Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsSherwin-Williams Co (SHW)
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$460.40
+0.42%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $214.92B
SHW
Sherwin-Williams Co
$320.73
-0.07%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $78.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 45% more annual revenue ($35.45B vs $24.41B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs 11.0%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.79. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
LIN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
SHW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-48.3%
Fair Value
$309.10
Current Price
$460.40
$151.30 premium
Margin of Safety
+1.9%
Fair Value
$330.61
Current Price
$320.73
$9.88 discount
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 28.1%
Every $100 of equity generates 70 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 20.1x book value
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 20.4% and operating margin at 28.1%.
Bull Case : SHW
The strongest argument for SHW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SHW
The primary concerns for SHW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIN profiles as a mature stock while SHW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SHW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
LIN is growing revenue faster at 9.3% — sustainability is the question.
SHW generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LIN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 20.4% 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 →Sherwin-Williams Co
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Sherwin Williams Company is a Cleveland, Ohio based company in the paint and coating manufacturing industry. The company primarily engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings, floorcoverings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers primarily in North and South America and Europe.
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