WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsMartin Marietta Materials Inc (MLM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 152% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $6.69B). MLM leads profitability with a 36.7% profit margin vs 12.6%. MLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.02. MLM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

ECL

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 3.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.17

MLM

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.94

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$80.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

MLM5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Profit MarginProfitability
36.7%10/10

Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Return on EquityProfitability
21.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
20.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.0%8/10

Revenue surging 21.0% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

ECL4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.3%4/10

3.3% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.373/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

MLM4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.024/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
33.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.944/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
-23.2%2/10

Earnings declined 23.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECL

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

Bull Case : MLM

The strongest argument for MLM centers on Profit Margin, Return on Equity, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.7% and operating margin at 20.2%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : MLM

The primary concerns for MLM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MLM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

MLM is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.

ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MLM scores higher overall (57/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 36.7% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. 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.

Martin Marietta Materials Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. is an American-based company. The company is a supplier of aggregates and heavy building materials, with operations spanning 26 states, Canada and the Caribbean. In particular, Martin Marietta supplies the resources for roads, sidewalks and foundations.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?