WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsSmith-Midland Corp (SMID)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 17721% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $92.32M). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 11.4%. SMID appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

ECL

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.17

SMID

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.3Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.89
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.

SMIDSignificantly Overvalued (-54.7%)

Margin of Safety

-54.7%

Fair Value

$21.83

Current Price

$29.91

$8.08 premium

UndervaluedFair: $21.83Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$72.12B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

SMID5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.8910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
26.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

ECL3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.314/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SMID3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$157.68M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.0%2/10

Revenue declined 5.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-59.7%2/10

Earnings declined 59.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECL

The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bull Case : SMID

The strongest argument for SMID centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. PEG of 1.20 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 : SMID

The primary concerns for SMID are Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECL profiles as a value stock while SMID is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

SMID carries more volatility with a beta of 1.70 — 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 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.

Smith-Midland Corp

BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA

Smith-Midland Corporation invents, develops, manufactures, markets, leases, licenses, sells, and installs precast concrete products primarily for use in the construction, highway, utility, and agricultural industries. The company is headquartered in Midland, Virginia.

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