Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW)

A side-by-side comparison of Mastercard Incorporated and The Sherwin-Williams Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: MA is classified in Financial Services; SHW is classified in Basic Materials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnMA vs SHW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MA +520.3% (+20.0%/yr)SHW +271.5% (+14.0%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$620$371
MA SHW

MA vs SHW: by the numbers

  • MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $78.49B market cap).
  • SHW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (29.80 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 11.01% net margin).
  • MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 4.44% CAGR).
  • SHW pays the higher dividend yield (0.99% vs 0.60%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMASHW
P/E ratio31.3129.80
Forward P/E28.5226.70
P/S ratio14.233.22
P/B ratio88.9720.36
EV / EBITDAN/A19.95
FCF yieldN/A4.09%

Profitability

MetricMASHW
Gross margin100.00%49.07%
Operating margin59.84%16.36%
Net margin46.34%11.01%
ROE289.73%69.74%
ROICN/A14.59%

Dividends

MetricMASHW
Dividend yield0.60%0.99%
Payout ratio18.54%29.40%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMASHW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.09%4.44%
EPS CAGR (5Y)20.93%6.74%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-0.06%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.88%2.45%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or SHW?
SHW has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.31 and SHW at 29.80. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, MA or SHW?
Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — MA at a 16.09% CAGR versus SHW at 4.44%.
Does MA or SHW pay a bigger dividend?
MA yields 0.60% and SHW yields 0.99% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MA or SHW more profitable?
MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 46.34% versus SHW at 11.01%.
How have MA and SHW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 19.83% and SHW delivered 14.41% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.