Ecolab Inc. (ECL) vs Vale S.A. (VALE)

A side-by-side comparison of Ecolab Inc. and Vale S.A. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnECL vs VALE

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 24y
ECL +1519.0%VALE +2051.5%VALE compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200620102014201820222026$1,619$2,152
ECL VALE

ECL vs VALE: by the numbers

  • ECL is the larger company ($80.26B vs $62.73B market cap).
  • VALE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.65 vs 38.28 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ECL converts more revenue to profit (12.57% vs 4.92% net margin).
  • ECL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.78% vs -5.47% CAGR).
  • VALE pays the higher dividend yield (6.91% vs 1.00%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricECLVALE
P/E ratio38.2830.65
Forward P/E34.96N/A
P/S ratio4.791.52
P/B ratio8.021.65
PEG ratio7.38N/A
EV / EBITDA26.395.10
FCF yield2.31%6.15%

Profitability

MetricECLVALE
Gross margin44.11%34.32%
Operating margin17.37%28.32%
Net margin12.57%4.92%
ROE21.05%5.34%
ROIC11.95%6.85%

Dividends

MetricECLVALE
Dividend yield1.00%6.91%
Payout ratio38.74%175.15%

Growth (annualized)

MetricECLVALE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.78%-5.47%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.19%-10.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.68%-29.16%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.53%2.70%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ECL or VALE?
VALE has the lower trailing P/E: ECL trades at 38.28 and VALE at 30.65. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ECL or VALE?
Over the past five years, ECL grew revenue faster — ECL at a 6.78% CAGR versus VALE at -5.47%.
Does ECL or VALE pay a bigger dividend?
ECL yields 1.00% and VALE yields 6.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ECL or VALE more profitable?
ECL runs the higher net margin — ECL at 12.57% versus VALE at 4.92%.
How have ECL and VALE total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ECL delivered 9.98% and VALE delivered 17.27% 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 August 8, 2026.