International Business Machines (IBM)vs3M Company (MMM)
IBM
International Business Machines
$229.76
-0.67%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $217.40B
MMM
3M Company
$143.29
-0.32%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.98B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
International Business Machines generates 175% more annual revenue ($68.91B vs $25.02B). IBM leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 11.1%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. IBM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
IBM
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
MMM
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-28.7%
Fair Value
$178.54
Current Price
$229.76
$51.22 premium
Margin of Safety
-31.4%
Fair Value
$131.53
Current Price
$143.29
$11.76 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit
Generating 4.8B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 72 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.3%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Elevated debt levels
Moderate valuation
1.3% revenue growth
Trading at 22.9x book value
Earnings declined 39.7%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IBM
The strongest argument for IBM centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 13.8%.
Bull Case : MMM
The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : IBM
The primary concerns for IBM are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.06 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MMM
The primary concerns for MMM are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IBM profiles as a mature stock while MMM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MMM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
IBM is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
IBM generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
IBM scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins. 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.
International Business Machines
TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Armonk, New York, with operations in over 170 countries. The company began in 1911, founded in Endicott, New York, as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and was renamed International Business Machines in 1924. IBM is incorporated in New York. IBM produces and sells computer hardware, middleware and software, and provides hosting and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology. IBM is also a major research organization, holding the record for most annual U.S. patents generated by a business (as of 2020) for 28 consecutive years. Inventions by IBM include the automated teller machine (ATM), the floppy disk, the hard disk drive, the magnetic stripe card, the relational database, the SQL programming language, the UPC barcode, and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). The IBM mainframe, exemplified by the System/360, was the dominant computing platform during the 1960s and 1970s.
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 →Compare with Other INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Stocks
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