Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsUnited States Lime & Minerals Inc (USLM)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$282.35
+0.47%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $62.19B
USLM
United States Lime & Minerals Inc
$104.61
-2.37%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $3.11B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 3275% more annual revenue ($12.46B vs $369.31M). USLM leads profitability with a 35.4% profit margin vs 16.9%. USLM trades at a lower P/E of 23.9x. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
USLM
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
+5.3%
Fair Value
$113.82
Current Price
$104.61
$9.21 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 40.7%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 3.7%
Earnings declined 10.9%
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 : USLM
The strongest argument for USLM centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.4% and operating margin at 40.7%.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : USLM
The primary concerns for USLM are Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while USLM is a declining 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.
USLM generates stronger free cash flow (14M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 46/100), 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 →United States Lime & Minerals Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA
United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. manufactures and supplies lime and limestone products in the United States. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
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