WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsUfp Industries Inc (UFPI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 160% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $6.32B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 4.7%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.46. 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: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30

UFPI

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 5.3Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 5.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.

UFPIUndervalued (+19.3%)

Margin of Safety

+19.3%

Fair Value

$143.02

Current Price

$92.94

$50.08 discount

UndervaluedFair: $143.02Overvalued

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

UFPI2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.5210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

UFPI4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
4.7%3/10

4.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

Operating margin of 4.1%

PEG RatioValuation
2.672/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.0%2/10

Revenue declined 9.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECL

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

Bull Case : UFPI

The strongest argument for UFPI centers on Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.

Bear Case : ECL

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

Bear Case : UFPI

The primary concerns for UFPI are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 4.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

UFPI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — expect wider price swings.

ECL is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — 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

ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 45/100). UFPI offers better value entry with a 19.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Ufp Industries Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · LUMBER & WOOD PRODUCTION · USA

UFP Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets wood and wood alternatives in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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