WallStSmart

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd (AXTA)vsEcolab Inc (ECL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 214% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $5.12B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 7.4%. AXTA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.02. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

AXTA

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.81

ECL

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AXTASignificantly Overvalued (-183.8%)

Margin of Safety

-183.8%

Fair Value

$11.83

Current Price

$27.66

$15.83 premium

UndervaluedFair: $11.83Overvalued
ECLSignificantly Overvalued (-142.8%)

Margin of Safety

-142.8%

Fair Value

$125.04

Current Price

$268.54

$143.50 premium

UndervaluedFair: $125.04Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXTA2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
15.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

ECL3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$74.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.8%8/10

17.8% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

AXTA4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.024/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.814/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Profit MarginProfitability
7.4%3/10

7.4% margin — thin

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.7%2/10

Revenue declined 3.7%

ECL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.4x4/10

Trading at 11.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.732/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AXTA

The strongest argument for AXTA centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

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 : AXTA

The primary concerns for AXTA are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXTA profiles as a value stock while ECL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

AXTA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — 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 51/100) and 17.8% 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.

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. manufactures, markets and distributes high performance coating systems in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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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