WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsSteel Dynamics Inc (STLD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Steel Dynamics Inc generates 16% more annual revenue ($19.01B vs $16.45B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 7.2%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.46. STLD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

ECL

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30

STLD

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.80
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.

STLDUndervalued (+39.5%)

Margin of Safety

+39.5%

Fair Value

$340.13

Current Price

$228.66

$111.47 discount

UndervaluedFair: $340.13Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$72.47B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

STLD3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
93.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 93.1% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.8010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.1%8/10

19.1% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

ECL3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
35.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

STLD3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
7.2%3/10

7.2% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
10.912/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECL

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

Bull Case : STLD

The strongest argument for STLD centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : STLD

The primary concerns for STLD are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECL profiles as a value stock while STLD is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STLD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.40 — expect wider price swings.

STLD is growing revenue faster at 19.1% — sustainability is the question.

ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

STLD scores higher overall (62/100 vs 57/100) and 19.1% 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.

Steel Dynamics Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA

Steel Dynamics, Inc., is a steel producer and metal recycler in the United States.

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