WallStSmart

3M Company (MMM)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Microsoft Corporation generates 1124% more annual revenue ($305.45B vs $24.95B). MSFT leads profitability with a 39.0% profit margin vs 13.0%. MSFT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

MMM

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

MSFT

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.5Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.51
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MMMSignificantly Overvalued (-323.6%)

Margin of Safety

-323.6%

Fair Value

$40.80

Current Price

$148.05

$107.25 premium

UndervaluedFair: $40.80Overvalued
MSFTUndervalued (+50.1%)

Margin of Safety

+50.1%

Fair Value

$747.40

Current Price

$371.04

$376.36 discount

UndervaluedFair: $747.40Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

MSFT6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$2.85T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
39.0%10/10

Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
47.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 47.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
59.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 59.8% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.7%8/10

16.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

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

MSFT0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : MSFT

The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.0% and operating margin at 47.1%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : MSFT

No major red flags identified for MSFT, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

MSFT is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (5.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MSFT scores higher overall (74/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 39.0% margins and 16.7% 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.

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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.

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