WallStSmart

Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsUnited States Lime & Minerals Inc (USLM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 9018% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $372.73M). USLM leads profitability with a 36.0% profit margin vs 20.3%. USLM trades at a lower P/E of 27.5x. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

LIN

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

USLM

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 2/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LINSignificantly Overvalued (-44.6%)

Margin of Safety

-44.6%

Fair Value

$346.56

Current Price

$501.14

$154.58 premium

UndervaluedFair: $346.56Overvalued
USLMUndervalued (+10.4%)

Margin of Safety

+10.4%

Fair Value

$120.30

Current Price

$128.24

$7.94 discount

UndervaluedFair: $120.30Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

USLM3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
36.0%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.9%

Return on EquityProfitability
23.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Areas to Watch

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%

USLM2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 20.3% and operating margin at 28.2%.

Bull Case : USLM

The strongest argument for USLM centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.0% and operating margin at 40.9%.

Bear Case : LIN

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

Bear Case : USLM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

USLM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

USLM is growing revenue faster at 9.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

LIN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 20.3% 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.

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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United States Lime & Minerals Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. manufactures and supplies lime and limestone products in the United States. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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