WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsValmont Industries Inc (VMI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 292% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $4.10B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 8.5%. VMI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. VMI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

ECL

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30

VMI

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ECLSignificantly Overvalued (-142.8%)

Margin of Safety

-142.8%

Fair Value

$125.04

Current Price

$268.54

$143.50 premium

UndervaluedFair: $125.04Overvalued
VMIUndervalued (+39.1%)

Margin of Safety

+39.1%

Fair Value

$785.30

Current Price

$406.39

$378.91 discount

UndervaluedFair: $785.30Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$74.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.8%8/10

17.8% revenue growth

VMI3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
135.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 135.3% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Return on EquityProfitability
21.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Areas to Watch

ECL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.4x4/10

Trading at 11.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.732/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

VMI3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : VMI

The strongest argument for VMI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : ECL

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

Bear Case : VMI

The primary concerns for VMI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

VMI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

ECL is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.

ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VMI scores higher overall (63/100 vs 55/100). Both earn "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.

Valmont Industries Inc

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Valmont Industries, Inc. produces and sells metal products manufactured in the United States, Australia, Denmark, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

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