Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsReliance Steel & Aluminum Co (RS)
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$504.71
-0.71%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $232.23B
RS
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
$359.45
-0.82%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $18.35B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 129% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $14.84B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 5.4%. RS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. RS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
RS
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-44.6%
Fair Value
$346.56
Current Price
$504.71
$158.15 premium
Margin of Safety
-46.2%
Fair Value
$246.42
Current Price
$359.45
$113.03 premium
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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.5% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 36.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 9.4%
Expensive relative to growth rate
5.4% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
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 : RS
The strongest argument for RS centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 15.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : RS
The primary concerns for RS are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIN profiles as a mature stock while RS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
RS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.87 — expect wider price swings.
RS is growing revenue faster at 15.5% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
RS scores higher overall (63/100 vs 56/100) and 15.5% 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.
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 →Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
BASIC MATERIALS · STEEL · USA
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. is a metal service center company. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
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