Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$295.41
+0.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $65.78B
LOW
Lowe's Companies Inc
$229.20
-0.73%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $129.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lowe's Companies Inc generates 592% more annual revenue ($86.29B vs $12.46B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 7.7%. LOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.40. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
LOW
Hold44
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
-37.5%
Fair Value
$167.88
Current Price
$229.20
$61.32 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
7.7% margin — thin
Earnings declined 11.0%
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 : LOW
The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : LOW
The primary concerns for LOW are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while LOW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.90 — expect wider price swings.
LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.
LOW generates stronger free cash flow (964M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 44/100), 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 →Lowe's Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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