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 150% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $6.73B). SQM leads profitability with a 20.6% profit margin vs 12.6%. SQM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.37. SQM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).

ECL

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 3.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.17

SQM

Exceptional Buy

83

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 7.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.05

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$80.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

SQM6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3710/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
48.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.8%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
136.7%10/10

Revenue surging 136.7% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
646.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 646.0% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
22.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.6%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

ECL4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.3%4/10

3.3% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.373/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SQM0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 20.6% and operating margin at 48.8%. Revenue growth of 136.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : SQM

No major red flags identified for SQM, but monitor valuation.

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 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

SQM is growing revenue faster at 136.7% — sustainability is the question.

SQM generates stronger free cash flow (761M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SQM scores higher overall (83/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 20.6% margins and 136.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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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