Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
SCHW
Charles Schwab Corp
$95.68
-0.72%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $169.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Charles Schwab Corp generates 49% more annual revenue ($23.92B vs $16.08B). SCHW leads profitability with a 37.0% profit margin vs 12.9%. SCHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
SCHW
Strong Buy75
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
+56.0%
Fair Value
$217.62
Current Price
$95.68
$121.94 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
Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.7%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
18.9% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 41.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : SCHW
The strongest argument for SCHW centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.0% and operating margin at 49.7%. Revenue growth of 18.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SCHW
The primary concerns for SCHW are Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
SCHW is growing revenue faster at 18.9% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SCHW scores higher overall (75/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 37.0% margins and 18.9% 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.
Charles Schwab Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
The Charles Schwab Corporation is an American multinational financial services company. It offers banking, commercial banking, an electronic trading platform, and wealth management advisory services to both retail and institutional clients.
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