AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs Linde plc (LIN)

AZN leads on 13 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and Linde plc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AZN vs LIN

growth of $100 · last 30y
AZN +732.9%LIN +2454.0%LIN compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$833$2,554
AZN LIN

AZN vs LIN: by the numbers

  • AZN is the larger company ($277.22B vs $242.20B market cap).
  • AZN trades at the lower earnings multiple (26.92 vs 34.77 P/E).
  • LIN converts more revenue to profit (20.56% vs 17.19% net margin).
  • AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.99% vs 4.55% CAGR).
  • AZN pays the higher dividend yield (1.79% vs 1.18%).

Which is better, AZN or LIN?

Metric tally: AZN 13 · LIN 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueAZN(lower P/E)
GrowthAZN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeAZN(higher dividend yield)
QualityAZN(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAZNLIN
P/E ratio26.9234.77
Forward P/E15.3326.71
P/S ratio4.627.05
P/B ratio5.906.33
PEG ratio0.144.12
EV / EBITDA14.9221.65
FCF yield2.89%2.09%

Profitability

MetricAZNLIN
Gross margin81.68%45.99%
Operating margin23.69%28.79%
Net margin17.19%20.56%
ROE21.95%18.47%
ROIC13.03%8.97%

Dividends

MetricAZNLIN
Dividend yield1.79%1.18%
Payout ratio48.48%42.26%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNLIN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.99%4.55%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.02%25.30%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.68%1.07%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.03%13.97%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AZN or LIN?
It depends on your goal. value: AZN (lower P/E); growth: AZN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: AZN (higher dividend yield); quality: AZN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AZN leads 13 to 4.
Is AZN or LIN cheaper?
On trailing earnings, AZN is cheaper: AZN trades at a 26.92 P/E and LIN at 34.77.
Which has grown faster, AZN or LIN?
Over the past five years, AZN grew revenue faster — AZN at a 16.99% CAGR versus LIN at 4.55%.
Does AZN or LIN pay a bigger dividend?
AZN yields 1.79% and LIN yields 1.18% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AZN or LIN more profitable?
LIN runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.19% versus LIN at 20.56%.
Which has been the better investment, AZN or LIN?
Over the past 10-year, LIN delivered the higher annualized total return — AZN at 15.77% versus LIN at 18.46%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 15, 2026.