Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsScotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$276.18
+1.69%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.38B
SMG
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
$56.47
+0.55%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $3.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 383% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $3.48B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 2.1%. SMG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.81. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
SMG
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
-17.4%
Fair Value
$57.24
Current Price
$56.47
$0.77 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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.3% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
1.1% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
2.1% margin — thin
ROE of -47.6% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : SMG
The strongest argument for SMG centers on Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.81 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : SMG
The primary concerns for SMG are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Thin 2.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SMG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.81 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (53/100 vs 48/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
BASIC MATERIALS · AGRICULTURAL INPUTS · USA
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company manufactures, markets, and sells lawn and garden products to consumers in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Marysville, Ohio.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?