WallStSmart

3M Company (MMM)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Microsoft Corporation generates 1172% more annual revenue ($318.27B vs $25.02B). MSFT leads profitability with a 39.3% profit margin vs 11.1%. MSFT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

MMM

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.82

MSFT

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.51
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MMMSignificantly Overvalued (-31.5%)

Margin of Safety

-31.5%

Fair Value

$131.48

Current Price

$143.29

$11.81 premium

UndervaluedFair: $131.48Overvalued
MSFTSignificantly Overvalued (-75.3%)

Margin of Safety

-75.3%

Fair Value

$240.06

Current Price

$415.12

$175.06 premium

UndervaluedFair: $240.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MMM3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
71.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 72 in profit

Market CapQuality
$74.98B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
23.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.3%

MSFT6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$3.13T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$15.80B10/10

Generating 15.8B in free cash flow

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.3%8/10

18.3% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

MMM4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.3%4/10

1.3% revenue growth

Price/BookValuation
22.9x2/10

Trading at 22.9x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
-39.7%2/10

Earnings declined 39.7%

MSFT1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MMM

The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : MSFT

The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.3% and operating margin at 46.3%. Revenue growth of 18.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : MSFT

The primary concerns for MSFT are P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MMM profiles as a value stock while MSFT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MSFT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

MSFT is growing revenue faster at 18.3% — sustainability is the question.

MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (15.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MSFT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 39.3% margins and 18.3% 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.

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 →

Microsoft Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?