Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsW. R. Berkley Corp (WRB)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$264.25
-1.60%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
WRB
W. R. Berkley Corp
$64.73
-0.81%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.51B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 9% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $14.71B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs 12.1%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.73. WRB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
WRB
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-142.8%
Fair Value
$125.04
Current Price
$264.25
$139.21 premium
Margin of Safety
-136.4%
Fair Value
$30.26
Current Price
$64.73
$34.47 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.3x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.5% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 21.8%
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 : WRB
The strongest argument for WRB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WRB
The primary concerns for WRB are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while WRB is a value 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.
WRB generates stronger free cash flow (896M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (55/100 vs 55/100) and 17.8% revenue growth. 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.
W. R. Berkley Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - PROPERTY & CASUALTY · USA
W. R. Berkley Corporation is a commercial lines property & casualty insurance holding company organized in Delaware and based in Greenwich, Connecticut.
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