Air Products vs BASF (APD vs BAS.DE)
Air Products (APD) vs BASF (BAS.DE) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Air Products (APD) and BASF (BAS.DE) compete in materials and chemicals. Here are Air Products and BASF side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Air Products or BASF.
Air Products vs BASF: the figures
| Figure | Air Products | BASF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $318.87 (November 4, 2026) | €54.30 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $71.0 billion | €46.7 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | N/A | 24.1x |
| Forward P/E | 22.1x | 17.7x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +4.6% | +14.2% |
| Net margin (TTM) | -0.4% | 9.1% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.7x | 3.0x |
| Dividend yield | 2.31% | 4.20% |
| Beta | 0.67 | 0.76 |
Air Products and BASF figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Air Products or BASF figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Air Products and BASF
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, BASF keeps 9.1 as net profit and Air Products keeps -0.4.
- Dividend: BASF yields 4.20% at today's price and Air Products yields 2.31%.
- Growth: BASF grew sales +14.2% year on year in its latest quarter, against +4.6% for Air Products.
Air Products or BASF: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: BASF is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): BASF pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: BASF has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
Neither Air Products nor BASF wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Air Products and BASF make money
Air Products (APD)
Air Products produces industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen and helium, delivered by pipeline from on-site plants, by truck or in cylinders. It reports geographic segments including Americas, Asia and Europe, and sells to refineries, chemical makers, steel mills, chip fabs and hospitals. Full Air Products analysis.
BASF (BAS.DE)
BASF is a chemical maker reporting segments including Chemicals (petrochemicals and intermediates), Materials (plastics and polyurethanes), Industrial Solutions, Nutrition & Care, Surface Technologies (auto catalysts and coatings) and Agricultural Solutions (seeds and crop protection). It supplies the auto, construction, farming and consumer industries, with Europe as its largest region. Full BASF analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Air Products vs BASF
Is Air Products or BASF the better stock?
Choosing between Air Products and BASF depends on what you are looking for. BASF is growing faster right now. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Air Products or BASF: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Air Products or BASF?
As of November 4, 2026, BASF yields 4.20% and Air Products yields 2.31%. Also check how much of their profit Air Products and BASF pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Can I own both Air Products and BASF?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Air Products and BASF, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Air Products or BASF.
More comparisons with Air Products or BASF
More companies like Air Products and BASF: materials and chemicals stocks. Educational content about Air Products and BASF, not investment advice.