WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsSociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B (SQM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 210% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $5.30B). SQM leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 12.8%. SQM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.34. SQM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

ECL

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.17

SQM

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.04

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$75.59B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

SQM4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3410/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
41.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
69.8%10/10

Revenue surging 69.8% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
165.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 165.2% YoY

Areas to Watch

ECL3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.494/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
36.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SQM1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECL

The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bull Case : SQM

The strongest argument for SQM centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 41.1%. Revenue growth of 69.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : SQM

The primary concerns for SQM are P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECL profiles as a value stock while SQM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

SQM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.

SQM is growing revenue faster at 69.8% — sustainability is the question.

SQM generates stronger free cash flow (679M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SQM scores higher overall (74/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins and 69.8% 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.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Sociedad Qumica y Minera de Chile SA produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals and other products and services worldwide. The company is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

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