WallStSmart

Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsMaterion Corporation (MTRN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 551% more annual revenue ($12.46B vs $1.92B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 4.0%. MTRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

APD

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.36

MTRN

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.93

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APD2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$62.46B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
23.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%

MTRN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.8%10/10

Revenue surging 30.8% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

APD4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.124/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.173/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

MTRN4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

4.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
67.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-19.60M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : MTRN

The strongest argument for MTRN centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 30.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : APD

The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : MTRN

The primary concerns for MTRN are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 67.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APD profiles as a mature stock while MTRN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MTRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

MTRN is growing revenue faster at 30.8% — sustainability is the question.

MTRN generates stronger free cash flow (-20M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins. Both earn "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 →

Materion Corporation

BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA

Materion Corporation (MTRN) is a premier provider of advanced materials, specializing in high-performance metals and alloys that are integral to the aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and electronics sectors. The company is particularly recognized for its innovative use of beryllium and copper, alongside a suite of specialty coatings that adhere to rigorous industry standards. With a robust focus on research and development, combined with strategic partnerships, Materion is well-positioned to enhance its competitive edge and drive sustainable growth through innovative solutions tailored to meet the dynamic needs of its diverse clientele.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?