Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsWD-40 Company (WDFC)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$276.18
+1.69%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.38B
WDFC
WD-40 Company
$194.82
-2.12%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $2.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 2396% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $674.68M). WDFC leads profitability with a 13.2% profit margin vs 12.6%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.95. WDFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
WDFC
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
-77.3%
Fair Value
$133.16
Current Price
$194.82
$61.66 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 20.7%
Revenue surging 24.3% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.3% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 9.4x book value
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 : WDFC
The strongest argument for WDFC centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 24.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : WDFC
The primary concerns for WDFC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while WDFC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.89 — expect wider price swings.
WDFC is growing revenue faster at 24.3% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WDFC scores higher overall (67/100 vs 53/100) and 24.3% 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.
WD-40 Company
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
WD-40 Company develops and sells maintenance products and cleaning and home care products in America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?