Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsElement Solutions Inc (ESI)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$295.41
+0.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $65.78B
ESI
Element Solutions Inc
$43.90
+3.86%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $10.30B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 346% more annual revenue ($12.46B vs $2.80B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 5.3%. APD trades at a lower P/E of 31.1x. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
ESI
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-77.3%
Fair Value
$166.40
Current Price
$295.41
$129.01 premium
Margin of Safety
-7.3%
Fair Value
$30.22
Current Price
$43.90
$13.68 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Revenue surging 41.5% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
ROE of 5.6% — below average capital efficiency
5.3% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 42.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : ESI
The strongest argument for ESI centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 41.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : ESI
The primary concerns for ESI are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 68.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while ESI is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ESI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.
ESI is growing revenue faster at 41.5% — sustainability is the question.
ESI generates stronger free cash flow (-92M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins. 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.
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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