WallStSmart

Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsWestlake Chemical Corporation (WLK)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 204% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $11.17B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs -13.5%. WLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.70. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

LIN

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.49

WLK

Hold

37

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.93
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LINSignificantly Overvalued (-396.3%)

Margin of Safety

-396.3%

Fair Value

$99.21

Current Price

$492.34

$393.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $99.21Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WLK.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LIN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$222.36B10/10

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

WLK1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.294/10

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

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.4%2/10

Earnings declined 9.4%

WLK4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.704/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.934/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-14.5%2/10

ROE of -14.5% — below average capital efficiency

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 : WLK

The strongest argument for WLK centers on Price/Book.

Bear Case : LIN

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

Bear Case : WLK

The primary concerns for WLK are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LIN profiles as a mature stock while WLK is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

WLK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — 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 37/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. 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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Westlake Chemical Corporation

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Westlake Chemical Corporation (WLK) is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers, and fabricated products, serving critical sectors such as construction, automotive, and packaging. With its operations divided into the Olefins and Vinyls segments, Westlake is poised to capitalize on global economic trends and increasing product demand. The company is committed to sustainability and innovation, investing in advanced technologies to optimize operational efficiency and minimize environmental impact. With a strong manufacturing footprint in North America and Europe and a disciplined financial management strategy, Westlake is strategically positioned for long-term growth and enhanced shareholder value.

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