Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$254.22
-0.91%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.46B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$379.98
+2.77%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $335.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 2633% more annual revenue ($449.71B vs $16.45B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
UNH
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
+42.2%
Fair Value
$639.72
Current Price
$379.98
$259.74 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 8.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Moderate valuation
2.0% revenue growth
0.7% earnings growth
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.
UNH generates stronger free cash flow (8.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 54/100). UNH offers better value entry with a 42.2% margin of safety. 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.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · 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. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.
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