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.

Compare
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.

Total returnDOV vs ECL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
DOV +298.1% (+14.8%/yr)ECL +161.7% (+10.1%/yr)DOV compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$398$262
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

MetricDOVECL
P/E ratio22.8336.96
Forward P/E17.6733.76
P/S ratio3.024.60
P/B ratio3.307.71
EV / EBITDA14.8823.57
FCF yield4.61%2.42%

Profitability

MetricDOVECL
Gross margin39.58%44.11%
Operating margin16.87%17.37%
Net margin13.48%12.57%
ROE14.73%21.05%
ROIC9.56%9.42%

Dividends

MetricDOVECL
Dividend yield1.10%1.03%
Payout ratio25.18%38.12%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDOVECL
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.

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.