Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsMcKesson Corporation (MCK)
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$493.16
-0.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $228.33B
MCK
McKesson Corporation
$736.09
-2.47%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $92.45B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McKesson Corporation generates 1048% more annual revenue ($397.96B vs $34.65B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs 1.1%. MCK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. MCK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
LIN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
MCK
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-39.0%
Fair Value
$355.19
Current Price
$493.16
$137.97 premium
Margin of Safety
+63.8%
Fair Value
$2633.47
Current Price
$736.09
$1897.38 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 38.0% YoY
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
1.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 28.5%.
Bull Case : MCK
The strongest argument for MCK centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.90 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MCK
The primary concerns for MCK are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 1.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIN profiles as a mature stock while MCK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LIN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.
MCK is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.
MCK generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LIN scores higher overall (62/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 20.4% margins. MCK offers better value entry with a 63.8% margin of safety. 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.
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 →McKesson Corporation
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
McKesson Corporation is an American company distributing pharmaceuticals and providing health information technology, medical supplies, and care management tools.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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