WallStSmart

Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsWilliams Companies Inc (WMB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ecolab Inc generates 36% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $12.11B). WMB leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 12.8%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.35. WMB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

ECL

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30

WMB

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.37

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECL2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$72.46B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

WMB4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%

Market CapQuality
$89.22B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
23.1%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
25.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY

Areas to Watch

ECL3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.354/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

WMB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.484/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.372/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECL

The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bull Case : WMB

The strongest argument for WMB centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.1% and operating margin at 33.6%.

Bear Case : ECL

The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, 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 value stock while WMB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.

ECL is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

WMB scores higher overall (65/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins. 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.

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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