Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsNewMarket Corporation (NEU)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$292.41
+0.39%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.98B
NEU
NewMarket Corporation
$873.27
-0.25%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $8.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 514% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $2.74B). NEU leads profitability with a 15.8% profit margin vs 12.6%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.49. NEU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
NEU
Buy64
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
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 23.9%
Earnings expanding 22.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 8.2x book value
3.3% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 23.9%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : NEU
The primary concerns for NEU are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while NEU is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NEU scores higher overall (64/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 15.8% margins. 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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