Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsSherwin-Williams Co (SHW)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$304.68
-1.20%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $84.98B
SHW
Sherwin-Williams Co
$340.92
-3.26%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.35B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Sherwin-Williams Co generates 43% more annual revenue ($24.91B vs $17.37B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.0% profit margin vs 10.7%. SHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.14. SHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
SHW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
+1.7%
Fair Value
$338.23
Current Price
$340.92
$2.69 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Every $100 of equity generates 70 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.2x book value
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
0.9% earnings 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 of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SHW
The strongest argument for SHW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 41.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : SHW
The primary concerns for SHW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SHW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 12.7% — sustainability is the question.
SHW generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SHW scores higher overall (56/100 vs 53/100). 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.
Sherwin-Williams Co
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Sherwin Williams Company is a Cleveland, Ohio based company in the paint and coating manufacturing industry. The company primarily engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings, floorcoverings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers primarily in North and South America and Europe.
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