Albemarle Corp (ALB)vsEcolab Inc (ECL)
ALB
Albemarle Corp
$155.44
-6.16%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $20.10B
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$257.97
+1.43%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 199% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $5.49B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs -4.2%. ALB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.04. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ALB
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-70.0%
Fair Value
$103.22
Current Price
$155.44
$52.22 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 32.7% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of -2.4% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 66.2%
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALB
The strongest argument for ALB centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 32.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.04 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : ALB
The primary concerns for ALB are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALB profiles as a hypergrowth stock while ECL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ALB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
ALB is growing revenue faster at 32.7% — sustainability is the question.
ALB generates stronger free cash flow (248M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 55/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Albemarle Corp
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Albemarle Corporation is a fine chemical manufacturing company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ecolab Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Ecolab Inc., headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, is an American corporation that develops and offers services, technology and systems that specialize in water treatment, purification, cleaning and hygiene in a wide variety of applications. It helps organizations both private market as well as public treat their water, not only for drinking directly, but also for use in food, healthcare, hospitality related safety and industry.
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