Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsUniversal Health Services Inc (UHS)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
UHS
Universal Health Services Inc
$186.72
+0.43%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $11.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Universal Health Services Inc generates 8% more annual revenue ($17.36B vs $16.08B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 8.6%. UHS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. UHS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
UHS
Strong Buy76
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
+78.6%
Fair Value
$1081.08
Current Price
$186.72
$894.36 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
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 42.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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. Revenue growth of 17.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : UHS
The strongest argument for UHS centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : UHS
No major red flags identified for UHS, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while UHS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
UHS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
UHS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 55/100). 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.
Universal Health Services Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services.
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