Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co (RS)vsSherwin-Williams Co (SHW)
RS
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
$394.21
+0.46%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $20.33B
SHW
Sherwin-Williams Co
$323.31
+1.85%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $78.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Sherwin-Williams Co generates 54% more annual revenue ($24.41B vs $15.81B). SHW leads profitability with a 11.0% profit margin vs 5.7%. SHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.05. RS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
RS
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
SHW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for RS.
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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 26.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 42.3% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 70 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
5.7% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 20.2x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : RS
The strongest argument for RS centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 26.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SHW
The strongest argument for SHW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : RS
The primary concerns for RS are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
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
RS profiles as a growth stock while SHW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SHW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
RS is growing revenue faster at 26.5% — sustainability is the question.
SHW generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
RS scores higher overall (65/100 vs 60/100) and 26.5% 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.
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. is a metal service center company. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Visit Website →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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