Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
TGT
Target Corporation
$116.37
+0.39%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $52.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 552% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $16.08B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.73. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
TGT
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-142.8%
Fair Value
$125.04
Current Price
$268.54
$143.50 premium
Margin of Safety
-107.3%
Fair Value
$55.28
Current Price
$116.37
$61.09 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
17.8% revenue growth
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (55/100 vs 46/100) and 17.8% revenue growth. 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.
Target Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Target Corporation is an American retail corporation. Their retail formats include the discount store Target, the hypermarket SuperTarget, and small-format stores previously named CityTarget and TargetExpress before being consolidated under the Target branding.
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