Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$165.65
-0.13%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $263.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 337% more annual revenue ($70.30B vs $16.08B). MS leads profitability with a 24.0% profit margin vs 12.9%. MS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.83. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
MS
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
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
+59.3%
Fair Value
$407.18
Current Price
$165.65
$241.53 discount
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY
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
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : MS
The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.0% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while MS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — 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
MS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 24.0% margins and 11.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Morgan Stanley
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
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