WallStSmart

Alto Ingredients Inc (ALTO)vsEcolab Inc (ECL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 1696% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $916.07M). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 3.2%. ALTO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

ALTO

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 8.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.82

ECL

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.17
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ALTOUndervalued (+78.9%)

Margin of Safety

+78.9%

Fair Value

$13.11

Current Price

$5.71

$7.40 discount

UndervaluedFair: $13.11Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ALTO3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
15.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$72.12B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Areas to Watch

ALTO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$439.35M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

3.2% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.1%3/10

Operating margin of 1.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Revenue declined 0.8%

ECL3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.314/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ALTO

The strongest argument for ALTO centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.80 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : ECL

The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : ALTO

The primary concerns for ALTO are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : ECL

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 50/100). ALTO offers better value entry with a 78.9% margin of safety. 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.

Alto Ingredients Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Alto Ingredients, Inc. produces and markets specialty alcohols and essential ingredients in the United States. The company is headquartered in Sacramento, California.

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.

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