Knife River Corporation (KNF)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
KNF
Knife River Corporation
$74.16
-3.22%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $4.37B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$507.90
+1.58%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $229.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 982% more annual revenue ($34.65B vs $3.20B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs 4.6%. KNF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
KNF
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
LIN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-88.0%
Fair Value
$42.88
Current Price
$74.16
$31.28 premium
Margin of Safety
-70.2%
Fair Value
$298.47
Current Price
$507.90
$209.43 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.0% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.6% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KNF
The strongest argument for KNF centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 16.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.44 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 20.4% and operating margin at 28.5%.
Bear Case : KNF
The primary concerns for KNF are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 4.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KNF profiles as a growth stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
LIN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.
KNF is growing revenue faster at 16.0% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (898M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LIN scores higher overall (62/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 20.4% margins. 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.
Knife River Corporation
BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA
Knife River Corporation provides aggregates-based construction materials and contracting services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.
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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