Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsStepan Company (SCL)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$276.18
+1.69%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.38B
SCL
Stepan Company
$61.57
-0.15%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $1.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 592% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $2.43B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs -0.1%. SCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.75. SCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
SCL
Buy58
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 101.6% YoY
15.0% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.3% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -1.2% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : SCL
The primary concerns for SCL are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
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 0.94 — expect wider price swings.
SCL is growing revenue faster at 15.0% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SCL scores higher overall (58/100 vs 53/100) and 15.0% revenue growth. 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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