 188.90 |
| Forward P/E | 29.54 | 24.08 |
| EPS (TTM) | $7.45 | $0.50 |
| Dividend yield | 1.02% | 1.48% |
| Annual dividend | $2.84 | $1.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $16.08B | $15.05B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.16% | +5.05% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.08B | $182.00M |
| Gross margin | 44.46% | 75.50% |
| Operating margin | 17.02% | 5.18% |
| Net margin | 12.91% | 1.21% |
| 52-week high | $309.27 | $121.64 |
| 52-week low | $243.15 | $66.22 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -10.08% | -22.35% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.88% | +13.65% |
| Average volume | 1.28M | 2.95M |
| Shares outstanding | 280.33M | 247.82M |
| Employees | 48,000 | 37,950 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Package Goods/Cosmetics | Package Goods/Cosmetics |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Ecolab is about 2.3 times larger than Estee Lauder Companies by market value ($77.96B vs $34.22B).
- Estee Lauder Companies trades at a higher earnings multiple (188.9x vs 37.3x trailing P/E).
- Ecolab is more profitable, keeping 12.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 1.2 cents for Estee Lauder Companies.
About Ecolab
ECL stock →Ecolab Inc. provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally.
Consumer Discretionary · Package Goods/Cosmetics · 48,000 employees
About Estee Lauder Companies
EL stock →The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide.
Consumer Discretionary · Package Goods/Cosmetics · 37,950 employees
ECL vs EL FAQ
Which is bigger, Ecolab or Estee Lauder Companies?
Ecolab (ECL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $77.96B compared with $34.22B for Estee Lauder Companies (EL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ECL or EL?
EL returned +1.91% over the past 12 months, compared with -0.32% for ECL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ECL or EL?
ECL has the lower trailing P/E at 37.3, versus 188.9 for EL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Ecolab or Estee Lauder Companies?
Estee Lauder Companies has the higher yield at 1.48%, compared with 1.02% for Ecolab.
Are Ecolab and Estee Lauder Companies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Package Goods/Cosmetics industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.