Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
LIN vs STLD
Linde plc versus Steel Dynamics, Inc. — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
LIN wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but STLD 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 STLD's 1.13% — and carries a 7.8/10 dividend safety score (Solid) vs 8.3/10 for STLD (Strong). LIN wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but STLD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On dividend safety, STLD scores 8.3/10 (Strong) vs 7.8/10 (Solid) for LIN — STLD has a stronger composite of payout coverage, yield zone, and dividend trend signals. On yield, LIN's 1.37% vs 1.13% represents a $240 annual income gap on $100,000 invested.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | LIN | STLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.37% | 1.13% | LIN wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | STLD wins |
| Growth trend | +0.07% vs 5y | -0.30% vs 5y | STLD wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.73 | 1.40 | LIN wins |
| Scale | $215.1B | $26.1B | 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 1.13%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $24 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 STLD's 1.13% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
STLD wins on safety (8.3/10 vs 7.8/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. STLD scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
STLD (8.3/10) scores 0.5 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.
STLD shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
STLD's yield is 0.30% 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 1.40)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
LIN is 8.2× 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 STLD?
LIN wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but STLD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
LIN vs STLD: which has a higher dividend yield?
LIN yields 1.37% and STLD yields 1.13%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $24 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is LIN or STLD a safer dividend in 2026?
LIN scores 7.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. STLD scores 8.3/10 (Strong). STLD is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, LIN or STLD?
STLD's yield is 0.30% 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 STLD: 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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