Air Liquide vs Sherwin-Williams (AI.PA vs SHW)
Air Liquide (AI.PA) vs Sherwin-Williams (SHW) 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 Sherwin-Williams (SHW) compete in materials and chemicals. Here are Air Liquide and Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams.
Air Liquide vs Sherwin-Williams: the figures
| Figure | Air Liquide | Sherwin-Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | €187.36 (November 4, 2026) | $363.50 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | €119.6 billion | $87.8 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 33.8x | 33.4x |
| Forward P/E | 26.0x | 27.5x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +0.8% | +7.9% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 13.1% | 10.7% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 2.0x | 3.0x |
| Dividend yield | 1.84% | 0.94% |
| Beta | 0.62 | 1.05 |
Air Liquide and Sherwin-Williams figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Air Liquide or Sherwin-Williams figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Air Liquide and Sherwin-Williams
- Growth: Sherwin-Williams grew sales +7.9% year on year in its latest quarter, against +0.8% for Air Liquide.
- Volatility: Sherwin-Williams stock moves more (beta 1.05) than Air Liquide (beta 0.62); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Dividend: Air Liquide yields 1.84% at today's price and Sherwin-Williams yields 0.94%.
Air Liquide or Sherwin-Williams: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Sherwin-Williams 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): Air Liquide 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: Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams 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.
Sherwin-Williams (SHW)
Sherwin-Williams makes and sells paints and coatings. Paint Stores Group, its largest segment, runs company-owned stores serving mostly professional painters, Consumer Brands Group sells brands like Valspar and Krylon through big-box retailers, and Performance Coatings Group supplies industrial and automotive customers. Full Sherwin-Williams analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Air Liquide vs Sherwin-Williams
Is Air Liquide or Sherwin-Williams the better stock?
Choosing between Air Liquide and Sherwin-Williams depends on what you are looking for. Sherwin-Williams is growing faster right now, and Sherwin-Williams trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Air Liquide or Sherwin-Williams: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Air Liquide or Sherwin-Williams?
As of November 4, 2026, Air Liquide yields 1.84% and Sherwin-Williams yields 0.94%. Also check how much of their profit Air Liquide and Sherwin-Williams pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Air Liquide or Sherwin-Williams?
On P/E, Air Liquide (33.8x) is more expensive than Sherwin-Williams (33.4x) 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 Sherwin-Williams?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Air Liquide and Sherwin-Williams, 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 Sherwin-Williams.
More comparisons with Air Liquide or Sherwin-Williams
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More companies like Air Liquide and Sherwin-Williams: materials and chemicals stocks. Educational content about Air Liquide and Sherwin-Williams, not investment advice.