Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsStepan Company (SCL)
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$492.34
+0.64%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $222.36B
SCL
Stepan Company
$50.27
+4.06%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $1.14B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 1357% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $2.33B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 2.0%. SCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.75. SCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
SCL
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-396.3%
Fair Value
$99.21
Current Price
$492.34
$393.13 premium
Margin of Safety
+31.1%
Fair Value
$95.94
Current Price
$50.27
$45.67 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 28.2%
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 49.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 9.4%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.9% — below average capital efficiency
2.0% margin — thin
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 20.3% and operating margin at 28.2%.
Bull Case : SCL
The strongest argument for SCL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SCL
The primary concerns for SCL are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 2.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIN profiles as a mature stock while SCL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SCL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
LIN is growing revenue faster at 5.8% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SCL scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100). 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 →Stepan Company
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Stepan Company produces and sells specialty and intermediate chemicals to other manufacturers for use in various end products in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.
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