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).
Total return — LIN vs NUE
growth of $100 · last 30yLIN +2419.6%NUE +1937.8%LIN compounded faster
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 9It 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
| Metric | LIN | NUE |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 34.63 | 25.68● |
| Forward P/E | 26.61 | 15.60● |
| P/S ratio | 7.02 | 1.74● |
| P/B ratio | 6.31 | 2.77● |
| PEG ratio | 4.12 | 0.99● |
| EV / EBITDA | 20.02 | 13.06● |
| FCF yield | 2.10%● | 0.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | LIN | NUE |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 45.99%● | 13.98% |
| Operating margin | 28.79%● | 10.04% |
| Net margin | 20.56%● | 6.82% |
| ROE | 18.47%● | 10.87% |
| ROIC | 8.97%● | 6.74% |
Dividends
| Metric | LIN | NUE |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.19%● | 0.86% |
| Payout ratio | 42.26% | 29.48% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LIN | NUE |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Linde P/E ratioNucor P/E ratioLinde dividend yieldNucor dividend yieldLinde ROENucor ROELinde operating marginNucor operating marginLinde revenue growthNucor revenue growthLinde free cash flowNucor free cash flow
Linde & Nucor appear in these rankings
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.