Linde plc (LIN) vs Nucor Corporation (NUE)

NUE leads on 9 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Linde plc and Nucor Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — LIN vs NUE

growth of $100 · last 30y
LIN +2419.6%NUE +1937.8%LIN compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,520$2,038
LIN NUE

LIN vs NUE: by the numbers

  • LIN is the larger company ($238.87B vs $59.51B market cap).
  • NUE trades at the lower earnings multiple (25.68 vs 34.63 P/E).
  • LIN converts more revenue to profit (20.56% vs 6.82% net margin).
  • NUE grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.67% vs 4.55% CAGR).
  • LIN pays the higher dividend yield (1.19% vs 0.86%).

Which is better, LIN or NUE?

Metric tally: LIN 8 · NUE 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueNUE(lower P/E)
GrowthNUE(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeLIN(higher dividend yield)
QualityLIN(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLINNUE
P/E ratio34.6325.68
Forward P/E26.6115.60
P/S ratio7.021.74
P/B ratio6.312.77
PEG ratio4.120.99
EV / EBITDA20.0213.06
FCF yield2.10%0.89%

Profitability

MetricLINNUE
Gross margin45.99%13.98%
Operating margin28.79%10.04%
Net margin20.56%6.82%
ROE18.47%10.87%
ROIC8.97%6.74%

Dividends

MetricLINNUE
Dividend yield1.19%0.86%
Payout ratio42.26%29.48%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLINNUE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.55%9.67%
EPS CAGR (5Y)25.30%26.02%
FCF CAGR (5Y)1.07%-19.62%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.80%23.09%

Frequently asked

Which is better, LIN or NUE?
It depends on your goal. value: NUE (lower P/E); growth: NUE (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: LIN (higher dividend yield); quality: LIN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NUE leads 9 to 8.
Is LIN or NUE cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NUE is cheaper: LIN trades at a 34.63 P/E and NUE at 25.68.
Which has grown faster, LIN or NUE?
Over the past five years, NUE grew revenue faster — LIN at a 4.55% CAGR versus NUE at 9.67%.
Does LIN or NUE pay a bigger dividend?
LIN yields 1.19% and NUE yields 0.86% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is LIN or NUE more profitable?
LIN runs the higher net margin — LIN at 20.56% versus NUE at 6.82%.
Which has been the better investment, LIN or NUE?
Over the past 10-year, NUE delivered the higher annualized total return — LIN at 18.48% versus NUE at 20.49%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 16, 2026.