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 July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnECL vs FCX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
ECL +4999.7%FCX +688.2%ECL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$5,100$788
ECL FCX

ECL vs FCX: by the numbers

  • FCX is the larger company ($88.61B vs $79.62B market cap).
  • FCX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.75 vs 36.72 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • FCX converts more revenue to profit (23.54% vs 12.80% net margin).
  • ECL grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.14% vs 0.71% CAGR).
  • ECL pays the higher dividend yield (1.05% vs 0.96%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricECLFCX
P/E ratio36.7230.75
Forward P/E33.1721.72
P/S ratio4.684.80
P/B ratio7.704.50
PEG ratio7.081.98
EV / EBITDA23.969.65
FCF yield2.43%6.52%

Profitability

MetricECLFCX
Gross margin44.29%25.26%
Operating margin17.49%24.44%
Net margin12.80%23.54%
ROE21.05%22.05%
ROIC11.95%7.77%

Dividends

MetricECLFCX
Dividend yield1.05%0.96%
Payout ratio38.74%39.22%

Growth (annualized)

MetricECLFCX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.14%0.71%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.19%30.14%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.68%6.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.37%12.62%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ECL or FCX?
FCX has the lower trailing P/E: ECL trades at 36.72 and FCX at 30.75. 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, ECL grew revenue faster — ECL at a 7.14% CAGR versus FCX at 0.71%.
Does ECL or FCX pay a bigger dividend?
ECL yields 1.05% and FCX yields 0.96% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ECL or FCX more profitable?
FCX runs the higher net margin — ECL at 12.80% versus FCX at 23.54%.
How have ECL and FCX total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ECL delivered 9.76% and FCX delivered 18.20% 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 July 28, 2026.