WallStSmart

The Home Depot Inc (HD)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Home Depot Inc generates 385% more annual revenue ($164.68B vs $33.99B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 8.6%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

HD

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.82

LIN

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.49
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HDSignificantly Overvalued (-241.7%)

Margin of Safety

-241.7%

Fair Value

$96.83

Current Price

$332.51

$235.68 premium

UndervaluedFair: $96.83Overvalued
LINSignificantly Overvalued (-396.3%)

Margin of Safety

-396.3%

Fair Value

$99.21

Current Price

$492.34

$393.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $99.21Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HD4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$319.31B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
145.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 146 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.8210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.29B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

LIN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$222.36B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
28.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.57B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HD4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.942/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
25.9x2/10

Trading at 25.9x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.8%2/10

Revenue declined 3.8%

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.294/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.4%2/10

Earnings declined 9.4%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HD

The strongest argument for HD centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

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 : HD

The primary concerns for HD are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : LIN

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HD profiles as a value stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

HD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.

LIN is growing revenue faster at 5.8% — sustainability is the question.

HD generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LIN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 50/100), 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.

The Home Depot Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

The Home Depot, Inc., commonly known as Home Depot, is the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, supplying tools, construction products, and services. The company is headquartered in incorporated Cobb County, Georgia, with an Atlanta mailing address.

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.

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