Lowe's Companies Inc (LOW)vs3M Company (MMM)
LOW
Lowe's Companies Inc
$236.18
+0.75%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $131.50B
MMM
3M Company
$148.05
+0.94%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $77.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lowe's Companies Inc generates 246% more annual revenue ($86.29B vs $24.95B). MMM leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 7.7%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. MMM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
LOW
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
MMM
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-193.3%
Fair Value
$80.51
Current Price
$236.18
$155.67 premium
Margin of Safety
-323.6%
Fair Value
$40.80
Current Price
$148.05
$107.25 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
7.7% margin — thin
Earnings declined 10.8%
Trading at 16.7x book value
2.0% revenue growth
Earnings declined 19.9%
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LOW
The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : LOW
The primary concerns for LOW are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
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.
LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.
MMM generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MMM scores higher overall (54/100 vs 44/100). 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.
Lowe's Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.
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 HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?