Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsReliance Steel & Aluminum Co (RS)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$300.05
-0.81%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $67.35B
RS
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
$359.45
-0.82%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $18.35B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co generates 22% more annual revenue ($14.84B vs $12.21B). RS leads profitability with a 5.4% profit margin vs -2.7%. RS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. RS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
APD
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
RS
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-85.4%
Fair Value
$161.81
Current Price
$300.05
$138.24 premium
Margin of Safety
-46.2%
Fair Value
$246.42
Current Price
$359.45
$113.03 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 24.3%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.5% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 36.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -1.7% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
5.4% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APD
The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : RS
The strongest argument for RS centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 15.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : RS
The primary concerns for RS are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a turnaround stock while RS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
RS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.87 — expect wider price swings.
RS is growing revenue faster at 15.5% — sustainability is the question.
RS generates stronger free cash flow (87M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
RS scores higher overall (63/100 vs 42/100) and 15.5% revenue growth. 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 →Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. is a metal service center company. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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