Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Rio Tinto Group (RIO)

A side-by-side comparison of Ecolab Inc. and Rio Tinto Group across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — ECL vs RIO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ECL +151.6% (+9.7%/yr)RIO +613.9% (+21.7%/yr)RIO compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$252$714
ECL RIO

ECL vs RIO: by the numbers

  • •RIO is the larger company ($153.66B vs $78.66B market cap).
  • •RIO converts more revenue to profit (17.29% vs 12.57% net margin).
  • •ECL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.78% vs 5.31% CAGR).
  • •RIO pays the higher dividend yield (4.65% vs 1.03%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricECLRIO
P/E ratio37.52N/A
Forward P/E34.2711.33
P/S ratio4.67N/A
P/B ratio7.822.35
EV / EBITDA23.89N/A
FCF yield2.38%N/A

Profitability

MetricECLRIO
Gross margin44.11%28.06%
Operating margin17.37%25.85%
Net margin12.57%17.29%
ROE21.05%16.06%
ROIC9.42%9.23%

Dividends

MetricECLRIO
Dividend yield1.03%4.65%
Payout ratio38.12%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricECLRIO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.78%5.31%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.19%0.36%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.77%-13.02%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.26%13.99%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, ECL or RIO?
Over the past five years, ECL grew revenue faster — ECL at a 6.78% CAGR versus RIO at 5.31%.
Does ECL or RIO pay a bigger dividend?
ECL yields 1.03% and RIO yields 4.65% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ECL or RIO more profitable?
RIO runs the higher net margin — ECL at 12.57% versus RIO at 17.29%.
How have ECL and RIO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ECL delivered 10.00% and RIO delivered 21.37% 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 13, 2026.