Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsAltria Group (MO)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
MO
Altria Group
$63.78
-0.84%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $107.97B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Altria Group generates 25% more annual revenue ($20.14B vs $16.08B). MO leads profitability with a 34.5% profit margin vs 12.9%. MO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.65. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
MO
Hold47
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
Margin of Safety
-135.3%
Fair Value
$28.02
Current Price
$63.78
$35.76 premium
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
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 3.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 0.5%
Earnings declined 62.9%
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 : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.5% and operating margin at 57.1%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while MO is a declining 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.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (55/100 vs 47/100) 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.
Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
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