WallStSmart

Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsNorthern Technologies (NTIC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 38781% more annual revenue ($34.65B vs $89.13M). LIN leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs -0.9%. NTIC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

LIN

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.49

NTIC

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 7.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.66
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LINSignificantly Overvalued (-70.2%)

Margin of Safety

-70.2%

Fair Value

$298.47

Current Price

$507.90

$209.43 premium

UndervaluedFair: $298.47Overvalued
NTICUndervalued (+80.1%)

Margin of Safety

+80.1%

Fair Value

$42.92

Current Price

$8.00

$34.92 discount

UndervaluedFair: $42.92Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LIN3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$229.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
20.4%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
28.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%

NTIC5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.219/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.3%8/10

15.3% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.324/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.492/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NTIC4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$76.03M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-1.1%2/10

ROE of -1.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-57.7%2/10

Earnings declined 57.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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 28.5%.

Bull Case : NTIC

The strongest argument for NTIC centers on Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 15.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.80 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 : NTIC

The primary concerns for NTIC are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

LIN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.

NTIC is growing revenue faster at 15.3% — sustainability is the question.

LIN generates stronger free cash flow (898M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LIN scores higher overall (62/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 20.4% margins. NTIC offers better value entry with a 80.1% 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.

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.

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Northern Technologies

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and markets products and services that inhibit rust and corrosion in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Circle Pines, Minnesota.

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