Air Products vs Sherwin-Williams (APD vs SHW)
Air Products (APD) vs Sherwin-Williams (SHW) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Air Products (APD) and Sherwin-Williams (SHW) compete in materials and chemicals. Here are Air Products and Sherwin-Williams side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Air Products or Sherwin-Williams.
Air Products vs Sherwin-Williams: the figures
| Figure | Air Products | Sherwin-Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $318.87 (November 4, 2026) | $363.50 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $71.0 billion | $87.8 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | N/A | 33.4x |
| Forward P/E | 22.1x | 27.5x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +4.6% | +7.9% |
| Net margin (TTM) | -0.4% | 10.7% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.7x | 3.0x |
| Dividend yield | 2.31% | 0.94% |
| Beta | 0.67 | 1.05 |
Air Products and Sherwin-Williams figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Air Products or Sherwin-Williams figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Air Products and Sherwin-Williams
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Sherwin-Williams keeps 10.7 as net profit and Air Products keeps -0.4.
- Dividend: Air Products yields 2.31% at today's price and Sherwin-Williams yields 0.94%.
- Volatility: Sherwin-Williams stock moves more (beta 1.05) than Air Products (beta 0.67); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
Air Products or Sherwin-Williams: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Sherwin-Williams is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Air Products pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Sherwin-Williams has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
Neither Air Products nor Sherwin-Williams wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Air Products and Sherwin-Williams make money
Air Products (APD)
Air Products produces industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen and helium, delivered by pipeline from on-site plants, by truck or in cylinders. It reports geographic segments including Americas, Asia and Europe, and sells to refineries, chemical makers, steel mills, chip fabs and hospitals. Full Air Products analysis.
Sherwin-Williams (SHW)
Sherwin-Williams makes and sells paints and coatings. Paint Stores Group, its largest segment, runs company-owned stores serving mostly professional painters, Consumer Brands Group sells brands like Valspar and Krylon through big-box retailers, and Performance Coatings Group supplies industrial and automotive customers. Full Sherwin-Williams analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Air Products vs Sherwin-Williams
Is Air Products or Sherwin-Williams the better stock?
Choosing between Air Products and Sherwin-Williams depends on what you are looking for. Sherwin-Williams is growing faster right now. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Air Products or Sherwin-Williams: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Air Products or Sherwin-Williams?
As of November 4, 2026, Air Products yields 2.31% and Sherwin-Williams yields 0.94%. Also check how much of their profit Air Products and Sherwin-Williams pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Can I own both Air Products and Sherwin-Williams?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Air Products and Sherwin-Williams, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Air Products or Sherwin-Williams.
More comparisons with Air Products or Sherwin-Williams
More companies like Air Products and Sherwin-Williams: materials and chemicals stocks. Educational content about Air Products and Sherwin-Williams, not investment advice.