Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsWorthington Steel Inc (WS)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$260.60
+1.55%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.47B
WS
Worthington Steel Inc
$36.40
-3.37%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $1.85B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 391% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $3.35B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 3.6%. WS trades at a lower P/E of 15.2x. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
WS
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
+71.5%
Fair Value
$169.99
Current Price
$36.40
$133.59 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.6% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.8%
Earnings declined 25.9%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : WS
The strongest argument for WS centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WS
The primary concerns for WS are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WS carries more volatility with a beta of 2.02 — expect wider price swings.
WS is growing revenue faster at 12.0% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 46/100). WS offers better value entry with a 71.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Worthington Steel Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Worthington Steel, Inc. is a steel processor in North America. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
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