WallStSmart

Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 25% more annual revenue ($34.65B vs $27.69B). BKNG leads profitability with a 22.2% profit margin vs 20.4%. BKNG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.73. BKNG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

BKNG

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.5Value: 6.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.05

LIN

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.49
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

BKNGUndervalued (+8.9%)

Margin of Safety

+8.9%

Fair Value

$188.04

Current Price

$165.93

$22.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $188.04Overvalued
LINSignificantly Overvalued (-39.0%)

Margin of Safety

-39.0%

Fair Value

$355.19

Current Price

$493.16

$137.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $355.19Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BKNG6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
225.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 226 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
240.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 240.0% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
-3.4610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.0510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$132.72B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
22.2%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

LIN3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$228.33B10/10

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%

Areas to Watch

BKNG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.344/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.8x4/10

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BKNG

The strongest argument for BKNG centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.2% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 16.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

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%.

Bear Case : BKNG

No major red flags identified for BKNG, but monitor valuation.

Bear Case : LIN

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

BKNG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

BKNG is growing revenue faster at 16.2% — sustainability is the question.

BKNG generates stronger free cash flow (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BKNG scores higher overall (76/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 22.2% margins and 16.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

Booking Holdings Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA

Booking Holdings Inc. is an American travel technology company organized in Delaware and based in Norwalk, Connecticut, that owns and operates several travel fare aggregators and travel fare metasearch engines including namesake and flagship Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda.com, Kayak.com, Cheapflights, Rentalcars.com, Momondo, and OpenTable.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?