Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
LIN vs NUE
Linde plc versus Nucor Corp. — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
LIN wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but NUE can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
LIN wins this comparison 3–2 across 6 dimensions. LIN yields 1.37% — higher than NUE's 0.89% — and carries a 7.8/10 dividend safety score (Solid) vs 8.6/10 for NUE (Strong). LIN wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but NUE can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, LIN generates 1.37% vs 0.89% — a 0.48% difference that translates to $480 more per year on a $100,000 investment. On dividend safety, NUE scores 8.6/10 (Strong) vs 7.8/10 (Solid) for LIN — investors prioritizing income reliability should weight that gap alongside the yield difference.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | LIN | NUE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.37% | 0.89% | LIN wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 | NUE wins |
| Growth trend | +0.07% vs 5y | -0.52% vs 5y | NUE wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.73 | 1.89 | LIN wins |
| Scale | $215.1B | $56.8B | LIN wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 2 wins | LIN wins |
Dimension by dimension
LIN wins on yield (1.37% vs 0.89%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $48 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
LIN's higher yield (1.37%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus NUE's 0.89% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
NUE wins on safety (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. NUE scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
NUE (8.6/10) scores 0.8 points higher than LIN (7.8/10). A higher safety score means lower historical indicators of dividend cut risk — payout ratio, yield zone, and trend all factor in.
NUE shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
NUE's yield is 0.52% 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 is less volatile (beta 0.73 vs 1.89)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
LIN is 3.8× 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 NUE?
LIN wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but NUE can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
LIN vs NUE: which has a higher dividend yield?
LIN yields 1.37% and NUE yields 0.89%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $48 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is LIN or NUE a safer dividend in 2026?
LIN scores 7.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. NUE scores 8.6/10 (Strong). NUE is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, LIN or NUE?
NUE's yield is 0.52% 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 NUE: 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.
Get emailed when LIN vs NUE data updates.
Already own LIN or NUE? See if the other adds anything.
Connect your brokerage and Infnits checks whether adding LIN to your existing portfolio actually diversifies — or just duplicates exposure (ETF look-through included).
Check overlap with my portfolio →