BASF vs Ecolab (BAS.DE vs ECL)

BASF (BAS.DE) vs Ecolab (ECL) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

BASF (BAS.DE) and Ecolab (ECL) compete in materials and chemicals. Here are BASF and Ecolab side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy BASF or Ecolab.

BASF vs Ecolab: the figures

BASF and Ecolab figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that BASF or Ecolab figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between BASF and Ecolab

1. Valuation: Ecolab trades at 42.9x its annual earnings and BASF at 24.1x; the market pays more for each dollar of Ecolab profit, usually because it expects more growth.
2. Dividend: BASF yields 4.20% at today's price and Ecolab yields 0.96%.
3. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Ecolab keeps 12.0 as net profit and BASF keeps 9.1.

BASF or Ecolab: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: BASF is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): BASF pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: BASF has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: BASF trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither BASF nor Ecolab wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How BASF and Ecolab make money

BASF (BAS.DE)

BASF is a chemical maker reporting segments including Chemicals (petrochemicals and intermediates), Materials (plastics and polyurethanes), Industrial Solutions, Nutrition & Care, Surface Technologies (auto catalysts and coatings) and Agricultural Solutions (seeds and crop protection). It supplies the auto, construction, farming and consumer industries, with Europe as its largest region. Full BASF analysis.

Ecolab (ECL)

Ecolab provides cleaning, sanitation and water treatment products and services to restaurants, hotels, hospitals, factories and data centers. Its segments are Global Industrial, which includes Nalco Water, Global Institutional and Specialty, Global Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Global Pest Elimination for pest control. Full Ecolab analysis.

Frequently asked questions: BASF vs Ecolab

Is BASF or Ecolab the better stock?

Choosing between BASF and Ecolab depends on what you are looking for. BASF is growing faster right now, and BASF trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy BASF or Ecolab: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, BASF or Ecolab?

As of November 4, 2026, BASF yields 4.20% and Ecolab yields 0.96%. Also check how much of their profit BASF and Ecolab pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, BASF or Ecolab?

On P/E, Ecolab (42.9x) is more expensive than BASF (24.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both BASF and Ecolab?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as BASF and Ecolab, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying BASF or Ecolab.

More comparisons with BASF or Ecolab

• BASF vs ArcelorMittal
• Air Liquide vs BASF
• BASF vs Sherwin-Williams
• Ecolab vs Sherwin-Williams

More companies like BASF and Ecolab: materials and chemicals stocks. Educational content about BASF and Ecolab, not investment advice.