Albemarle Corp (ALB)vsEcolab Inc (ECL)
ALB
Albemarle Corp
$181.39
+2.45%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $20.87B
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 213% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $5.14B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs -9.9%. ALB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.14. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ALB
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ALB.
Margin of Safety
-142.8%
Fair Value
$125.04
Current Price
$268.54
$143.50 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.9% revenue growth
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
17.8% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Grey zone — moderate risk
Operating margin of 2.3%
ROE of -4.7% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 66.2%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALB
The strongest argument for ALB centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.14 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ALB
The primary concerns for ALB are Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.48 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (55/100 vs 42/100) and 17.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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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