Air Liquide vs BASF (AI.PA vs BAS.DE)
Air Liquide (AI.PA) vs BASF (BAS.DE) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Air Liquide (AI.PA) and BASF (BAS.DE) compete in materials and chemicals. Here are Air Liquide and BASF side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Air Liquide or BASF.
Air Liquide vs BASF: the figures
| Figure | Air Liquide | BASF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | €187.36 (November 4, 2026) | €54.30 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | €119.6 billion | €46.7 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 33.8x | 24.1x |
| Forward P/E | 26.0x | 17.7x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +0.8% | +14.2% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 13.1% | 9.1% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 2.0x | 3.0x |
| Dividend yield | 1.84% | 4.20% |
| Beta | 0.62 | 0.76 |
Air Liquide and BASF figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Air Liquide or BASF figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Air Liquide and BASF
- Dividend: BASF yields 4.20% at today's price and Air Liquide yields 1.84%.
- Growth: BASF grew sales +14.2% year on year in its latest quarter, against +0.8% for Air Liquide.
- Valuation: Air Liquide trades at 33.8x its annual earnings and BASF at 24.1x; the market pays more for each dollar of Air Liquide profit, usually because it expects more growth.
Air Liquide or BASF: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: BASF is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): BASF pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Air Liquide has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: BASF trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Air Liquide nor BASF wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Air Liquide and BASF make money
Air Liquide (AI.PA)
Air Liquide produces and sells industrial and medical gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen. Its core Gas & Services segment spans Large Industries (refineries, chemicals, steel), Industrial Merchant (workshops and small businesses), Healthcare (hospitals and home patients) and Electronics (chipmakers). It typically signs long-term supply contracts. Full Air Liquide analysis.
BASF (BAS.DE)
BASF is a chemical maker reporting segments including Chemicals (petrochemicals and intermediates), Materials (plastics and polyurethanes), Industrial Solutions, Nutrition & Care, Surface Technologies (auto catalysts and coatings) and Agricultural Solutions (seeds and crop protection). It supplies the auto, construction, farming and consumer industries, with Europe as its largest region. Full BASF analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Air Liquide vs BASF
Is Air Liquide or BASF the better stock?
Choosing between Air Liquide and BASF depends on what you are looking for. BASF is growing faster right now, and BASF trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Air Liquide or BASF: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Air Liquide or BASF?
As of November 4, 2026, BASF yields 4.20% and Air Liquide yields 1.84%. Also check how much of their profit Air Liquide and BASF pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Air Liquide or BASF?
On P/E, Air Liquide (33.8x) is more expensive than BASF (24.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Air Liquide and BASF?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Air Liquide and BASF, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Air Liquide or BASF.
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More companies like Air Liquide and BASF: materials and chemicals stocks. Educational content about Air Liquide and BASF, not investment advice.