Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsPenske Automotive Group Inc (PAG)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$254.22
-0.91%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.46B
PAG
Penske Automotive Group Inc
$173.81
+1.28%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $11.16B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Penske Automotive Group Inc generates 93% more annual revenue ($31.72B vs $16.45B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 2.9%. PAG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.09. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
PAG
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
-1.7%
Fair Value
$170.26
Current Price
$173.81
$3.55 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : PAG
The strongest argument for PAG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : PAG
The primary concerns for PAG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
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.
PAG generates stronger free cash flow (152M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 51/100). 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.
Penske Automotive Group Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA
Penske Automotive Group, Inc., a diversified transportation services company, operates commercial and automotive truck dealerships. The company is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
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