WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsHawkins Inc (HWKN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 1423% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $1.11B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 7.3%. HWKN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.52. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

ECL

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 3.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.17

HWKN

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.0Value: 2.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.

HWKNSignificantly Overvalued (-51.6%)

Margin of Safety

-51.6%

Fair Value

$98.66

Current Price

$124.07

$25.41 premium

UndervaluedFair: $98.66Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$80.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

HWKN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

ECL4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.3%4/10

3.3% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.373/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

HWKN4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Profit MarginProfitability
7.3%3/10

7.3% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.522/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECL

The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bull Case : HWKN

The strongest argument for HWKN centers on Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : HWKN

The primary concerns for HWKN are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.89 — expect wider price swings.

ECL is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ECL scores higher overall (53/100 vs 46/100). 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.

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.

Hawkins Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Hawkins, Inc. blends, manufactures, and distributes chemicals and other specialty ingredients in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Roseville, Minnesota.

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