Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$492.34
+2.60%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $222.36B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$247.02
+0.71%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $17.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 1006% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $3.07B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 16.1%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WST
Buy55
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
-256.8%
Fair Value
$68.99
Current Price
$247.02
$178.03 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
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 9.4%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
2.1% earnings growth
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 : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 21.6%.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.
WST is growing revenue faster at 7.5% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
LIN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 55/100), 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.
Visit Website →West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.
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