Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Johnson Controls International plc (JCI)

A side-by-side comparison of Ecolab Inc. and Johnson Controls International plc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 2, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — ECL vs JCI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ECL +153.9% (+9.8%/yr)JCI +374.9% (+16.9%/yr)JCI compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$254$475
ECL JCI

ECL vs JCI: by the numbers

  • •JCI is the larger company ($91.93B vs $76.27B market cap).
  • •JCI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (26.44 vs 36.38 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •JCI converts more revenue to profit (14.32% vs 12.57% net margin).
  • •ECL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.78% vs 1.48% CAGR).
  • •ECL pays the higher dividend yield (1.08% vs 1.05%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricECLJCI
P/E ratio36.3826.44
Forward P/E33.2524.80
P/S ratio4.533.68
P/B ratio7.586.82
EV / EBITDA23.2423.72
FCF yield2.46%2.17%

Profitability

MetricECLJCI
Gross margin44.11%36.65%
Operating margin17.37%13.90%
Net margin12.57%14.32%
ROE21.05%26.55%
ROIC9.42%9.77%

Dividends

MetricECLJCI
Dividend yield1.08%1.05%
Payout ratio39.19%27.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricECLJCI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.78%1.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.77%-4.58%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.07%19.42%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ECL or JCI?
JCI has the lower trailing P/E: ECL trades at 36.38 and JCI at 26.44. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ECL or JCI?
Over the past five years, ECL grew revenue faster — ECL at a 6.78% CAGR versus JCI at 1.48%.
Does ECL or JCI pay a bigger dividend?
ECL yields 1.08% and JCI yields 1.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ECL or JCI more profitable?
JCI runs the higher net margin — ECL at 12.57% versus JCI at 14.32%.
How have ECL and JCI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ECL delivered 9.52% and JCI delivered 16.40% 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 October 2, 2026.