Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
DOW vs LYB
Dow Inc. versus LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
DOW and LYB are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
DOW or LYB — which is better?
Neither DOW nor LYB wins outright — the two are nearly equivalent across all 6 dimensions, making the choice largely a matter of which account you hold them in and personal preference on yield vs stability. DOW and LYB are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
On yield alone, DOW generates 4.29% vs 4.10% — a 0.19% difference that translates to $190 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | DOW | LYB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 4.29% | 4.10% | DOW wins |
| Dividend safety | 6.0/10 | 6.0/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | -1.33% vs 5y | -1.79% vs 5y | LYB wins |
| Volatility (beta) | — | — | Tie |
| Scale | $23.6B | $21.8B | Tie |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 1 wins | Tie |
Dimension by dimension
DOW wins on yield (4.29% vs 4.10%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $19 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
DOW's higher yield (4.29%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus LYB's 4.10% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (6.0/10 vs 6.0/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
LYB shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
LYB's yield is 1.79% below its 5y average, versus 1.33% for DOW. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
Volatility comparison unavailable
Beta data missing for one or both tickers.
Comparable scale ($23.6B vs $21.8B)
Within 1.5x of each other on market cap / AUM — similar institutional footprint.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
Full breakdown per ticker: are DOW dividends qualified and are LYB dividends qualified — each with the after-tax income at every federal bracket.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice. Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
DOW or LYB — which is better?
Neither — DOW and LYB tie 1–1 across the six dimensions we score. DOW and LYB are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
Which is better for income, DOW or LYB?
DOW and LYB are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
DOW vs LYB: which has a higher dividend yield?
DOW yields 4.29% and LYB yields 4.10%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $19 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is DOW or LYB a safer dividend in 2026?
DOW scores 6.0/10 (Mixed) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. LYB scores 6.0/10 (Mixed). Both have comparable safety scores.
Which has better dividend growth, DOW or LYB?
LYB's yield is 1.79% below its 5y average, versus 1.33% for DOW. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
DOW vs LYB: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
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Compare both against your actual holdings
Put DOW and LYB into the free analyzer with the rest of your portfolio. You'll see what each one contributes to your annual income, your weighted safety score, and whether adding either diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.