Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$51.89
-0.48%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $81.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 64% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $16.08B). USB leads profitability with a 28.7% profit margin vs 12.9%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.80. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
USB
Strong Buy75
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
+75.8%
Fair Value
$214.00
Current Price
$51.89
$162.11 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 24.7% 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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 28.7% margins. 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.
U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
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