Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsEcolab Inc (ECL)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$282.35
-0.55%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $62.46B
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$257.97
+1.43%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $75.59B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 32% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $12.46B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 12.8%. APD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.12. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
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 21 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
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 : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while ECL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (97M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" 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 →Ecolab Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Ecolab Inc., headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, is an American corporation that develops and offers services, technology and systems that specialize in water treatment, purification, cleaning and hygiene in a wide variety of applications. It helps organizations both private market as well as public treat their water, not only for drinking directly, but also for use in food, healthcare, hospitality related safety and industry.
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