Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsMaterion Corporation (MTRN)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$277.63
-0.61%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $75.11B
MTRN
Materion Corporation
$210.84
+1.31%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $5.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 759% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $1.92B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 4.0%. MTRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MTRN
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Revenue surging 30.8% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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.
Bull Case : MTRN
The strongest argument for MTRN centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 30.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MTRN
The primary concerns for MTRN are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 67.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while MTRN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MTRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.
MTRN is growing revenue faster at 30.8% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (97M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 52/100). 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.
Materion Corporation
BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA
Materion Corporation (MTRN) is a premier provider of advanced materials, specializing in high-performance metals and alloys essential for key sectors including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and electronics. The company is recognized for its innovative applications of beryllium and copper, along with a diverse portfolio of specialty coatings that adhere to the highest industry standards. Driven by a robust commitment to research and development and bolstered by strategic partnerships, Materion is well-positioned to enhance its competitive edge and achieve sustainable growth through customized, innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of its varied clientele.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?