WallStSmart

Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsAshland Global Holdings Inc (ASH)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 589% more annual revenue ($12.46B vs $1.81B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs -39.1%. ASH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

APD

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.36

ASH

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 3.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APDSignificantly Overvalued (-77.3%)

Margin of Safety

-77.3%

Fair Value

$166.40

Current Price

$295.41

$129.01 premium

UndervaluedFair: $166.40Overvalued
ASHSignificantly Overvalued (-33.8%)

Margin of Safety

-33.8%

Fair Value

$46.65

Current Price

$55.01

$8.36 premium

UndervaluedFair: $46.65Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APD2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$65.78B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
23.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%

ASH1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

APD4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

ASH4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.6%4/10

0.6% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
-31.0%2/10

ROE of -31.0% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-47.5%2/10

Earnings declined 47.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
-39.1%1/10

Currently unprofitable

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 : ASH

The strongest argument for ASH centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.23 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 : ASH

The primary concerns for ASH are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APD profiles as a mature stock while ASH is a turnaround 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.

ASH generates stronger free cash flow (24M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 47/100), 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.

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Ashland Global Holdings Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Ashland Global Holdings Inc. offers specialized chemical solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Covington, Kentucky.

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