Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
UNP
Union Pacific Corporation
$241.33
+0.69%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $142.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Union Pacific Corporation generates 52% more annual revenue ($24.51B vs $16.08B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 12.9%. UNP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.69. UNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
UNP
Buy60
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
-13.1%
Fair Value
$211.98
Current Price
$241.33
$29.35 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
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 40.9%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.2B 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
Revenue declined 0.6%
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 : UNP
The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 40.9%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : UNP
The primary concerns for UNP are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while UNP is a declining 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.
UNP generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
UNP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 29.1% margins. 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.
Union Pacific Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.
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