WallStSmart

Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 92% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $17.74B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

LIN

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

VST

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LINSignificantly Overvalued (-396.3%)

Margin of Safety

-396.3%

Fair Value

$99.21

Current Price

$492.34

$393.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $99.21Overvalued
VSTSignificantly Overvalued (-980.6%)

Margin of Safety

-980.6%

Fair Value

$14.82

Current Price

$151.51

$136.69 premium

UndervaluedFair: $14.82Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

VST1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$51.70B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

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%

VST4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
19.5x4/10

Trading at 19.5x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
5.3%3/10

5.3% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
70.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 20.3% and operating margin at 28.2%.

Bull Case : VST

The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : LIN

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

Bear Case : VST

The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.

VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.

LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LIN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 20.3% 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.

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Vistra Energy Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

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