WallStSmart

Alcon AG (ALC)vs3M Company (MMM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

3M Company generates 140% more annual revenue ($24.95B vs $10.40B). MMM leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 9.4%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. MMM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

ALC

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 4/9

MMM

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.82
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ALCSignificantly Overvalued (-489.8%)

Margin of Safety

-489.8%

Fair Value

$13.46

Current Price

$75.26

$61.80 premium

UndervaluedFair: $13.46Overvalued
MMMSignificantly Overvalued (-323.6%)

Margin of Safety

-323.6%

Fair Value

$40.80

Current Price

$148.05

$107.25 premium

UndervaluedFair: $40.80Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ALC2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.249/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MMM3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
75.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit

Market CapQuality
$77.25B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.33B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ALC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.704/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
37.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
4.5%3/10

ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.2%2/10

Earnings declined 22.2%

MMM4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
16.7x4/10

Trading at 16.7x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.9%2/10

Earnings declined 19.9%

Debt/EquityHealth
2.751/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ALC

The strongest argument for ALC centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.

Bull Case : MMM

The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ALC

The primary concerns for ALC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : MMM

The primary concerns for MMM are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MMM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.13 — expect wider price swings.

ALC is growing revenue faster at 8.6% — sustainability is the question.

MMM generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MMM scores higher overall (54/100 vs 49/100). 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.

Alcon AG

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

Alcon, Inc., an eye care company, researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells eye care products for eye care professionals and their patients around the world. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Visit Website →

3M Company

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?