WallStSmart

3M Company (MMM)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

3M Company generates 153% more annual revenue ($25.02B vs $9.89B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 11.1%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

MMM

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

SYF

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.03
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SYF.

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%

SYF6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
36.4%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY

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%

SYF2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.032/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MMM

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

Bull Case : SYF

The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.0%.

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 : SYF

The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MMM profiles as a value stock while SYF is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.36 — expect wider price swings.

SYF is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.

SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SYF scores higher overall (77/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. 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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Synchrony Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.

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