WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 252% more annual revenue ($56.67B vs $16.08B). NVS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 12.9%. NVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.54. 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

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
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
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-243.7%)

Margin of Safety

-243.7%

Fair Value

$48.62

Current Price

$150.75

$102.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $48.62Overvalued

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

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$286.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

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

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.6%2/10

Earnings declined 11.6%

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 : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 27.8%.

Bear Case : ECL

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

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.

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

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ECL scores higher overall (55/100 vs 51/100) and 17.8% 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.

Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

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