Bull case
SHW would need investors to value it at roughly 40x earnings — about 13x more generous than today's 27x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Three scenarios for where SHW stock could go
SHW would need investors to value it at roughly 40x earnings — about 13x more generous than today's 27x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
At 32x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
If investor confidence fades or macro conditions deteriorate, a 9x multiple contraction could push SHW down roughly 32% from where it trades now.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.

Sherwin-Williams is a global manufacturer and retailer of paints, coatings, and related products for professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It generates revenue primarily through architectural paint sales (~60% of revenue), industrial coatings (~25%), and consumer brands (~15%) sold through its extensive retail network and distribution channels. The company's key advantage is its vertically integrated model — combining manufacturing, distribution, and retail — supported by North America's largest network of company-owned paint stores that creates a powerful distribution moat.
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $3.38/$3.76 | -10.1% | $6.3B/$6.3B | +0.3% |
| Q4 2025 | $3.59/$3.45 | +4.1% | $6.4B/$6.2B | +2.5% |
| Q1 2026 | $2.23/$2.16 | +3.2% | $5.6B/$5.6B | +0.5% |
| Q2 2026 | $2.35/$2.27 | +3.5% | $5.7B/$5.6B | +1.9% |
SHW beat EPS estimates in 3 of 4 tracked quarters. A strong delivery record supports forward estimate credibility.
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
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Latest annual revenue by reported region
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Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Fair value est. $231 — implies -27.5% from today's price.
| Metric | SHW | S&P 500 | Basic Materials | 5Y Avg SHW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 26.6x | 19.1x+39% | 15.2x+75% | — |
| Trailing PE | 30.4x | 25.1x+21% | 22.3x+37% | 35.7x-15% |
| PEG Ratio | 4.40x | 1.72x+156% | 1.17x+275% | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 20.8x | 15.2x+37% | 11.0x+90% | 23.8x-13% |
| Price/FCF | 29.0x | 21.1x+38% | 25.6x+13% | 40.3x-28% |
| Price/Sales | 3.3x | 3.1x | 1.9x+73% | 3.6x-10% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.02% | 1.87% | 1.32% | 0.84% |
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolSHW generates $2.9B in free cash flow at a 12.1% margin — 16.5% ROIC signals a durable competitive advantage · returns 1.0% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
~4.9 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
* Elevated by buyback-compressed equity — compare ROIC (16.5%) for an undistorted picture of capital efficiency.
How capital is returned to owners
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt). ROE marked * where buyback-compressed equity base may inflate the figure.
Open full ratios pageKey factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
Ongoing global inflation and elevated interest rates significantly impact consumer and manufacturing behavior, potentially reducing demand for SHW's products. High mortgage rates, in particular, affect the housing market, a key sector for the company.
SHW is vulnerable to disruptions in its supply chain, including those caused by industry capacity constraints, labor shortages, raw material availability, and transportation delays. Such disruptions can delay product delivery and increase costs, eroding margins.
Volatility in the cost of raw materials and energy is a significant operational risk that can affect margins. Fluctuations in commodity prices can increase production costs and compress profit margins.
SHW faces risks associated with extensive environmental and product-related litigation, including issues related to lead-based paint. Litigation costs and potential liabilities could materially impact cash flow and financial condition.
SHW stock often trades at a premium valuation compared to its peers, with high P/E ratios. This leaves little room for error and can lead to significant stock price volatility if growth or earnings expectations are not met.
The company's performance is tied to cyclical markets such as housing and industrial activity. A prolonged downturn in these sectors poses a significant risk.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
A majority of analysts hold "Buy" or "Strong Buy" ratings on SHW, reflecting broad confidence in the company’s prospects. This consensus underscores a positive market view and suggests potential upside for investors.
Sherwin‑Williams has posted year‑over‑year growth in gross margins, and the company is executing restructuring initiatives that are expected to deliver significant annual savings. These moves are designed to enhance operational efficiency and lift EBITDA.
The firm has a long track record of increasing its dividend, signaling a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders. This consistent dividend growth reinforces investor confidence in the company’s cash‑flow stability.
The acquisition of Suvinil in Brazil is positioned to add to the company’s sales base, expanding its geographic reach and product portfolio. This strategic move is expected to drive top‑line growth in the coming periods.
Price increases across the Paint Stores network are projected to support EBITDA margin expansion. Coupled with disciplined SG&A management and focused cost control, these tactics structurally improve earnings power.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SHW SHW The Sherwin-Williams Company | $77.1B | 26.6x | +2.9% | 10.9% | Buy | +24.6% |
PPG PPG PPG Industries, Inc. | $23.8B | 13.5x | +1.3% | 9.8% | Buy | +20.0% |
RPM RPM RPM International Inc. | $12.7B | 18.1x | +2.6% | 8.8% | Buy | +23.4% |
AXT AXTA Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. | $5.8B | 10.6x | +0.6% | 7.2% | Hold | +28.4% |
HUN HUN Huntsman Corporation | $2.6B | — | -4.3% | -5.7% | Hold | -19.9% |
EMN EMN Eastman Chemical Company | $8.8B | 13.1x | -2.4% | 4.6% | Buy | 0.0% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
SHW returns 1.0% total yield, led by a 1.02% dividend, raised 40 consecutive years.
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1.60 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $3.16 | +10.5% | 0.0% | 1.0% |
| 2024 | $2.86 | +18.2% | 2.0% | 2.9% |
| 2023 | $2.42 | +0.8% | 1.8% | 2.6% |
| 2022 | $2.40 | +9.1% | 1.4% | 2.4% |
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) is rated Buy by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 38 analysts covering the stock, 23 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 14 rate it Hold, and 1 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $389, implying +24.6% from the current price of $312. The bear case scenario is $211 and the bull case is $465.
The Wall Street consensus price target for SHW is $389 based on 38 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $420 (+34.4% from today), and the low-end target is $365 (+16.8%). The base case model target is $377.
SHW trades at 26.6x times forward earnings. The stock trades at a notable premium to the broad market, which is typical for businesses with strong free cash flow and above-average growth expectations. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals overvalued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
The primary risks for SHW in 2026 are: (1) Inflation & Interest Rates — Ongoing global inflation and elevated interest rates significantly impact consumer and manufacturing behavior, potentially reducing demand for SHW's products. (2) Supply Chain Disruptions — SHW is vulnerable to disruptions in its supply chain, including those caused by industry capacity constraints, labor shortages, raw material availability, and transportation delays. (3) Raw Material & Energy Costs — Volatility in the cost of raw materials and energy is a significant operational risk that can affect margins. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
Analyst consensus estimates SHW will report consensus revenue of $24.6B (+2.9% year-over-year) and EPS of $11.45 (+9.3% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $25.5B in revenue.
A confirmed upcoming earnings date for SHW is not yet available. Check the Earnings section above for the most recent quarterly report dates and forward estimates.
The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) generated $2.9B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 12.1%. SHW returns capital to shareholders through dividends (1.0% yield) and share repurchases ($0 TTM).