Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$295.41
+0.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $65.78B
TGT
Target Corporation
$125.25
-0.50%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $56.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 741% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $12.46B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. TGT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.44. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
TGT
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-76.9%
Fair Value
$166.96
Current Price
$295.41
$128.45 premium
Margin of Safety
+33.1%
Fair Value
$171.45
Current Price
$125.25
$46.20 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B 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
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Revenue declined 1.5%
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 : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — expect wider price swings.
APD is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins. TGT offers better value entry with a 33.1% 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 →Target Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Target Corporation is an American retail corporation. Their retail formats include the discount store Target, the hypermarket SuperTarget, and small-format stores previously named CityTarget and TargetExpress before being consolidated under the Target branding.
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