Element Solutions Inc (ESI)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
ESI
Element Solutions Inc
$30.76
+1.92%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $8.72B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$515.25
-1.15%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $236.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 939% more annual revenue ($36.24B vs $3.49B). LIN leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs 5.9%. LIN trades at a lower P/E of 34.1x. ESI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ESI
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
LIN
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-8.6%
Fair Value
$32.61
Current Price
$30.76
$1.85 premium
Margin of Safety
-61.9%
Fair Value
$318.30
Current Price
$515.25
$196.95 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 51.7% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 68.6% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 28.0%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 5.4% — below average capital efficiency
5.9% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 10.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ESI
The strongest argument for ESI centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 51.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LIN
The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.3% and operating margin at 28.0%.
Bear Case : ESI
The primary concerns for ESI are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESI profiles as a hypergrowth stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ESI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
ESI is growing revenue faster at 51.7% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ESI scores higher overall (59/100 vs 54/100) and 51.7% revenue growth. 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.
Element Solutions Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Element Solutions Inc produces and sells specialty chemicals in the United States, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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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