WallStSmart

Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 1300% more annual revenue ($34.65B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 20.4%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.39. 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

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LINSignificantly Overvalued (-40.9%)

Margin of Safety

-40.9%

Fair Value

$355.19

Current Price

$501.87

$146.68 premium

UndervaluedFair: $355.19Overvalued
WTRGUndervalued (+47.4%)

Margin of Safety

+47.4%

Fair Value

$71.13

Current Price

$37.54

$33.59 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.13Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LIN3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$234.84B10/10

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%

WTRG5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.9%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.394/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
33.7x4/10

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

WTRG4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.622/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-30.0%2/10

Earnings declined 30.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-240.78M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : WTRG

The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : LIN

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

Bear Case : WTRG

The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

LIN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.

WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

LIN scores higher overall (62/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 20.4% margins. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% margin of safety. 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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Essential Utilities Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

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