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.
LIN wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but LYB can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | LIN | LYB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.26% | 6.81% | LYB wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.8/10 | 4.5/10 | LIN wins |
| Growth trend | -0.04% vs 5y | +0.56% vs 5y | LIN wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.74 | 0.36 | LYB wins |
| Scale | $234.0B | $19.5B | LIN wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 2 wins | LIN wins |
Dimension by dimension
LYB wins on yield (6.81% vs 1.26%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $555 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
LYB's higher yield (6.81%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus LIN's 1.26% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
LIN wins on safety (7.8/10 vs 4.5/10)
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 3.3 points higher than LYB (4.5/10). A higher safety score means lower historical indicators of dividend cut risk — payout ratio, yield zone, and trend all factor in.
LIN shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
LIN's yield is 0.04% below its 5y average, versus 0.56% for LYB. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
LYB is less volatile (beta 0.36 vs 0.74)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
LIN is 12.0× 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.
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
Which is better for income, LIN or LYB?
LIN wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but LYB 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 1.26% and LYB yields 6.81%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $555 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 4.5/10 (Weak). LIN is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, LIN or LYB?
LIN's yield is 0.04% below its 5y average, versus 0.56% for LYB. 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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