Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsMastercard Inc (MA)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$295.41
+0.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $65.78B
MA
Mastercard Inc
$495.48
-1.09%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $442.62B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 172% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $12.46B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 16.9%. MA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.57. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-77.3%
Fair Value
$166.40
Current Price
$295.41
$129.01 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MA.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 232 in profit
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 60.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
15.8% revenue growth
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
Moderate valuation
Trading at 57.3x book value
Elevated debt levels
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 : MA
The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.9% and operating margin at 60.8%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : MA
The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while MA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
APD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — expect wider price swings.
MA is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — sustainability is the question.
MA generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 45.9% margins and 15.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
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 →Mastercard Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Mastercard Incorporated is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in the Mastercard International Global Headquarters in Purchase, New York. The Global Operations Headquarters is located in O'Fallon, Missouri, a municipality of St. Charles County, Missouri. Throughout the world, its principal business is to process payments between the banks of merchants and the card-issuing banks or credit unions of the purchasers who use the Mastercard brand debit, credit and prepaid cards to make purchases. Mastercard Worldwide has been a publicly traded company since 2006.
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