Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsNorthwest Pipe Company (NWPX)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$276.18
+1.69%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.38B
NWPX
Northwest Pipe Company
$104.64
+0.97%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $1.04B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 2832% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $574.44M). ECL leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 8.5%. NWPX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.95. NWPX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
NWPX
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
-62.3%
Fair Value
$46.36
Current Price
$104.64
$58.28 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
Earnings expanding 78.0% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
19.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.3% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : NWPX
The strongest argument for NWPX centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 19.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : NWPX
The primary concerns for NWPX are PEG Ratio, Market Cap.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while NWPX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
NWPX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.
NWPX is growing revenue faster at 19.7% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NWPX scores higher overall (64/100 vs 53/100) and 19.7% 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.
Northwest Pipe Company
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Northwest Pipe Company manufactures and supplies engineered welded steel pipe systems in North America. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?