Element Solutions Inc (ESI)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
ESI
Element Solutions Inc
$37.88
-1.43%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $8.95B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$489.98
-0.03%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $223.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 1025% more annual revenue ($35.45B vs $3.15B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs 5.7%. LIN trades at a lower P/E of 31.0x. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
ESI
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
LIN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-25.0%
Fair Value
$29.39
Current Price
$37.88
$8.49 premium
Margin of Safety
-59.3%
Fair Value
$308.29
Current Price
$489.98
$181.69 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 56.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 61.9% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%
Areas to Watch
ROE of 5.4% — below average capital efficiency
5.7% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ESI
The strongest argument for ESI centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 56.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LIN
The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.4% and operating margin at 28.1%.
Bear Case : ESI
The primary concerns for ESI are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 49.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESI profiles as a hypergrowth stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ESI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
ESI is growing revenue faster at 56.4% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (898M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LIN scores higher overall (62/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 20.4% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Element Solutions Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Element Solutions Inc produces and sells specialty chemicals in the United States, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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