Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsWorthington Steel Inc (WS)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$283.11
+1.03%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $62.46B
WS
Worthington Steel Inc
$40.22
-2.99%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $2.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 272% more annual revenue ($12.46B vs $3.35B). APD leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 3.6%. WS trades at a lower P/E of 18.1x. APD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
APD
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
WS
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
3.6% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.8%
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 25.9%
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 : WS
The strongest argument for WS centers on Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : WS
The primary concerns for WS are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while WS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
WS carries more volatility with a beta of 2.20 — expect wider price swings.
WS is growing revenue faster at 12.0% — sustainability is the question.
WS generates stronger free cash flow (9M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APD scores higher overall (57/100 vs 48/100), 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.
Visit Website →Worthington Steel Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Worthington Steel, Inc. is a steel processor in North America. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
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