WallStSmart

Ashland Global Holdings Inc (ASH)vsEcolab Inc (ECL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 810% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $1.81B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs -39.1%. ASH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

ASH

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 3.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0

ECL

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ASHSignificantly Overvalued (-33.8%)

Margin of Safety

-33.8%

Fair Value

$46.65

Current Price

$55.01

$8.36 premium

UndervaluedFair: $46.65Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASH1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$72.46B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Areas to Watch

ASH4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.6%4/10

0.6% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
-31.0%2/10

ROE of -31.0% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-47.5%2/10

Earnings declined 47.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
-39.1%1/10

Currently unprofitable

ECL3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.354/10

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 : ASH

The strongest argument for ASH centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.23 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 : ASH

The primary concerns for ASH are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : ECL

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ASH profiles as a turnaround stock while ECL is a value 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 (758M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 47/100). 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.

Ashland Global Holdings Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Ashland Global Holdings Inc. offers specialized chemical solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Covington, Kentucky.

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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