Ecolab vs Sherwin-Williams (ECL vs SHW)

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

Ecolab (ECL) and Sherwin-Williams (SHW) compete in materials and chemicals. Here are Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams 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 Ecolab or Sherwin-Williams.

Ecolab vs Sherwin-Williams: the figures

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

3 key differences between Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams

1. Valuation: Ecolab trades at 42.9x its annual earnings and Sherwin-Williams at 33.4x; the market pays more for each dollar of Ecolab profit, usually because it expects more growth.
2. Growth: Ecolab grew sales +12.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against +7.9% for Sherwin-Williams.
3. Volatility: Sherwin-Williams stock moves more (beta 1.05) than Ecolab (beta 0.86); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.

Ecolab or Sherwin-Williams: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Ecolab 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): Ecolab pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Sherwin-Williams has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Sherwin-Williams trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Ecolab nor Sherwin-Williams 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 Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams make money

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.

Sherwin-Williams (SHW)

Sherwin-Williams makes and sells paints and coatings. Paint Stores Group, its largest segment, runs company-owned stores serving mostly professional painters, Consumer Brands Group sells brands like Valspar and Krylon through big-box retailers, and Performance Coatings Group supplies industrial and automotive customers. Full Sherwin-Williams analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Ecolab vs Sherwin-Williams

Is Ecolab or Sherwin-Williams the better stock?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, Ecolab or Sherwin-Williams?

As of November 4, 2026, Ecolab yields 0.96% and Sherwin-Williams yields 0.94%. Also check how much of their profit Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Ecolab or Sherwin-Williams?

On P/E, Ecolab (42.9x) is more expensive than Sherwin-Williams (33.4x) 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 Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams, 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 Ecolab or Sherwin-Williams.

More comparisons with Ecolab or Sherwin-Williams

• Air Products vs Ecolab
• BASF vs Ecolab
• Air Products vs Sherwin-Williams
• BASF vs Sherwin-Williams

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