Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsElement Solutions Inc (ESI)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$300.68
-1.68%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $84.98B
ESI
Element Solutions Inc
$30.76
+1.92%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $8.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 398% more annual revenue ($17.37B vs $3.49B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.0% profit margin vs 5.9%. ECL trades at a lower P/E of 41.2x. ESI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
ESI
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
-8.6%
Fair Value
$32.61
Current Price
$30.76
$1.85 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Revenue surging 51.7% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 68.6% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.1x book value
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
ROE of 5.4% — below average capital efficiency
5.9% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : ESI
The strongest argument for ESI centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 51.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 41.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : ESI
The primary concerns for ESI are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while ESI is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ESI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
ESI is growing revenue faster at 51.7% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (450M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESI scores higher overall (59/100 vs 53/100) and 51.7% 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.
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.
Element Solutions Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Element Solutions Inc produces and sells specialty chemicals in the United States, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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