WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 19% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $13.55B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs -1.6%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.73. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

ECL

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30

WPP

Avoid

35

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 3.0Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ECLSignificantly Overvalued (-142.8%)

Margin of Safety

-142.8%

Fair Value

$125.04

Current Price

$268.54

$143.50 premium

UndervaluedFair: $125.04Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WPP.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$74.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.8%8/10

17.8% revenue growth

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ECL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.4x4/10

Trading at 11.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.732/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.3%2/10

ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECL profiles as a growth stock while WPP is a turnaround 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.

WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ECL scores higher overall (55/100 vs 35/100) and 17.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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