Corteva, Inc. (CTVA) vs Ecolab Inc. (ECL)

CTVA leads on 9 of 17 compared metrics, though ECL is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Corteva, Inc. and Ecolab Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CTVA vs ECL

growth of $100 · last 7y
CTVA +171.0%ECL +47.5%CTVA compounded faster
100150200250300Start $100202120232025$271$147
CTVA ECL

CTVA vs ECL: by the numbers

  • ECL is the larger company ($75.74B vs $52.54B market cap).
  • ECL trades at the lower earnings multiple (36.42 vs 46.23 P/E).
  • ECL converts more revenue to profit (12.80% vs 6.50% net margin).
  • ECL grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.14% vs 4.38% CAGR).
  • ECL pays the higher dividend yield (1.06% vs 0.92%).

Which is better, CTVA or ECL?

Metric tally: CTVA 9 · ECL 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCTVAECL
P/E ratio46.2336.42
Forward P/E21.0332.38
P/S ratio2.964.64
P/B ratio2.177.63
PEG ratio1.807.02
EV / EBITDA17.2123.99
FCF yield3.87%2.45%

Profitability

MetricCTVAECL
Gross margin46.81%44.29%
Operating margin16.26%17.49%
Net margin6.50%12.80%
ROE4.77%21.05%
ROIC5.91%11.95%

Dividends

MetricCTVAECL
Dividend yield0.92%1.06%
Payout ratio44.72%38.74%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCTVAECL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.38%7.14%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.09%5.19%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.57%6.68%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.21%6.77%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CTVA or ECL?
It depends on your goal. value: ECL (lower P/E); growth: ECL (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ECL (higher dividend yield); quality: ECL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CTVA leads 9 to 8.
Is CTVA or ECL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ECL is cheaper: CTVA trades at a 46.23 P/E and ECL at 36.42.
Which has grown faster, CTVA or ECL?
Over the past five years, ECL grew revenue faster — CTVA at a 4.38% CAGR versus ECL at 7.14%.
Does CTVA or ECL pay a bigger dividend?
CTVA yields 0.92% and ECL yields 1.06% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CTVA or ECL more profitable?
ECL runs the higher net margin — CTVA at 6.50% versus ECL at 12.80%.
Which has been the better investment, CTVA or ECL?
Over the past 5-year, CTVA delivered the higher annualized total return — CTVA at 14.21% versus ECL at 9.72%. 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 20, 2026.