ORLY vs SHW Comparison

Founded in 1957, O'Reilly Auto Parts is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and accessories, serving both DIY and professional customers. The company operates nearly 6,600 stores across 48 US states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada. In fiscal 2025, O'Reilly generated nearly $18 billion in sales, with its dual market strategy yielding a balanced revenue mix, split between retail DIY customers (49%) and professional service orders (49%). The balance of its sales is derived from noncore categories, including wholesale distribution to independent parts distributors, heavy-shop equipment sales, and value-added services.

Sherwin-Williams is the largest global manufacturer of paints and coatings. The company focuses on the development, manufacturing, and distribution of paint, coatings, and related products to customers ranging from professional painters and contractors to industrial manufacturers to do-it-yourself consumers. Sherwin organizes its operations into three primary segments: the paint stores group is the largest segment and includes the company's network of over 4,800 company-owned stores; the consumer brands group sells branded architectural paints through big-box retailers such as Lowe's, and the performance coatings group provides specialized coatings for industrial applications, such as automotive refinishing, packaging, and industrial wood.