Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsOlympic Steel Inc (ZEUS)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$260.60
+1.55%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.47B
ZEUS
Olympic Steel Inc
$47.86
0.00%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $538.98M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 766% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $1.90B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 0.7%. ZEUS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
ZEUS
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
+50.9%
Fair Value
$103.51
Current Price
$47.86
$55.65 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
4.4% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 2.4% — below average capital efficiency
0.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : ZEUS
The strongest argument for ZEUS centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : ZEUS
The primary concerns for ZEUS are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 40.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ZEUS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.72 — 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.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 52/100). ZEUS offers better value entry with a 50.9% margin of safety. 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.
Olympic Steel Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Olympic Steel, Inc. processes and distributes metal products in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Bedford Heights, Ohio.
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