Linde plc
Linde plc operates as an industrial gas company worldwide. It offers atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and rare gases; and process gases, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene. The company also engages in desig…
What to know about LIN
Linde plc is a Basic Materials company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on size and risk, but valuation is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider LIN?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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Linde plc is a Basic Materials company with a mixed overall financial profile — it ranks in the top quarter of its Basic Materials peers (3 of 20).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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The stock trades at a premium — investors are paying more per dollar of earnings than most S&P 500 companies. That's fine if strong growth justifies it, but leaves little room for disappointment.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.01%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Basic Materials sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how LIN compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 33.96 | Average |
| Forward P/E | 25.98 | Below avg |
| PEG Ratio | 2.19 | Average |
| Price to Sales | 6.83 | Below avg |
| Price to Book | 6.14 | Average |
| EV/EBITDA | 19.40 | Average |
| Earnings Yield | 2.94% | Average |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 48.77% | Above avg |
| Operating Margin | 28.47% | Above avg |
| Net Profit Margin | 20.44% | Above avg |
| Return on Equity | 18.23% | Above avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 7.24% | Above avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 8.20% | Average |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 0.62% | Below avg |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | 13.40% | Average |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 3.31% | Average |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.83 | Below avg |
| Debt to Equity | 0.66 | Above avg |
| Interest Coverage | 20.17 | Top 25% |
| Altman Z-Score | 4.01 | Above avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 1.24% | Average |
| Payout Ratio | 40.45% | Average |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -5.47% | Above avg |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 2.15% | Below avg |
| OCF to Sales | 30.09% | Above avg |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.73 | Above avg |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 19.20% | Top 25% |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 1.40% | Top 25% |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 1.63 | Top 25% |
| Target Upside % | 6.50% | Below avg |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 236.79B | Top 25% |
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