Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
LIN vs LYB
Linde plc versus LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
LYB wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but LIN can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
LIN or LYB — which is better?
LYB wins this comparison 3–2 across 6 dimensions. LYB yields 4.09% — higher than LIN's 1.37% — and carries a 6.0/10 dividend safety score (Mixed) vs 7.8/10 for LIN (Solid). LYB wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but LIN can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, LYB generates 4.09% vs 1.37% — a 2.72% difference that translates to $2,720 more per year on a $100,000 investment. On dividend safety, LIN scores 7.8/10 (Solid) vs 6.0/10 (Mixed) for LYB — investors prioritizing income reliability should weight that gap alongside the yield difference.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | LIN | LYB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.37% | 4.09% | LYB wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.8/10 | 6.0/10 | LIN wins |
| Growth trend | +0.07% vs 5y | -1.80% vs 5y | LYB wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.73 | 0.35 | LYB wins |
| Scale | $215.1B | $21.7B | LIN wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 2 wins | 3 wins | LYB wins |
Dimension by dimension
LYB wins on yield (4.09% vs 1.37%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $272 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
LYB's higher yield (4.09%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus LIN's 1.37% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
LIN wins on safety (7.8/10 vs 6.0/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. LIN scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
LIN (7.8/10) scores 1.8 points higher than LYB (6.0/10). A higher safety score means lower historical indicators of dividend cut risk — payout ratio, yield zone, and trend all factor in.
LYB shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
LYB's yield is 1.80% below its 5y average, versus 0.07% for LIN. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
LYB is less volatile (beta 0.35 vs 0.73)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
LIN is 9.9× larger by market cap
Larger companies tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
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 LIN 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
LIN or LYB — which is better?
LYB is better on our scoring, winning 3–2 across six dimensions: yield, dividend safety, growth, cost, scale, and tax treatment. LYB wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but LIN can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Which is better for income, LIN or LYB?
LYB wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but LIN can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
LIN vs LYB: which has a higher dividend yield?
LIN yields 1.37% and LYB yields 4.09%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $272 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is LIN or LYB a safer dividend in 2026?
LIN scores 7.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. LYB scores 6.0/10 (Mixed). LIN is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, LIN or LYB?
LYB's yield is 1.80% below its 5y average, versus 0.07% for LIN. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
LIN 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 LIN 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 LYB diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.