Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsStepan Company (SCL)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$291.43
-0.76%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $68.61B
SCL
Stepan Company
$61.57
-0.15%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $1.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 418% more annual revenue ($12.60B vs $2.43B). SCL leads profitability with a -0.1% profit margin vs -0.4%. SCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.75. SCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
APD
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
SCL
Buy58
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 25.5%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 101.6% YoY
15.0% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -1.2% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APD
The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : SCL
The strongest argument for SCL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : SCL
The primary concerns for SCL are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SCL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.
SCL is growing revenue faster at 15.0% — sustainability is the question.
APD generates stronger free cash flow (310M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SCL scores higher overall (58/100 vs 43/100) and 15.0% revenue growth. 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 →Stepan Company
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Stepan Company produces and sells specialty and intermediate chemicals to other manufacturers for use in various end products in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.
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