WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsMcKesson Corporation (MCK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McKesson Corporation generates 2375% more annual revenue ($397.96B vs $16.08B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 1.1%. MCK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. MCK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

ECL

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

MCK

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 4.5Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 5.22
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ECLSignificantly Overvalued (-142.8%)

Margin of Safety

-142.8%

Fair Value

$125.04

Current Price

$268.54

$143.50 premium

UndervaluedFair: $125.04Overvalued
MCKUndervalued (+41.2%)

Margin of Safety

+41.2%

Fair Value

$1622.09

Current Price

$879.75

$742.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1622.09Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

MCK5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-6.6410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.2210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$108.85B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
38.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 38.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.12B8/10

Generating 1.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

MCK4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.1%3/10

1.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.6%3/10

Operating margin of 1.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : MCK

The strongest argument for MCK centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.07 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 : MCK

The primary concerns for MCK are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.

ECL is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.

MCK generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MCK scores higher overall (57/100 vs 55/100) and 11.4% 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.

McKesson Corporation

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

McKesson Corporation is an American company distributing pharmaceuticals and providing health information technology, medical supplies, and care management tools.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?