Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsStepan Company (SCL)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$257.97
+1.43%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.12B
SCL
Stepan Company
$51.28
-0.52%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $1.20B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 602% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $2.34B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs -0.6%. SCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.75. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
SCL
Buy53
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 49.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.9% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Operating margin of 2.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : SCL
The strongest argument for SCL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SCL
The primary concerns for SCL are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Market Cap.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while SCL is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
SCL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (97M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 53/100). 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.
Stepan Company
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Stepan Company produces and sells specialty and intermediate chemicals to other manufacturers for use in various end products in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.
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