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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnLIN vs SHW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
LIN +350.3% (+16.2%/yr)SHW +280.4% (+14.3%/yr)LIN compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$450$380
LIN SHW

LIN vs SHW: by the numbers

  • LIN is the larger company ($214.17B vs $78.46B market cap).
  • SHW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (29.79 vs 29.91 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 (1.35% vs 0.99%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLINSHW
P/E ratio29.9129.79
Forward P/E25.8926.69
P/S ratio6.043.21
P/B ratio5.4820.36
EV / EBITDA16.9719.95
FCF yield2.32%4.10%

Profitability

MetricLINSHW
Gross margin45.64%49.07%
Operating margin28.66%16.36%
Net margin20.56%11.01%
ROE18.65%69.74%
ROIC9.93%14.59%

Dividends

MetricLINSHW
Dividend yield1.35%0.99%
Payout ratio40.70%29.40%

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)9.94%2.39%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, LIN or SHW?
SHW has the lower trailing P/E: LIN trades at 29.91 and SHW at 29.79. 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 1.35% and SHW yields 0.99% 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 16.69% and SHW delivered 14.49% 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 September 13, 2026.