Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$268.54
+1.53%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $74.91B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$247.02
+0.71%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $17.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 423% more annual revenue ($16.08B vs $3.07B). WST leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs 12.9%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.73. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ECL
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
WST
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
$268.54
$143.50 premium
Margin of Safety
-256.8%
Fair Value
$68.99
Current Price
$247.02
$178.03 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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
2.1% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 21.6%.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a growth stock while WST is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — 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
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.
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.
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