Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsSociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B (SQM)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$308.38
+1.78%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $84.98B
SQM
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B
$54.65
-3.05%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $16.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 158% more annual revenue ($17.37B vs $6.73B). SQM leads profitability with a 20.6% profit margin vs 12.0%. SQM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. SQM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 85/100 (A).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
SQM
Exceptional Buy85
out of 100
Grade: A
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 48.8%
Revenue surging 136.7% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 646.0% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.3x book value
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
No major concerns identified
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SQM
The strongest argument for SQM centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.6% and operating margin at 48.8%. Revenue growth of 136.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 41.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : SQM
No major red flags identified for SQM, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while SQM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
SQM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.07 — expect wider price swings.
SQM is growing revenue faster at 136.7% — sustainability is the question.
SQM generates stronger free cash flow (761M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SQM scores higher overall (85/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 20.6% margins and 136.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Sociedad Qumica y Minera de Chile SA produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals and other products and services worldwide. The company is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.
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