Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. vs Yum China Holdings Inc — how do they compare? Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. trades at $308.56 (market cap $68.88B), while Yum China Holdings Inc trades at $47.4 (market cap $16.28B). The key difference: Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. is far larger — about 4.2× Yum China Holdings Inc's market cap, and Yum China Holdings Inc pays the higher dividend (2.44%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| APD | YUMC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $68.88B | $16.28B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $314.19 | $57.95 |
52-Week Low | $230.42 | $40.18 |
Enterprise Value | $86.06B | $17.19B |
Dividend Yield | 2.34% | 2.44% |
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.
YUMC trades at $47.92, down 0.56% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company demonstrates consistent fundamental strength with Q2 2026 earnings beating estimates, revenue growth of 13% year-over-year, and a net income margin of 7.84%. Recent completion of the Pizza Hut China acquisition for $1.2 billion positions the company for strategic growth and cost synergies.
The outlook remains positive with strong analyst support (73.68% buy ratings) and a 26.21% upside potential. Key risks include Chinese macroeconomic headwinds and integration challenges from the Pizza Hut acquisition. Earnings momentum and valuation metrics suggest continued growth potential for investors.
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 →With almost 10,600 units and USD 9.5 billion in systemwide sales in 2020, Yum China is the largest restaurant chain in China. It generates revenue through its own restaurants and franchise fees. Key concepts include KFC (7,166 units) and Pizza Hut (2,355), but the company's portfolio also includes other brands such as Little Sheep, East Dawning, Taco Bell, Huang Ji Huang, COFFii & Joy, and Lavazza (collectively representing about 985 units). Yum China is a trademark licensee of Yum Brands, paying 3% of total systemwide sales to the company it separated from in October 2016.
Read more on YUMC →