Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$302.98
+0.70%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $84.98B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$519.72
+1.07%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $236.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 109% more annual revenue ($36.24B vs $17.37B). LIN leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs 12.0%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.00. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
LIN
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
-61.7%
Fair Value
$318.00
Current Price
$519.72
$201.72 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 28.0%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.2x book value
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 10.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LIN
The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.3% and operating margin at 28.0%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 41.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 12.7% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (833M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LIN scores higher overall (54/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 19.3% margins. 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.
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Linde plc is a multinational chemical company. It is the largest industrial gas company by market share and revenue. It serves customers in the healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, electronics and water treatment industries. The company's primary business is the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases, and process gases, including carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.
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