Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$492.34
+2.60%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $222.36B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$691.21
+1.33%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $97.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 23% more annual revenue ($41.95B vs $33.99B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 10.0%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. NOC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
NOC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-396.3%
Fair Value
$99.21
Current Price
$492.34
$393.13 premium
Margin of Safety
+24.9%
Fair Value
$904.35
Current Price
$691.21
$213.14 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Generating 3.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 9.4%
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : NOC
The primary concerns for NOC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIN profiles as a mature stock while NOC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LIN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.
NOC is growing revenue faster at 9.6% — sustainability is the question.
NOC generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LIN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. NOC offers better value entry with a 24.9% margin of safety. 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.
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 →Northrop Grumman Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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