WallStSmart

Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsAshland Global Holdings Inc (ASH)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 584% more annual revenue ($12.60B vs $1.84B). ASH leads profitability with a 2.8% profit margin vs -0.4%. ASH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. ASH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).

APD

Hold

43

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.36

ASH

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 4.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.18

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APD2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$65.63B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

ASH1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

APD4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.184/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.173/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

ASH4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
46.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
-31.0%2/10

ROE of -31.0% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-47.5%2/10

Earnings declined 47.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APD

The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : ASH

The strongest argument for ASH centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.23 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : APD

The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : ASH

The primary concerns for ASH are Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. A P/E of 46.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APD profiles as a turnaround stock while ASH is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

APD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.75 — expect wider price swings.

ASH is growing revenue faster at 7.3% — sustainability is the question.

ASH generates stronger free cash flow (24M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ASH scores higher overall (52/100 vs 43/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

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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Ashland Global Holdings Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Ashland Global Holdings Inc. offers specialized chemical solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Covington, Kentucky.

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