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ECL vs SHW
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Ecolab (ECL) vs. Sherwin-Williams (SHW) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different growth engines: Ecolab is pivoting toward AI data-center cooling and life sciences, while Sherwin-Williams relies on pricing power and share gains in a soft housing market.
- Relative performance diverges: Ecolab's shares have rallied on High-Tech momentum, whereas Sherwin-Williams has been more range-bound amid muted demand in most end markets.
- Margin dynamics differ: Ecolab is expanding operating margins through pricing and productivity, while Sherwin-Williams is using targeted price increases to offset raw-material inflation.
- Balance-sheet trade-offs: Ecolab's $4.75 billion CoolIT acquisition raised leverage, while Sherwin-Williams maintains a dividend-aristocrat record backed by steady cash generation.
- Valuation gap: Both stocks trade at premium multiples, but Sherwin-Williams carries a higher price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio relative to its sector.
- For deeper context on each name, explore the ECL Major News and ECL Today's Price Move pages, along with SHW Major News and SHW Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across these and other names, explore the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams are two large-cap specialty-materials companies that rarely share a headline, yet both sit at the intersection of industrial economics and shifting market sentiment. Ecolab, a global leader in water treatment, hygiene, and infection prevention, is increasingly tied to the artificial-intelligence infrastructure buildout. Sherwin-Williams, a dominant paints and coatings manufacturer, is levered to housing, repaint activity, and industrial coatings. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing a technology-adjacent growth narrative against a steady, pricing-driven compounder. Understanding their relative performance, market positioning, and catalysts can help traders and longer-term investors decide which profile better fits current conditions.
ECL Overview and Recent Performance
ECL (Ecolab) provides water, hygiene, and infection-prevention solutions across industrial, institutional, food-and-beverage, and healthcare markets. In recent months, its narrative has shifted toward high-growth segments. The company completed its roughly $4.75 billion acquisition of CoolIT Systems, a direct liquid-cooling specialist, strengthening its position in the fast-expanding AI data-center cooling market. Management expects its Global High-Tech business to reach about $4 billion in annual sales by 2030, supported by double-digit growth in High-Tech and Life Sciences. Recent quarters showed organic sales growth in the mid-single-digit range, with High-Tech and Life Sciences growing well into double digits. Ecolab raised its full-year adjusted earnings outlook to the $8.05 to $8.25 per-share range. The primary offsets are elevated debt from acquisitions, near-term financing and amortization costs, and commodity-cost pressure, which the company has addressed through pricing and an energy surcharge.
SHW Overview and Recent Performance
SHW (Sherwin-Williams) is one of the world's largest paint and coatings companies, operating through its Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group. Its recent performance reflects a disciplined, share-gaining approach in a weak demand environment. The company raised its full-year profit forecast on expectations that price hikes will protect margins, announcing an 8% price increase in its Paint Stores Group effective September 1. In its most recent quarter, net sales rose about 7.5% to $6.79 billion, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) beat expectations, prompting management to lift its full-year adjusted EPS range to $11.80 to $12.20. Growth has been driven by account wins and the Suvinil acquisition rather than a broad demand recovery, with housing-related and do-it-yourself (DIY) demand remaining soft. As a dividend aristocrat with decades of consecutive increases, Sherwin-Williams offers a steadier, cash-generative profile.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page curates a focused selection of automated trading strategies drawn from hundreds of available AI trading bots, which collectively trade thousands of different tickers. Only the bots best suited to current market conditions earn a place in this section, reflecting an emphasis on adaptability rather than volume. These bots vary widely in trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and the sets of tickers they follow, giving investors a range of approaches to evaluate. The page offers a practical way to observe how algorithmic strategies are positioning across names like Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams. If you are exploring a more systematic approach to the market, reviewing the Trending AI Robots page may help you understand how data-driven models interpret shifting conditions.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge sharply on business model and growth drivers. Ecolab is broadening its addressable market by connecting water, chemistry, and digital monitoring to semiconductor fabs, power generation, and AI data centers, giving it a technology-adjacent catalyst. Sherwin-Williams remains anchored to architectural and industrial coatings, where pricing power and share gains must compensate for weak end-market demand. On momentum, Ecolab has shown stronger recent price appreciation tied to its High-Tech story, while Sherwin-Williams has been more subdued, with a lower one-year total return. Risk profiles also differ: Ecolab carries higher leverage from recent acquisitions, whereas Sherwin-Williams faces raw-material inflation and a sluggish housing cycle. Both trade at elevated valuations relative to their sectors, but Sherwin-Williams' P/E is notably higher, leaving less margin for error if demand disappoints.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, catalyst strength, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor ECL at present. Ecolab's combination of accelerating High-Tech and Life Sciences growth, consistent margin expansion, and a clear multi-year catalyst in AI infrastructure gives it a more defined upward trajectory. Sherwin-Williams remains a high-quality compounder, but its near-term story depends more on pricing execution against a still-soft demand backdrop. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: either name could outperform depending on how macroeconomic conditions and sector-specific momentum evolve in the coming months.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ECL is a Buy and SHW is a Hold.
