Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsNorthern Technologies (NTIC)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$257.97
+1.43%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.12B
NTIC
Northern Technologies
$8.00
+1.52%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $76.03M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 18359% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $89.13M). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs -0.9%. NTIC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
NTIC
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
+80.1%
Fair Value
$42.92
Current Price
$8.00
$34.92 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
15.3% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -1.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 57.7%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : NTIC
The strongest argument for NTIC centers on Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 15.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.80 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : NTIC
The primary concerns for NTIC are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while NTIC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
NTIC is growing revenue faster at 15.3% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (97M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 46/100). NTIC offers better value entry with a 80.1% margin of safety. 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.
Northern Technologies
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and markets products and services that inhibit rust and corrosion in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Circle Pines, Minnesota.
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