VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

★ WIDE MOAT STOCKS COMPARISON ★

NO ADVICE

Monday, January 5, 2026

Stock Comparison

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited vs The Sherwin-Williams Company

Compare moat strength, market structure, and segment coverage to understand how each company defends its edge.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited

0388.HK · Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)

Market cap (USD)$67.7B
Gross margin (TTM)
Operating margin (TTM)
Net margin (TTM)
SectorFinancials
Industry
CountryHK
Data as of2026-01-03
Moat score
92/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View 0388.HK analysis

The Sherwin-Williams Company

SHW · New York Stock Exchange

Market cap (USD)$81.5B
Gross margin (TTM)48.9%
Operating margin (TTM)15.9%
Net margin (TTM)11.1%
SectorMaterials
IndustryChemicals - Specialty
CountryUS
Data as of2025-12-31
Moat score
84/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into The Sherwin-Williams Company's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View SHW analysis

Comparison highlights

  • Moat score gap: Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited leads (92 / 100 vs 84 / 100 for The Sherwin-Williams Company).
  • Segment focus: Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has 4 segments (52.6% in Cash Markets); The Sherwin-Williams Company has 3 segments (57.1% in Paint Stores Group).
  • Primary market structure: Monopoly vs Quasi-Monopoly. Pricing power: Moderate vs Strong.
  • Moat breadth: Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has 9 moat types across 5 domains; The Sherwin-Williams Company has 6 across 3.

Primary market context

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited

Cash Markets

Market

Exchange-based cash equities trading, clearing and settlement in Hong Kong (including Stock Connect cash markets)

Geography

Hong Kong (with Mainland China Connect linkage)

Customer

Brokers, banks, proprietary trading firms, and investors; listed issuers via primary/secondary markets

Role

Exchange operator + clearing/settlement/depository operator

Revenue share

52.6%

The Sherwin-Williams Company

Paint Stores Group

Market

Company-operated paint & coatings retail (architectural + related products)

Geography

United States, Canada, Caribbean

Customer

Professional contractors and DIY homeowners

Role

Manufacturer-owned retail / distribution

Revenue share

57.1%

Side-by-side metrics

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Ticker / Exchange
0388.HK - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)
SHW - New York Stock Exchange
Market cap (USD)
$67.7B
$81.5B
Gross margin (TTM)
n/a
48.9%
Operating margin (TTM)
n/a
15.9%
Net margin (TTM)
n/a
11.1%
Sector
Financials
Materials
Industry
n/a
Chemicals - Specialty
HQ country
HK
US
Primary segment
Cash Markets
Paint Stores Group
Market structure
Monopoly
Quasi-Monopoly
Market share
100% (reported)
69.4% (estimated)
HHI estimate
10,000
n/a
Pricing power
Moderate
Strong
Moat score
92 / 100
84 / 100
Moat domains
Legal, Network, Financial, Supply, Demand
Supply, Demand, Legal
Last update
2026-01-03
2025-12-31

Moat coverage

Shared moat types

Distribution ControlSwitching Costs General

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited strengths

Concession LicenseClearing SettlementInteroperability HubTwo Sided NetworkDirect Network EffectsBenchmark Pricing PowerPhysical Network Density

The Sherwin-Williams Company strengths

Service Field NetworkBrand TrustScope EconomiesCompliance Advantage

Segment mix

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited segments

Full profile >

Cash Markets

Monopoly

52.6%

Equity and Financial Derivatives

Monopoly

20.3%

Commodities (LME and related)

Oligopoly

14.8%

Data and Connectivity

Quasi-Monopoly

12.2%

The Sherwin-Williams Company segments

Full profile >

Paint Stores Group

Quasi-Monopoly

57.1%

Consumer Brands Group

Oligopoly

13.5%

Performance Coatings Group

Oligopoly

29.4%

Want the full wide moat stocks list?

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Curation & Accuracy

This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).

Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.