Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsValhi Inc (VHI)
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$501.14
-0.71%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $232.23B
VHI
Valhi Inc
$15.05
+2.94%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $420.29M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 1536% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $2.08B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs -2.8%. VHI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.32. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
VHI
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-44.6%
Fair Value
$346.56
Current Price
$501.14
$154.58 premium
Margin of Safety
+65.3%
Fair Value
$45.18
Current Price
$15.05
$30.13 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 9.4%
2.8% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -4.0% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 95.7%
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 : VHI
The strongest argument for VHI centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.32 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 : VHI
The primary concerns for VHI are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIN profiles as a mature stock while VHI is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
VHI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — 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
LIN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 42/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. VHI offers better value entry with a 65.3% 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.
Visit Website →Valhi Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · CHEMICALS · USA
Valhi, Inc. engages in the chemicals, components, and real estate development and management businesses in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and internationally.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?