Albemarle Corp (ALB)vsAir Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)
ALB
Albemarle Corp
$155.44
-6.16%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $20.10B
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$282.35
+1.26%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $62.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 127% more annual revenue ($12.46B vs $5.49B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs -4.2%. ALB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.04. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ALB
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-70.0%
Fair Value
$103.22
Current Price
$155.44
$52.22 premium
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$146.39
Current Price
$282.35
$135.96 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 32.7% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of -2.4% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 66.2%
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALB
The strongest argument for ALB centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 32.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.04 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : APD
The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 23.6%.
Bear Case : ALB
The primary concerns for ALB are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALB profiles as a hypergrowth stock while APD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ALB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
ALB is growing revenue faster at 32.7% — sustainability is the question.
ALB generates stronger free cash flow (248M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Albemarle Corp
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Albemarle Corporation is a fine chemical manufacturing company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. is an American international corporation whose principal business is selling gases and chemicals for industrial uses. Air Products' headquarters is in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
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