Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsNucor Corp (NUE)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$291.43
-0.76%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $68.61B
NUE
Nucor Corp
$259.43
+1.55%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $58.17B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Nucor Corp generates 186% more annual revenue ($36.10B vs $12.60B). NUE leads profitability with a 8.0% profit margin vs -0.4%. APD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.21. NUE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
APD
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
NUE
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%
Earnings expanding 93.8% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 23.0% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
8.0% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APD
The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : NUE
The strongest argument for NUE centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 23.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : NUE
The primary concerns for NUE are Profit Margin, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a turnaround stock while NUE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
NUE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.88 — expect wider price swings.
NUE is growing revenue faster at 23.0% — sustainability is the question.
NUE generates stronger free cash flow (829M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NUE scores higher overall (67/100 vs 43/100) and 23.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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 →Nucor Corp
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Nucor Corporation is a producer of steel and related products based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?