Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX)
A side-by-side comparison of Ecolab Inc. and Freeport-McMoRan Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
ECL
Ecolab Inc.
$276.18Basic MaterialsDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
FCX
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
$71.07Basic MaterialsDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — ECL vs FCX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yECL +157.3% (+9.9%/yr)FCX +694.5% (+23.0%/yr)FCX compounded faster over this window
ECL FCX
ECL vs FCX: by the numbers
- •FCX is the larger company ($102.17B vs $77.73B market cap).
- •FCX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (34.84 vs 37.07 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ECL converts more revenue to profit (12.57% vs 11.38% net margin).
- •FCX grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.30% vs 6.78% CAGR).
- •ECL pays the higher dividend yield (1.05% vs 0.84%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ECL | FCX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 37.07 | 34.84 |
| Forward P/E | 33.87 | 24.12 |
| P/S ratio | 4.61 | 3.95 |
| P/B ratio | 7.73 | 5.08 |
| EV / EBITDA | 23.64 | 11.98 |
| FCF yield | 2.41% | 1.82% |
Profitability
| Metric | ECL | FCX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 44.11% | 26.85% |
| Operating margin | 17.37% | 26.70% |
| Net margin | 12.57% | 11.38% |
| ROE | 21.05% | 14.65% |
| ROIC | 9.42% | 8.80% |
Dividends
| Metric | ECL | FCX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.05% | 0.84% |
| Payout ratio | 38.12% | 29.41% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ECL | FCX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.78% | 7.30% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 5.19% | 30.14% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 5.77% | 6.08% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.92% | 16.55% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, ECL or FCX?
- FCX has the lower trailing P/E: ECL trades at 37.07 and FCX at 34.84. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, ECL or FCX?
- Over the past five years, FCX grew revenue faster — ECL at a 6.78% CAGR versus FCX at 7.30%.
- Does ECL or FCX pay a bigger dividend?
- ECL yields 1.05% and FCX yields 0.84% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is ECL or FCX more profitable?
- ECL runs the higher net margin — ECL at 12.57% versus FCX at 11.38%.
- How have ECL and FCX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, ECL delivered 9.82% and FCX delivered 22.64% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Ecolab P/E ratioFreeport-McMoRan P/E ratioEcolab dividend yieldFreeport-McMoRan dividend yieldEcolab ROEFreeport-McMoRan ROEEcolab operating marginFreeport-McMoRan operating marginEcolab revenue growthFreeport-McMoRan revenue growthEcolab free cash flowFreeport-McMoRan free cash flow
Ecolab & Freeport-McMoRan 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 11, 2026.