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LIN vs OLN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Linde plc (LIN) vs. Olin Corporation (OLN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Linde plc (LIN) is a global industrial gas and engineering leader delivering steady, high-margin earnings growth, while Olin Corporation (OLN) is a cyclical chemicals and ammunition producer navigating losses and elevated leverage.
- LIN recently posted record sales and earnings per share (EPS) with a roughly 30% adjusted operating margin and an $11 billion project backlog; OLN reported net losses in 2026 and saw its shares fall sharply after missing estimates.
- OLN has announced an all-stock merger with Huntsman Corporation, while LIN is expanding its contracted "sale of gas" backlog, particularly in the electronics end market tied to AI (artificial intelligence) chip demand.
- The two stocks represent contrasting risk profiles: LIN offers defensive, compounding quality, while OLN presents a higher-risk cyclical turnaround story.
- Market sentiment has favored LIN's stability over OLN's execution and deleveraging uncertainty in recent weeks.
- For deeper context, explore LIN Major News and LIN Today's Price Move, as well as OLN Major News and OLN Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across these and other tickers, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines two publicly traded chemical-industry names that occupy very different ends of the risk spectrum. LIN (Linde plc) is a global industrial gas and engineering powerhouse prized for its recurring revenue and defensive earnings profile. OLN (Olin Corporation) is a vertically integrated producer of chlorine, caustic soda, vinyls, and epoxies, alongside the Winchester ammunition business. Comparing the two helps investors evaluate relative performance, market positioning, and risk tolerance. Growth-oriented and conservative investors may favor LIN's consistency, while value and contrarian traders may weigh OLN's turnaround potential against its cyclicality and balance-sheet pressure.
LIN Overview and Recent Performance
Linde plc (LIN) supplies industrial gases and engineering services across industries including healthcare, food and beverage, manufacturing, and electronics. In recent quarters the company reported record sales and EPS, with adjusted operating margins near 30% and a return on capital above 23%. The electronics end market has been a standout, driven by investments in advanced chips supporting AI, and management has highlighted a growing contracted "sale of gas" project backlog of roughly $8 billion, part of an overall $11 billion backlog. Recent market activity has reflected resilience: analysts broadly rate the stock a Buy, and Linde raised its dividend again in 2026, extending a multi-decade streak of increases. Full-year adjusted EPS guidance implies high-single-digit growth, underscoring a steady, compounding profile.
OLN Overview and Recent Performance
Olin Corporation (OLN) operates three segments: Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, Epoxy, and Winchester ammunition. The company has faced a challenging 2026, reporting a net loss in both recent quarters. An unplanned outage at its Freeport, Texas facility reduced adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) by roughly $40 million in the most recent quarter, and the stock fell sharply after results missed expectations. Olin carries net debt near $2.8 billion, with leverage around five times trailing EBITDA. Counterbalancing these pressures, Olin announced an all-stock merger with Huntsman Corporation intended to create a larger North American chemicals leader, and its "Beyond 250" program targets meaningful structural cost savings. Winchester has shown improving commercial ammunition demand, though metals costs remain a headwind.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and basket of securities. Because not every bot suits every market environment, Tickeron curates only the best-performing and most appropriate strategies into its Trending AI Robots section. This rotating selection highlights bots with favorable recent statistics, giving traders a focused view of which automated approaches are currently resonating with market conditions. Whether you are comparing steady compounders like LIN against cyclical names like OLN, or scanning broader opportunities, reviewing these curated strategies can provide a useful, data-driven complement to your own research.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two is business-model stability. LIN earns a large share of revenue from long-term, take-or-pay supply contracts, giving it predictable cash flow, strong margins, and lower cyclicality. OLN is more exposed to commodity chemical pricing, plant reliability, and balance-sheet leverage. Growth drivers also diverge: LIN benefits from secular electronics and AI-chip investment, while OLN depends on chemical pricing recovery, cost savings, and the completion of its Huntsman merger. On risk, OLN's elevated leverage and operational disruptions stand in contrast to LIN's fortified balance sheet and consistent buybacks. In terms of momentum, LIN has trended higher with analyst support, whereas OLN has traded near its 52-week low, reflecting investor caution around execution.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, margin quality, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor LIN over OLN in the current environment. LIN's steadier uptrend, resilient margins, growing backlog, and shareholder returns present a more consistent risk-adjusted profile. OLN offers a potentially larger recovery opportunity if pricing improves and its merger and cost programs succeed, but its losses, leverage, and recent volatility introduce greater uncertainty. The AI's probabilistic assessment therefore tilts toward LIN, while acknowledging that OLN may appeal to investors with a higher risk tolerance and a longer horizon for its transformation to play out.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is LIN is a Buy and OLN is a Hold.
