WallStSmart

Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsNorthwest Pipe Company (NWPX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 6071% more annual revenue ($35.45B vs $574.44M). LIN leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs 8.5%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.79. NWPX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

LIN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.49

NWPX

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.0Value: 4.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 3.53
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LINSignificantly Overvalued (-50.9%)

Margin of Safety

-50.9%

Fair Value

$308.97

Current Price

$464.41

$155.44 premium

UndervaluedFair: $308.97Overvalued
NWPXSignificantly Overvalued (-62.3%)

Margin of Safety

-62.3%

Fair Value

$46.36

Current Price

$104.64

$58.28 premium

UndervaluedFair: $46.36Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LIN3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$214.92B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
20.4%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

NWPX5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
78.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 78.0% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.5310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.249/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.7%8/10

19.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.794/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.492/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NWPX2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.954/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.04B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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 28.1%.

Bull Case : NWPX

The strongest argument for NWPX centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 19.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : LIN

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

Bear Case : NWPX

The primary concerns for NWPX are PEG Ratio, Market Cap.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LIN profiles as a mature stock while NWPX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

NWPX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

NWPX is growing revenue faster at 19.7% — sustainability is the question.

LIN generates stronger free cash flow (833M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LIN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 64/100), 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.

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 →

Northwest Pipe Company

BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA

Northwest Pipe Company manufactures and supplies engineered welded steel pipe systems in North America. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?