Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsUnited States Lime & Minerals Inc (USLM)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$257.97
+1.43%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.12B
USLM
United States Lime & Minerals Inc
$104.61
-2.37%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $3.11B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 4355% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $369.31M). USLM leads profitability with a 35.4% profit margin vs 12.8%. USLM trades at a lower P/E of 23.9x. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
USLM
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
+5.3%
Fair Value
$113.82
Current Price
$104.61
$9.21 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 40.7%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 3.7%
Earnings declined 10.9%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : USLM
The strongest argument for USLM centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.4% and operating margin at 40.7%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : USLM
The primary concerns for USLM are Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while USLM is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
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.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (97M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 46/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
United States Lime & Minerals Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA
United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. manufactures and supplies lime and limestone products in the United States. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
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