Alto Ingredients Inc (ALTO)vsEcolab Inc (ECL)
ALTO
Alto Ingredients Inc
$4.31
+4.36%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $321.75M
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 1652% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $917.93M). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 1.5%. ALTO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ALTO
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-154.1%
Fair Value
$1.09
Current Price
$4.31
$3.22 premium
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
17.8% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 5.7% — below average capital efficiency
1.5% margin — thin
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 : ALTO
The strongest argument for ALTO centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.80 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 : ALTO
The primary concerns for ALTO are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 1.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALTO profiles as a value stock while ECL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — 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.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (55/100 vs 47/100) 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.
Alto Ingredients Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Alto Ingredients, Inc. produces and markets specialty alcohols and essential ingredients in the United States. The company is headquartered in Sacramento, California.
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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