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 August 17, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
ECL
Ecolab Inc.
$274.04Basic MaterialsDelayed quote: Aug 17, 2026, 11:35 AM EDT
JCI
Johnson Controls International plc
$153.63Basic MaterialsDelayed quote: Aug 17, 2026, 11:34 AM EDT
Total return — ECL vs JCI
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yECL +151.7% (+9.7%/yr)JCI +362.0% (+16.5%/yr)JCI compounded faster over this window
ECL JCI
ECL vs JCI: by the numbers
- •JCI is the larger company ($93.06B vs $77.13B market cap).
- •JCI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (26.77 vs 37.06 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).
- •JCI pays the higher dividend yield (1.04% vs 1.03%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ECL | JCI |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 37.06 | 26.77 |
| Forward P/E | 33.85 | 30.62 |
| P/S ratio | 4.64 | 3.77 |
| P/B ratio | 7.77 | 6.99 |
| EV / EBITDA | 23.74 | 24.24 |
| FCF yield | 2.40% | 2.12% |
Profitability
| Metric | ECL | JCI |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 44.11% | 36.65% |
| Operating margin | 17.37% | 13.90% |
| Net margin | 12.57% | 14.32% |
| ROE | 21.05% | 26.55% |
| ROIC | 11.95% | 8.68% |
Dividends
| Metric | ECL | JCI |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.03% | 1.04% |
| Payout ratio | 38.74% | 60.61% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ECL | JCI |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.78% | 1.48% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 5.19% | 25.74% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 5.77% | -4.58% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 5.66% | 18.44% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, ECL or JCI?
- JCI has the lower trailing P/E: ECL trades at 37.06 and JCI at 26.77. 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 1.03% and JCI yields 1.04% 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 9.65% and JCI delivered 16.67% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Ecolab P/E ratioJohnson Controls International P/E ratioEcolab dividend yieldJohnson Controls International dividend yieldEcolab ROEJohnson Controls International ROEEcolab operating marginJohnson Controls International operating marginEcolab revenue growthJohnson Controls International revenue growthEcolab free cash flowJohnson Controls International free cash flow
Ecolab & Johnson Controls International 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 August 17, 2026.