Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$256.48
-0.86%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.64B
WDC
Western Digital Corporation
$293.10
-7.52%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $100.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 50% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $10.73B). WDC leads profitability with a 35.6% profit margin vs 12.9%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
WDC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-142.4%
Fair Value
$125.22
Current Price
$256.48
$131.26 premium
Margin of Safety
-311.2%
Fair Value
$66.57
Current Price
$293.10
$226.53 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 41 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 10.9x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 14.0x book value
Revenue declined 41.0%
Earnings declined 95.9%
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 : WDC
The strongest argument for WDC centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.6% and operating margin at 15.4%. PEG of 0.69 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 : WDC
The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while WDC is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — 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
ECL scores higher overall (55/100 vs 55/100) and 17.8% 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.
Western Digital Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.
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