Dover Corporation (DOV) vs Ecolab Inc. (ECL)
A side-by-side comparison of Dover Corporation and Ecolab Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: DOV is classified in Industrials; ECL is classified in Basic Materials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
DOV
Dover Corporation
$189.00IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT
ECL
Ecolab Inc.
$275.34Basic MaterialsDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT
Total return — DOV vs ECL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yDOV +298.1% (+14.8%/yr)ECL +161.7% (+10.1%/yr)DOV compounded faster over this window
DOV ECL
DOV vs ECL: by the numbers
- •ECL is the larger company ($77.49B vs $25.45B market cap).
- •DOV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.83 vs 36.96 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •DOV converts more revenue to profit (13.48% vs 12.57% net margin).
- •ECL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.78% vs 2.54% CAGR).
- •DOV pays the higher dividend yield (1.10% vs 1.03%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | DOV | ECL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 22.83 | 36.96 |
| Forward P/E | 17.67 | 33.76 |
| P/S ratio | 3.02 | 4.60 |
| P/B ratio | 3.30 | 7.71 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.88 | 23.57 |
| FCF yield | 4.61% | 2.42% |
Profitability
| Metric | DOV | ECL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 39.58% | 44.11% |
| Operating margin | 16.87% | 17.37% |
| Net margin | 13.48% | 12.57% |
| ROE | 14.73% | 21.05% |
| ROIC | 9.56% | 9.42% |
Dividends
| Metric | DOV | ECL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.10% | 1.03% |
| Payout ratio | 25.18% | 38.12% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | DOV | ECL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.54% | 6.78% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 10.95% | 5.19% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 2.55% | 5.77% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.98% | 5.26% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, DOV or ECL?
- DOV has the lower trailing P/E: DOV trades at 22.83 and ECL at 36.96. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, DOV or ECL?
- Over the past five years, ECL grew revenue faster — DOV at a 2.54% CAGR versus ECL at 6.78%.
- Does DOV or ECL pay a bigger dividend?
- DOV yields 1.10% and ECL yields 1.03% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is DOV or ECL more profitable?
- DOV runs the higher net margin — DOV at 13.48% versus ECL at 12.57%.
- How have DOV and ECL total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, DOV delivered 14.80% and ECL delivered 10.00% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Dover P/E ratioEcolab P/E ratioDover dividend yieldEcolab dividend yieldDover ROEEcolab ROEDover operating marginEcolab operating marginDover revenue growthEcolab revenue growthDover free cash flowEcolab free cash flow
Dover & Ecolab appear in these rankings
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 September 13, 2026.