Sherwin-Williams Co (SHW)vsSouthern Company (SO)
SHW
Sherwin-Williams Co
$316.82
-1.06%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $78.98B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 26% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $23.94B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 10.9%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.66. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
SHW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+10.9%
Fair Value
$359.21
Current Price
$316.82
$42.39 discount
Margin of Safety
-26.1%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$91.80
$18.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 61 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 17.0x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SHW
The strongest argument for SHW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : SHW
The primary concerns for SHW are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SHW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
SHW generates stronger free cash flow (800,000), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SHW scores higher overall (56/100 vs 56/100). 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.
Sherwin-Williams Co
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Sherwin Williams Company is a Cleveland, Ohio based company in the paint and coating manufacturing industry. The company primarily engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings, floorcoverings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers primarily in North and South America and Europe.
Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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