WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsLive Ventures Inc (LIVE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 3538% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $441.98M). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 5.0%. LIVE trades at a lower P/E of 2.7x. 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

LIVE

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 8.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.02
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
LIVEUndervalued (+39.6%)

Margin of Safety

+39.6%

Fair Value

$32.30

Current Price

$13.51

$18.79 discount

UndervaluedFair: $32.30Overvalued

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

LIVE3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
2.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Return on EquityProfitability
26.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

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

LIVE4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$39.93M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.0%3/10

5.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

Operating margin of 3.2%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.213/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : LIVE

The strongest argument for LIVE centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : ECL

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

Bear Case : LIVE

The primary concerns for LIVE are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECL profiles as a growth stock while LIVE is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

LIVE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.

ECL is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.

ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ECL scores higher overall (55/100 vs 44/100) and 17.8% revenue growth. LIVE offers better value entry with a 39.6% 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.

Live Ventures Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Live Ventures Incorporated is engaged in flooring manufacturing, steel fabrication and retail businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?