Albemarle Corp (ALB)vsEcolab Inc (ECL)
ALB
Albemarle Corp
$117.52
-3.76%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $15.29B
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$276.18
+1.69%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.38B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 185% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $5.91B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 3.8%. ALB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.79. ALB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
ALB
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-57.7%
Fair Value
$111.22
Current Price
$117.52
$6.30 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 2.2% — below average capital efficiency
3.8% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.3% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALB
The strongest argument for ALB centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 31.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.79 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, Profit Margin. A P/E of 479.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
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 1.33 — expect wider price swings.
ALB is growing revenue faster at 31.1% — sustainability is the question.
ALB generates stronger free cash flow (638M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ALB scores higher overall (63/100 vs 53/100) and 31.1% revenue growth. 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.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?