Linde PLC vs McDonald's Corp — how do they compare? Linde PLC trades at $490.26 (market cap $227.01B), while McDonald's Corp trades at $273.72 (market cap $193.70B). The key difference: Linde PLC is the larger of the two by market cap, and McDonald's Corp pays the higher dividend (2.72%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LIN | MCD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $227.01B | $193.70B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $546.64 | $341.06 |
52-Week Low | $389.38 | $262.80 |
Enterprise Value | $250.13B | $247.47B |
Dividend Yield | 1.3% | 2.72% |
Volume | — | 2,230,036 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Linde (LIN) trades at $489.98, showing minimal daily change. The stock exhibits strong fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, a 20.43% net income margin, and robust cash flow. However, technical indicators signal a bearish short-term trend, with the price near the pivot point of $490. Recent news highlights sustainability leadership and Q1 2026 EPS growth of 10% year-over-year, though a DCF analysis from GuruFocus on June 1, 2026, suggested potential overvaluation at a $327 fair value.
The investment outlook is supported by solid profitability and a bullish analyst consensus with a $553.60 price target, but risks include elevated valuation multiples and increasing debt-to-asset ratios. The stock's near-term direction may hinge on Q3 2026 earnings versus the $4.53 estimate, with technical resistance at $493 posing a challenge to upside momentum.
McDonald's (MCD) trades at $274.48, down 0.64% for the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The company reported consistent earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 EPS expected at $3.41. Revenue grew to $26.89 billion in 2025, supported by a net income margin of 31.72%. Recent news highlights the launch of the 'McDonald's NEXT' strategy focusing on automation and customer experience improvements.
The outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $322.45, implying significant upside. Strong fundamentals and analyst buy ratings (59.68%) support growth, though risks include inflationary pressures on franchisee margins and high long-term debt of $38.42 billion. The stock offers a solid dividend yield with recent payouts of $1.86 per share.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Linde is the largest industrial gas supplier in the world, with operations in over 100 countries. The firm's main products are atmospheric gases (including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon) and process gases (including hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium), as well as equipment used in industrial gas production. Linde serves a wide variety of end markets, including chemicals, manufacturing, healthcare, and steelmaking. Linde generated approximately $31 billion in revenue and $5 billion in GAAP operating profit in 2021.
Read more on LIN →McDonald's Corporation franchises and operates fast-food restaurants in the global restaurant industry. The Company's restaurants serves a variety of value-priced menu products in countries around the world.
Read more on MCD →