Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsMercer International Inc (MERC)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$282.35
+1.26%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $62.19B
MERC
Mercer International Inc
$0.87
-5.29%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $56.27M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 574% more annual revenue ($12.46B vs $1.85B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs -28.5%. APD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.09. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MERC
Avoid33
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$146.39
Current Price
$282.35
$135.96 premium
Margin of Safety
+85.5%
Fair Value
$11.92
Current Price
$0.87
$11.05 discount
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
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -244.3% — below average capital efficiency
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 : MERC
The strongest argument for MERC centers on Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : MERC
The primary concerns for MERC are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while MERC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
APD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — expect wider price swings.
APD is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.
MERC generates stronger free cash flow (-99M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins. MERC offers better value entry with a 85.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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 →Mercer International Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · PAPER & PAPER PRODUCTS · USA
Mercer International Inc., manufactures and sells Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) in Europe, the United States, Asia and internationally. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
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