Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsElement Solutions Inc (ESI)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$290.09
+1.34%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $64.59B
ESI
Element Solutions Inc
$35.25
+4.41%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $8.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 379% more annual revenue ($12.21B vs $2.55B). ESI leads profitability with a 7.5% profit margin vs -2.7%. ESI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 43/100 (D).
APD
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
ESI
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for APD.
Margin of Safety
-503.7%
Fair Value
$5.37
Current Price
$35.25
$29.88 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 24.3%
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -1.7% — below average capital efficiency
ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency
7.5% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 88.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APD
The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : ESI
ESI has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : ESI
The primary concerns for ESI are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a turnaround stock while ESI is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ESI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.
ESI is growing revenue faster at 8.3% — sustainability is the question.
ESI generates stronger free cash flow (74M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESI scores higher overall (43/100 vs 42/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.
Visit Website →Element Solutions Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Element Solutions Inc produces and sells specialty chemicals in the United States, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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