ECL in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026
The 10-day moving average for ECL crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
ECL moved above its 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.50% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ECL advanced for three days, in 171 of 327 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 108 of 270 cases where ECL Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 40%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ECL moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 48 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 44%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 37 of 68 cases where ECL's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 54%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ECL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
ECL broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 24 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. ECL’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 90 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (8.382) is normal, around the industry mean (2.284). P/E Ratio (40.091) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-17.137). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.525) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.010) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.621) is also within normal values, averaging (48.960).
Aroon Indicator for SHW shows an upward move is likely
SHW's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on November 11, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 243 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 144 of the 243 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 59%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SHW as a result. In 44 of 84 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SHW just turned positive on November 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where SHW's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
SHW moved above its 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for SHW crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
Following a +6.75% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SHW advanced for three days, in 166 of 299 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SHW moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 35 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 19 of the 35 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 54%.
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
The 50-day moving average for SHW moved below the 200-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SHW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
SHW broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 18 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SHW’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 53 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 65 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 100 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: SHW's P/B Ratio (21.670) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (2.284). P/E Ratio (31.453) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-17.137). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.143) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.009) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.266) is also within normal values, averaging (48.960).
ECL | SHW | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 26 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 90 Overvalued | 100 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 43 | 65 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 45 | 18 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 24 | 45 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 34 | 53 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ECL's Valuation (90) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as SHW (100) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that ECL’s stock grew similarly to SHW’s over the last 12 months.
ECL's Profit vs Risk Rating (43) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as SHW (65) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that ECL’s stock grew similarly to SHW’s over the last 12 months.
SHW's SMR Rating (18) in the Industrial Specialties industry is in the same range as ECL (45) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that SHW’s stock grew similarly to ECL’s over the last 12 months.
ECL's Price Growth Rating (24) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as SHW (45) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that ECL’s stock grew similarly to SHW’s over the last 12 months.
ECL's P/E Growth Rating (34) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as SHW (53) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that ECL’s stock grew similarly to SHW’s over the last 12 months.
| ECL | SHW | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 44% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 52% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 54% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 63% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 51% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 52% | 11 days ago 56% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 52% | 7 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 2 days ago 52% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 40% | 2 days ago 59% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ECL’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while SHW’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- ECL’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- SHW’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ECL’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SHW’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ECL’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- SHW’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ECL (@Chemicals: Specialty) experienced а -2.27% price change this week, while SHW (@Chemicals: Specialty) price change was -2.13% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Chemicals: Specialty industry was +0.24%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.39%, and the average quarterly price growth was -9.62%.
Reported Earning Dates
ECL is expected to report earnings on Feb 16, 2027.
SHW is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Chemicals: Specialty (+0.24% weekly)The specialty chemicals sector includes companies that produce chemicals and industrial gases, which are of relatively high-value, often made to customer specifications. Examples of specialty chemicals are electronic chemicals, industrial gases, coatings, adhesives and sealants, industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals. The products are often valued on the basis of their purposes/performances rather than for their composition. Linde Plc, Ecolab Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and Dow, Inc. are some of the largest companies making specialty chemicals.
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ECL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ECL has been closely correlated with SHW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ECL jumps, then SHW could also see price increases.
SHW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SHW has been closely correlated with RPM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 81% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SHW jumps, then RPM could also see price increases.