Apollo Global Management, Inc. (APO) vs Ecolab Inc. (ECL)

APO leads on 10 of 14 compared metrics, though ECL is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Apollo Global Management, Inc. and Ecolab Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — APO vs ECL

growth of $100 · last 15y
APO +635.6%ECL +427.7%APO compounded faster
02004006008001kStart $10020142017202020232026$736$528
APO ECL

APO vs ECL: by the numbers

  • APO is the larger company ($79.41B vs $74.70B market cap).
  • ECL trades at the lower earnings multiple (35.91 vs 40.08 P/E).
  • ECL converts more revenue to profit (12.80% vs 7.24% net margin).
  • APO grew revenue faster over the past five years (37.15% vs 7.14% CAGR).
  • APO pays the higher dividend yield (1.56% vs 1.04%).

Which is better, APO or ECL?

Metric tally: APO 10 · ECL 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueECL(lower P/E)
GrowthAPO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeAPO(higher dividend yield)
QualityECL(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAPOECL
P/E ratio40.0835.91
Forward P/E14.9931.93
P/S ratio2.684.58
P/B ratio3.997.53
PEG ratio0.536.92
EV / EBITDA25.60
FCF yield2.48%

Profitability

MetricAPOECL
Gross margin89.33%44.29%
Operating margin31.05%17.49%
Net margin7.24%12.80%
ROE10.78%21.05%
ROIC7.24%11.95%

Dividends

MetricAPOECL
Dividend yield1.56%1.04%
Payout ratio28.63%37.65%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAPOECL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)37.15%7.14%
EPS CAGR (5Y)75.44%5.19%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.68%
Total return CAGR (5Y)21.35%5.50%

Frequently asked

Which is better, APO or ECL?
It depends on your goal. value: ECL (lower P/E); growth: APO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: APO (higher dividend yield); quality: ECL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, APO leads 10 to 4.
Is APO or ECL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ECL is cheaper: APO trades at a 40.08 P/E and ECL at 35.91.
Which has grown faster, APO or ECL?
Over the past five years, APO grew revenue faster — APO at a 37.15% CAGR versus ECL at 7.14%.
Does APO or ECL pay a bigger dividend?
APO yields 1.56% and ECL yields 1.04% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is APO or ECL more profitable?
ECL runs the higher net margin — APO at 7.24% versus ECL at 12.80%.
Which has been the better investment, APO or ECL?
Over the past 10-year, APO delivered the higher annualized total return — APO at 29.59% versus ECL at 9.42%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 15, 2026.