Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsSteel Dynamics Inc (STLD)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$276.18
+1.69%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.38B
STLD
Steel Dynamics Inc
$239.79
+1.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $34.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Steel Dynamics Inc generates 22% more annual revenue ($20.54B vs $16.84B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 7.8%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.95. STLD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
STLD
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Revenue surging 33.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 83.6% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.3% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
7.8% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : STLD
The strongest argument for STLD centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 33.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : STLD
The primary concerns for STLD are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while STLD is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
STLD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.51 — expect wider price swings.
STLD is growing revenue faster at 33.4% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STLD scores higher overall (66/100 vs 53/100) and 33.4% 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.
Steel Dynamics Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Steel Dynamics, Inc., is a steel producer and metal recycler in the United States.
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