Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$254.22
-0.91%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.46B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$325.92
+1.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $22.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 411% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $3.22B). WST leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 12.8%. ECL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.35. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
WST
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
-32.4%
Fair Value
$185.95
Current Price
$325.92
$139.97 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Earnings expanding 56.1% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%
Revenue surging 21.0% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 21.7%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while WST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
WST is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WST scores higher overall (67/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. 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.
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.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?