Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsOtter Tail Corporation (OTTR)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
OTTR
Otter Tail Corporation
$86.55
-0.62%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $3.65B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 1133% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $1.30B). OTTR leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 12.9%. OTTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. OTTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
OTTR
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
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
-92.9%
Fair Value
$44.54
Current Price
$86.55
$42.01 premium
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
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%
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
1.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
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 : OTTR
The strongest argument for OTTR centers on Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 22.2%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : OTTR
The primary concerns for OTTR are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while OTTR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — 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
OTTR scores higher overall (63/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 21.2% 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.
Otter Tail Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA
Otter Tail Corporation is engaged in electrical service, manufacturing and plastic piping businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
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