Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$281.01
-1.11%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $62.57B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$488.15
-0.34%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $226.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 178% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $12.21B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs -2.7%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
APD
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for APD.
Margin of Safety
-391.7%
Fair Value
$99.28
Current Price
$488.15
$388.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 24.3%
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
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -1.7% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 9.4%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APD
The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin.
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%.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a turnaround stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
APD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — 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. 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.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. is an American international corporation whose principal business is selling gases and chemicals for industrial uses. Air Products' headquarters is in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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