Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsPayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
PYPL
PayPal Holdings Inc
$44.85
+1.45%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $41.37B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
PayPal Holdings Inc generates 106% more annual revenue ($33.17B vs $16.08B). PYPL leads profitability with a 15.8% profit margin vs 12.9%. PYPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. PYPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
PYPL
Strong Buy78
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
+82.3%
Fair Value
$253.19
Current Price
$44.85
$208.34 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY
Generating 2.2B 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
3.7% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : PYPL
The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 17.5%. PEG of 0.69 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : PYPL
The primary concerns for PYPL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while PYPL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.
PYPL generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PYPL scores higher overall (78/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 15.8% 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.
PayPal Holdings Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating an online payments system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites, and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.
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