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.

Compare

Total returnECL vs FCX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ECL +157.3% (+9.9%/yr)FCX +694.5% (+23.0%/yr)FCX compounded faster over this window
0200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$257$794
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

MetricECLFCX
P/E ratio37.0734.84
Forward P/E33.8724.12
P/S ratio4.613.95
P/B ratio7.735.08
EV / EBITDA23.6411.98
FCF yield2.41%1.82%

Profitability

MetricECLFCX
Gross margin44.11%26.85%
Operating margin17.37%26.70%
Net margin12.57%11.38%
ROE21.05%14.65%
ROIC9.42%8.80%

Dividends

MetricECLFCX
Dividend yield1.05%0.84%
Payout ratio38.12%29.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricECLFCX
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.

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.