Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsInternational Flavors & Fragrances Inc (IFF)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
IFF
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
$70.71
+4.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $17.35B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 48% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $10.89B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs -3.3%. IFF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.76. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
IFF
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-142.8%
Fair Value
$125.04
Current Price
$268.54
$143.50 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for IFF.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
17.8% revenue growth
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Operating margin of 4.6%
ROE of -2.6% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 6.6%
Earnings declined 31.0%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : IFF
The strongest argument for IFF centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.76 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : IFF
The primary concerns for IFF are Operating Margin, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while IFF is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
IFF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — 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 45/100) 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.
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.
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
International Flavors & Fragrances is an American corporation that produces flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic actives, which it markets globally. It is headquartered in New York City.
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