WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsNewMarket Corporation (NEU)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 511% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $2.69B). NEU leads profitability with a 15.2% profit margin vs 12.8%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.31. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

ECL

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.17

NEU

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.81

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$72.12B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

NEU2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
23.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%

Areas to Watch

ECL3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.314/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

NEU4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.642/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.5%2/10

Revenue declined 4.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-4.9%2/10

Earnings declined 4.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECL

The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bull Case : NEU

The strongest argument for NEU centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.2% and operating margin at 23.6%.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : NEU

The primary concerns for NEU are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECL profiles as a value stock while NEU is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.

ECL is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

NEU generates stronger free cash flow (100M), 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.

NewMarket Corporation

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

NewMarket Corporation participates in the petroleum additives business. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

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