Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. vs First Solar, Inc. — how do they compare? Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. trades at $308.56 (market cap $68.88B), while First Solar, Inc. trades at $227.31 (market cap $25.89B). The key difference: Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. is far larger — about 2.7× First Solar, Inc.'s market cap, and Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. pays a 2.34% dividend while First Solar, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| APD | FSLR | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $68.88B | $25.89B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Technology |
52-Week High | $314.19 | $318.30 |
52-Week Low | $230.42 | $180.05 |
Enterprise Value | $86.06B | $24.36B |
Dividend Yield | 2.34% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Air Products and Chemicals (APD) trades at $304.01, down 1.35% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving averages. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, though recent profitability metrics show negative net income margin and ROE. Recent news highlights a major semiconductor supply deal in Taiwan and raised guidance, while analyst consensus remains strongly positive with a $346 price target representing 14% upside potential.
The outlook remains constructive given earnings momentum and strategic contract wins, but investors face risks from elevated valuation multiples and recent negative profitability. The stock's technical strength and institutional support provide near-term catalysts, though margin recovery and debt management will be critical for sustained upside.
First Solar (FSLR) trades at $228.27, down 4.62% on the day, amid mixed signals. The stock shows a bullish technical trend with strong moving averages, though RSI levels suggest potential overbought conditions. Fundamentally, the company reported robust revenue growth to $5.22B in 2025, with a net income margin of 29.27%, while recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 and Q2 2026. However, multiple class-action lawsuits filed in August 2026 create near-term legal overhang.
The outlook remains positive given analyst consensus favoring a buy rating with a $282.07 price target, implying significant upside. Key risks include legal proceedings and competitive pressures in the solar sector. Earnings growth and operational cash flow strength support long-term value, but investors should weigh legal uncertainties against fundamental strengths.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Since its founding in 1940, Air Products has become one of the leading industrial gas suppliers globally, with operations in 50 countries and 19,000 employees. The company is the largest supplier of hydrogen and helium in the world. It has a unique portfolio serving customers in a number of industries, including chemicals, energy, healthcare, metals, and electronics. Air Products generated $10.3 billion in revenue in fiscal 2021.
Read more on APD →First Solar designs and manufactures solar photovoltaic panels, modules, and systems for use in utility-scale development projects. The company's solar modules use cadmium telluride to convert sunlight into electricity. This is commonly called thin-film technology. First Solar is the world's largest thin-film solar module manufacturer. It has production lines in Vietnam, Malaysia, the United States, and a new factory under construction in India.
Read more on FSLR →