WallStSmart

Compass Minerals International Inc (CMP)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 2450% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $1.33B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs -2.8%. CMP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

CMP

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 8.3Quality: 5.0

LIN

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.49
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CMPUndervalued (+68.0%)

Margin of Safety

+68.0%

Fair Value

$75.66

Current Price

$26.70

$48.96 discount

UndervaluedFair: $75.66Overvalued
LINSignificantly Overvalued (-44.6%)

Margin of Safety

-44.6%

Fair Value

$346.56

Current Price

$501.14

$154.58 premium

UndervaluedFair: $346.56Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CMP2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.9%8/10

Revenue surging 28.9% year-over-year

LIN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$232.23B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
28.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.57B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CMP4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$1.06B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
-14.4%2/10

ROE of -14.4% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-91.7%2/10

Earnings declined 91.7%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-59.80M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.374/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.4%2/10

Earnings declined 9.4%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CMP

The strongest argument for CMP centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 28.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LIN

The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 28.2%.

Bear Case : CMP

The primary concerns for CMP are Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : LIN

The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CMP profiles as a growth stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CMP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.

CMP is growing revenue faster at 28.9% — sustainability is the question.

LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LIN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. CMP offers better value entry with a 68.0% margin of safety. 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.

Compass Minerals International Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA

Compass Minerals International, Inc., produces and sells essential minerals primarily in the United States, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas.

Linde plc Ordinary Shares

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Linde plc is a multinational chemical company. It is the largest industrial gas company by market share and revenue. It serves customers in the healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, electronics and water treatment industries. The company's primary business is the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases, and process gases, including carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?