Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$67.63
+0.54%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 65% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $9.76B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 12.9%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.73. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
SYF
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-142.8%
Fair Value
$125.04
Current Price
$268.54
$143.50 premium
Margin of Safety
+59.2%
Fair Value
$178.92
Current Price
$67.63
$111.29 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while SYF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SYF scores higher overall (71/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. 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.
Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
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