WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsNucor Corp (NUE)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Nucor Corp generates 131% more annual revenue ($38.83B vs $16.84B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 9.3%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.49. NUE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

ECL

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.17

NUE

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.73

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$80.98B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

NUE6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
32.0%10/10

Revenue surging 32.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
120.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 120.5% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.7310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$61.66B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

ECL4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.494/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
38.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
8.4x4/10

Trading at 8.4x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.3%4/10

3.3% earnings growth

NUE1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
5.212/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECL

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

Bull Case : NUE

The strongest argument for NUE centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 32.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : NUE

The primary concerns for NUE are PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECL profiles as a value stock while NUE is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

NUE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — expect wider price swings.

NUE is growing revenue faster at 32.0% — sustainability is the question.

NUE generates stronger free cash flow (829M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NUE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 53/100) and 32.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

Nucor Corp

BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA

Nucor Corporation is a producer of steel and related products based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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