Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$254.22
-0.91%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.46B
LOW
Lowe's Companies Inc
$229.20
-0.73%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $129.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lowe's Companies Inc generates 424% more annual revenue ($86.29B vs $16.45B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 7.7%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.35. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
LOW
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
-37.5%
Fair Value
$167.88
Current Price
$229.20
$61.32 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
7.7% margin — thin
Earnings declined 11.0%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : LOW
The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : LOW
The primary concerns for LOW are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.
LOW generates stronger free cash flow (964M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 44/100). 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.
Lowe's Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.
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