Albemarle Corp (ALB)vsSherwin-Williams Co (SHW)
ALB
Albemarle Corp
$117.52
-3.76%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $15.29B
SHW
Sherwin-Williams Co
$323.31
+1.85%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $78.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Sherwin-Williams Co generates 313% more annual revenue ($24.41B vs $5.91B). SHW leads profitability with a 11.0% profit margin vs 3.8%. ALB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.79. ALB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
ALB
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
SHW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-57.7%
Fair Value
$111.22
Current Price
$117.52
$6.30 premium
Margin of Safety
+2.3%
Fair Value
$330.90
Current Price
$323.31
$7.59 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.7%
Every $100 of equity generates 70 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 2.2% — below average capital efficiency
3.8% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 20.2x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALB
The strongest argument for ALB centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 31.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.79 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SHW
The strongest argument for SHW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ALB
The primary concerns for ALB are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 479.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : SHW
The primary concerns for SHW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALB profiles as a hypergrowth stock while SHW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ALB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.33 — expect wider price swings.
ALB is growing revenue faster at 31.1% — sustainability is the question.
SHW generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ALB scores higher overall (63/100 vs 60/100) and 31.1% revenue growth. 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.
Albemarle Corp
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Albemarle Corporation is a fine chemical manufacturing company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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.
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