As SXI Surges 5.8% in a Day, GWW’s Story Stands Out
W.W. Grainger (GWW) offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Standex International (SXI), suggesting you may be better off investing in GWW
- GWW’s Last 12 Months revenue growth was 3.7%, vs. SXI’s 2.7%.
- In addition, its Last 3-Year Average revenue growth came in at 8.4%, ahead of SXI’s 1.0%.
- GWW leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 15.3% and 3-year average of 15.2%.
SXI manufactures and sells diverse products and customized engineering solutions for commercial, industrial, aerospace, defense, energy, medical, marine, oil and gas, and space markets globally. GWW distributes MRO products and services, including safety supplies, material handling, plumbing, cleaning, and tools, through High-Touch Solutions and Endless Assortment segments.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| SXI | GWW | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 22.3 | 17.9 | GWW |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 17.2% | 1.7% | SXI |
| Last 12 Months | 2.7% | 3.7% | GWW |
| Last 3 Year Average | 1.0% | 8.4% | GWW |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 14.9% | 15.3% | GWW |
| Last 3 Year Average | 14.9% | 15.2% | GWW |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 116.0% | 74.6% | SXI |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: SXI Revenue Comparison | GWW Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: SXI Operating Income Comparison | GWW Operating Income Comparison
But do these numbers tell the full story? Read Buy or Sell GWW Stock to see if W.W. Grainger’s edge holds up under the hood or if Standex International still has cards to play (see Buy or Sell SXI Stock).
That is one way to look at stocks. Trefis High Quality Portfolio evaluates much more, and is designed to reduce stock-specific risk while giving upside exposure
Historical Market Performance
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| SXI Return | -1% | 44% | -6% | 56% | 19% | 6% | 150% | ||
| GWW Return | 23% | 29% | 9% | 51% | 28% | -8% | 201% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 16% | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 10% | 98% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| SXI Win Rate | 67% | 50% | 33% | 75% | 50% | 57% | 55% | ||
| GWW Win Rate | 50% | 67% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 43% | 57% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 57% | 62% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| SXI Max Drawdown | -51% | -3% | -27% | -0% | -11% | -30% | -20% | ||
| GWW Max Drawdown | -38% | -11% | -14% | -3% | -2% | -13% | -13% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -31% | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -12% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] 2025 data is for the year till date (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read GWW Dip Buyer Analyses and SXI Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.