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.
LIN
Linde plc
$478.38Basic MaterialsAt close: Jul 31, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
SHW
The Sherwin-Williams Company
$340.85Basic MaterialsDelayed quote: Jul 31, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — LIN vs SHW
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yLIN +4213.5%SHW +7227.1%SHW compounded faster
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
| Metric | LIN | SHW |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 30.90 | 31.78 |
| Forward P/E | 26.71 | 28.62 |
| P/S ratio | 6.27 | 3.49 |
| P/B ratio | 5.69 | 22.11 |
| PEG ratio | 4.15 | 4.72 |
| EV / EBITDA | 17.34 | 22.30 |
| FCF yield | 2.24% | 3.77% |
Profitability
| Metric | LIN | SHW |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 43.33% | 49.07% |
| Operating margin | 28.71% | 16.36% |
| Net margin | 20.56% | 11.01% |
| ROE | 18.65% | 69.74% |
| ROIC | 8.97% | 15.21% |
Dividends
| Metric | LIN | SHW |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.30% | 0.92% |
| Payout ratio | 42.26% | 30.64% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LIN | SHW |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Linde P/E ratioSherwin-Williams P/E ratioLinde dividend yieldSherwin-Williams dividend yieldLinde ROESherwin-Williams ROELinde operating marginSherwin-Williams operating marginLinde revenue growthSherwin-Williams revenue growthLinde free cash flowSherwin-Williams free cash flow
Linde & Sherwin-Williams appear in these rankings
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.