Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$270.55
-0.64%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $250.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 2683% more annual revenue ($447.57B vs $16.08B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. UNH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
UNH
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
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
-202.7%
Fair Value
$89.96
Current Price
$270.55
$180.59 premium
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.3%
Earnings declined 99.9%
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 : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.98 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 : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while UNH is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — 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
UNH scores higher overall (59/100 vs 55/100) and 12.3% revenue growth. 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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