Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsNorthern Technologies (NTIC)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$282.35
+1.26%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $62.19B
NTIC
Northern Technologies
$8.00
+1.52%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $76.03M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 13884% more annual revenue ($12.46B vs $89.13M). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs -0.9%. NTIC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
NTIC
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
+80.1%
Fair Value
$42.92
Current Price
$8.00
$34.92 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
15.3% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -1.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 57.7%
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 : NTIC
The strongest argument for NTIC centers on Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 15.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.80 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 : NTIC
The primary concerns for NTIC are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while NTIC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
APD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — expect wider price swings.
NTIC is growing revenue faster at 15.3% — sustainability is the question.
NTIC generates stronger free cash flow (-2M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins. NTIC offers better value entry with a 80.1% margin of safety. 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 →Northern Technologies
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and markets products and services that inhibit rust and corrosion in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Circle Pines, Minnesota.
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