Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsPhilip Morris International Inc (PM)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
PM
Philip Morris International Inc
$165.50
+0.99%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $255.09B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Philip Morris International Inc generates 153% more annual revenue ($40.65B vs $16.08B). PM leads profitability with a 27.9% profit margin vs 12.9%. PM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.86. PM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
PM
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-142.8%
Fair Value
$125.04
Current Price
$268.54
$143.50 premium
Margin of Safety
+17.9%
Fair Value
$201.54
Current Price
$165.50
$36.04 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
17.8% revenue growth
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 4.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : PM
The strongest argument for PM centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.9% and operating margin at 32.9%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : PM
The primary concerns for PM are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while PM is a mature 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.
PM generates stronger free cash flow (4.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PM scores higher overall (70/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 27.9% margins. 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.
Philip Morris International Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is a Swiss-American multinational cigarette and tobacco manufacturing company, with products sold in over 180 countries. The most recognized and best selling product of the company is Marlboro.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?