BASF vs Sherwin-Williams (BAS.DE vs SHW)

BASF (BAS.DE) 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.

BASF (BAS.DE) and Sherwin-Williams (SHW) compete in materials and chemicals. Here are BASF 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 BASF or Sherwin-Williams.

BASF vs Sherwin-Williams: the figures

BASF and Sherwin-Williams figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that BASF or Sherwin-Williams figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between BASF and Sherwin-Williams

1. Dividend: BASF yields 4.20% at today's price and Sherwin-Williams yields 0.94%.
2. Valuation: Sherwin-Williams trades at 33.4x its annual earnings and BASF at 24.1x; the market pays more for each dollar of Sherwin-Williams profit, usually because it expects more growth.
3. Growth: BASF grew sales +14.2% year on year in its latest quarter, against +7.9% for Sherwin-Williams.

BASF or Sherwin-Williams: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: BASF 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): BASF pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: BASF has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: BASF trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither BASF 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 BASF and Sherwin-Williams make money

BASF (BAS.DE)

BASF is a chemical maker reporting segments including Chemicals (petrochemicals and intermediates), Materials (plastics and polyurethanes), Industrial Solutions, Nutrition & Care, Surface Technologies (auto catalysts and coatings) and Agricultural Solutions (seeds and crop protection). It supplies the auto, construction, farming and consumer industries, with Europe as its largest region. Full BASF 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: BASF vs Sherwin-Williams

Is BASF or Sherwin-Williams the better stock?

Choosing between BASF and Sherwin-Williams depends on what you are looking for. BASF is growing faster right now, and BASF trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy BASF or Sherwin-Williams: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, BASF or Sherwin-Williams?

As of November 4, 2026, BASF yields 4.20% and Sherwin-Williams yields 0.94%. Also check how much of their profit BASF and Sherwin-Williams pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, BASF or Sherwin-Williams?

On P/E, Sherwin-Williams (33.4x) is more expensive than BASF (24.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both BASF and Sherwin-Williams?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as BASF 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 BASF or Sherwin-Williams.

More comparisons with BASF or Sherwin-Williams

• BASF vs ArcelorMittal
• Air Liquide vs BASF
• BASF vs Ecolab
• Ecolab vs Sherwin-Williams

More companies like BASF and Sherwin-Williams: materials and chemicals stocks. Educational content about BASF and Sherwin-Williams, not investment advice.