Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
BKNG
Booking Holdings Inc
$4,237.75
-1.23%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $138.30B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$492.34
+2.60%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $222.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 26% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $26.92B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 20.1%. BKNG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.73. BKNG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
BKNG
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+45.4%
Fair Value
$7757.57
Current Price
$4237.75
$3519.82 discount
Margin of Safety
-396.3%
Fair Value
$99.21
Current Price
$492.34
$393.13 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 32.5%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
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
Moderate valuation
ROE of 2.3% — 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 : BKNG
The strongest argument for BKNG centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.1% and operating margin at 32.5%. Revenue growth of 16.0% 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 20.3% and operating margin at 28.2%.
Bear Case : BKNG
The primary concerns for BKNG are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
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 1.23 — expect wider price swings.
BKNG is growing revenue faster at 16.0% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BKNG scores higher overall (78/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins and 16.0% 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 →Compare with Other TRAVEL SERVICES Stocks
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