Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
LIN vs NUE
Linde plc versus Nucor Corporation — 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.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | LIN | NUE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.26% | 0.86% | LIN wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 | NUE wins |
| Growth trend | -0.04% vs 5y | -0.55% vs 5y | NUE wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.74 | 1.91 | LIN wins |
| Scale | $234.0B | $57.5B | LIN wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 2 wins | LIN wins |
Dimension by dimension
LIN wins on yield (1.26% vs 0.86%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $40 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
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 shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
NUE's yield is 0.55% below its 5y average, versus 0.04% for LIN. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
LIN is less volatile (beta 0.74 vs 1.91)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
LIN is 4.1× 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, 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.
Does LIN or NUE have a higher yield?
On a $10,000 investment that's about $40 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is LIN or NUE a safer dividend?
LIN scores 7.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. NUE scores 8.6/10 (Strong). See the safety dimension above for what drove each score.
Should I own both LIN and NUE?
It depends on overlap. Two ETFs in similar categories often hold many of the same companies — owning both can mean paying two expense ratios for similar exposure. Check the underlying holdings before stacking.
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 →