Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$295.41
+0.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $65.78B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 428% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $12.46B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 13.6%. APD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.46. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MRK
Hold50
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
-14.9%
Fair Value
$97.76
Current Price
$111.38
$13.62 premium
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
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value 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.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 50/100), 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 →Merck & Company Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Merck & Co. is an American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey. It is named after the Merck family, which set up Merck Group in Germany in 1668.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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