Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$256.48
-0.86%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.64B
STX
Seagate Technology PLC
$411.23
-5.38%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $97.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 60% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $10.06B). STX leads profitability with a 19.6% profit margin vs 12.9%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.67. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
STX
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-142.4%
Fair Value
$125.22
Current Price
$256.48
$131.26 premium
Margin of Safety
+1.9%
Fair Value
$415.12
Current Price
$411.23
$3.89 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
17.8% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 67.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 10.9x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 195.8x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : STX
The strongest argument for STX centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.6% and operating margin at 29.9%. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : STX
The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 49.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
STX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.65 — expect wider price swings.
STX is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
STX scores higher overall (72/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins and 21.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Seagate Technology PLC
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.
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