LIN in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026
The 10-day moving average for LIN crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
LIN moved above its 50-day moving average on October 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.07% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LIN advanced for three days, in 152 of 322 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 105 of 252 cases where LIN Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 42%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 14 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LIN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
LIN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 24 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 36 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LIN’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 82 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (6.066) is normal, around the industry mean (2.431). P/E Ratio (33.028) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-18.994). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.827) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.012) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.094) is also within normal values, averaging (48.960).
OLN's RSI Indicator climbs into overbought territory
The RSI Oscillator for OLN moved into overbought territory on October 30, 2026. Be on the watch for a price drop or consolidation in the future -- when this happens, think about selling the stock or exploring put options.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where OLN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
OLN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for OLN entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 23, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on OLN as a result. In 53 of 75 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for OLN just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where OLN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
OLN moved above its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +5.75% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where OLN advanced for three days, in 181 of 274 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 46 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.172) is normal, around the industry mean (1.207). P/E Ratio (-10.173) is within average values for comparable stocks, (3.806). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.050) is also within normal values, averaging (3.769). Dividend Yield (0.045) settles around the average of (0.183) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.289) is also within normal values, averaging (0.578).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. OLN’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. OLN’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 87, placing this stock worse than average.
LIN | OLN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 82 Overvalued | 46 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 12 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 48 | 94 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 36 | 58 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 24 | 97 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
OLN's Valuation (46) in the Industrial Specialties industry is somewhat better than the same rating for LIN (82) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that OLN’s stock grew somewhat faster than LIN’s over the last 12 months.
LIN's Profit vs Risk Rating (12) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is significantly better than the same rating for OLN (100) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that LIN’s stock grew significantly faster than OLN’s over the last 12 months.
LIN's SMR Rating (48) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is somewhat better than the same rating for OLN (94) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that LIN’s stock grew somewhat faster than OLN’s over the last 12 months.
LIN's Price Growth Rating (36) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as OLN (58) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that LIN’s stock grew similarly to OLN’s over the last 12 months.
LIN's P/E Growth Rating (24) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is significantly better than the same rating for OLN (97) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that LIN’s stock grew significantly faster than OLN’s over the last 12 months.
| LIN | OLN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 52% | 4 days ago 81% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 33% | 4 days ago 75% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | N/A | 4 days ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | 4 days ago 57% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 48% | 4 days ago 66% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 46% | 4 days ago 66% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 47% | 7 days ago 66% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 45% | 5 days ago 75% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 36% | 4 days ago 77% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 42% | 4 days ago 73% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
LIN’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while OLN’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- LIN’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- OLN’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
LIN’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while OLN’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- LIN’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- OLN’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
LIN (@Chemicals: Specialty) experienced а +1.06% price change this week, while OLN (@Chemicals: Major Diversified) price change was +12.39% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Chemicals: Specialty industry was +0.32%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.60%, and the average quarterly price growth was -7.42%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Chemicals: Major Diversified industry was +1.88%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -26.28%.
Reported Earning Dates
LIN is expected to report earnings on Feb 11, 2027.
OLN is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Chemicals: Specialty (+0.32% weekly)The specialty chemicals sector includes companies that produce chemicals and industrial gases, which are of relatively high-value, often made to customer specifications. Examples of specialty chemicals are electronic chemicals, industrial gases, coatings, adhesives and sealants, industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals. The products are often valued on the basis of their purposes/performances rather than for their composition. Linde Plc, Ecolab Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and Dow, Inc. are some of the largest companies making specialty chemicals.
@Chemicals: Major Diversified (+1.88% weekly)The major diversified chemicals industry includes companies that produce a wide range of chemicals and industrial gases. The products are often used as raw materials in the manufacturing of various types of goods, including plastics, paints, carpets, and fixtures to name a few. Major companies making diversified chemicals include DuPont de Nemours Inc., Celanese Corporation, Celanese Corporation and Westlake Chemical Corporation.
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LIN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LIN has been loosely correlated with OLN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 57% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if LIN jumps, then OLN could also see price increases.
OLN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, OLN has been closely correlated with DOW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if OLN jumps, then DOW could also see price increases.