Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsInternational Flavors & Fragrances Inc (IFF)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$276.18
+1.69%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.38B
IFF
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
$83.61
-0.52%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $22.16B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 56% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $10.78B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 2.6%. IFF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.94. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
IFF
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
+63.6%
Fair Value
$211.67
Current Price
$83.61
$128.06 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.3% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.8% revenue growth
ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.6% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : IFF
The strongest argument for IFF centers on Price/Book.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : IFF
The primary concerns for IFF are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. Thin 2.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IFF carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (53/100 vs 44/100). IFF offers better value entry with a 63.6% margin of safety. 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.
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
International Flavors & Fragrances is an American corporation that produces flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic actives, which it markets globally. It is headquartered in New York City.
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