Linde plc (LIN) vs The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW)

A side-by-side comparison of Linde plc and The Sherwin-Williams Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 1, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnLIN vs SHW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
LIN +4213.5%SHW +7227.1%SHW compounded faster
02k4k6k8kStart $100200120062011201620212026$4,313$7,327
LIN SHW

LIN vs SHW: by the numbers

  • LIN is the larger company ($221.30B vs $82.74B market cap).
  • LIN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.90 vs 31.78 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • LIN converts more revenue to profit (20.56% vs 11.01% net margin).
  • SHW grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.44% vs 4.13% CAGR).
  • LIN pays the higher dividend yield (1.30% vs 0.92%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLINSHW
P/E ratio30.9031.78
Forward P/E26.7128.62
P/S ratio6.273.49
P/B ratio5.6922.11
PEG ratio4.154.72
EV / EBITDA17.3422.30
FCF yield2.24%3.77%

Profitability

MetricLINSHW
Gross margin43.33%49.07%
Operating margin28.71%16.36%
Net margin20.56%11.01%
ROE18.65%69.74%
ROIC8.97%15.21%

Dividends

MetricLINSHW
Dividend yield1.30%0.92%
Payout ratio42.26%30.64%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLINSHW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.13%4.44%
EPS CAGR (5Y)25.30%6.74%
FCF CAGR (5Y)0.17%-0.06%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.73%4.08%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, LIN or SHW?
LIN has the lower trailing P/E: LIN trades at 30.90 and SHW at 31.78. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, LIN or SHW?
Over the past five years, SHW grew revenue faster — LIN at a 4.13% CAGR versus SHW at 4.44%.
Does LIN or SHW pay a bigger dividend?
LIN yields 1.30% and SHW yields 0.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is LIN or SHW more profitable?
LIN runs the higher net margin — LIN at 20.56% versus SHW at 11.01%.
How have LIN and SHW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, LIN delivered 17.11% and SHW delivered 14.06% annualized total return. 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 August 1, 2026.