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 576% more annual revenue ($12.21B vs $1.80B). APD leads profitability with a -2.7% profit margin vs -38.3%. ASH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. ASH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).

APD

Hold

42

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.7Profit: 3.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.36

ASH

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APD2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$64.59B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
24.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.3%

ASH3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
104.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 104.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
135.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 135.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

APD4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
6.412/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-1.7%2/10

ROE of -1.7% — below average capital efficiency

ASH3 concerns · Avg: 1.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
-30.0%2/10

ROE of -30.0% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.7%2/10

Revenue declined 4.7%

Profit MarginProfitability
-38.3%1/10

Currently unprofitable

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APD

The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : ASH

The strongest argument for ASH centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.23 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : APD

The primary concerns for APD are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : ASH

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — expect wider price swings.

APD is growing revenue faster at 5.8% — sustainability is the question.

ASH generates stronger free cash flow (111M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ASH scores higher overall (52/100 vs 42/100). 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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