Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (CLF)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
CLF
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc
$10.25
+0.29%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $5.85B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$504.71
-0.71%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $236.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 80% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $18.90B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs -6.4%. CLF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.43. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
CLF
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+75.4%
Fair Value
$50.81
Current Price
$10.25
$40.56 discount
Margin of Safety
-45.6%
Fair Value
$346.56
Current Price
$504.71
$158.15 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
ROE of -18.6% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 99.4%
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 : CLF
The strongest argument for CLF centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : CLF
The primary concerns for CLF are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CLF profiles as a turnaround stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CLF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.92 — expect wider price swings.
CLF is growing revenue faster at 6.3% — 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 49/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. CLF offers better value entry with a 75.4% margin of safety. 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.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an independent iron ore mining company in the United States, Canada and internationally. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.
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 STEEL Stocks
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