Albemarle Corp (ALB)vsSherwin-Williams Co (SHW)
ALB
Albemarle Corp
$155.44
-6.16%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $20.10B
SHW
Sherwin-Williams Co
$300.09
+0.93%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $73.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Sherwin-Williams Co generates 336% more annual revenue ($23.94B vs $5.49B). SHW leads profitability with a 10.9% profit margin vs -4.2%. ALB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.04. SHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
ALB
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
SHW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-70.0%
Fair Value
$103.22
Current Price
$155.44
$52.22 premium
Margin of Safety
+4.8%
Fair Value
$320.70
Current Price
$300.09
$20.61 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 32.7% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.8%
Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of -2.4% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 66.2%
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 16.6x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALB
The strongest argument for ALB centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 32.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.04 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SHW
The strongest argument for SHW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap.
Bear Case : ALB
The primary concerns for ALB are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : SHW
The primary concerns for SHW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 3.11 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 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
ALB is growing revenue faster at 32.7% — sustainability is the question.
ALB generates stronger free cash flow (248M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SHW scores higher overall (56/100 vs 55/100). 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.
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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