Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsWilliams Companies Inc (WMB)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
WMB
Williams Companies Inc
$73.81
-0.87%
ENERGY · Cap: $90.96B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 36% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $11.83B). WMB leads profitability with a 22.1% profit margin vs 12.9%. WMB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.47. WMB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
WMB
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
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
+29.0%
Fair Value
$100.15
Current Price
$73.81
$26.34 discount
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
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Earnings expanding 50.8% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : WMB
The strongest argument for WMB centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.1% and operating margin at 41.2%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WMB
The primary concerns for WMB are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while WMB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — 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
WMB scores higher overall (67/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 22.1% margins. 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.
Williams Companies Inc
ENERGY · OIL & GAS MIDSTREAM · USA
The Williams Companies, Inc., is an American energy company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its core business is natural gas processing and transportation, with additional petroleum and electricity generation assets.
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