Linde plc (LIN) vs Rio Tinto Group (RIO)

RIO leads on 10 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Linde plc and Rio Tinto Group across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 27, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — LIN vs RIO

growth of $100 · last 30y
LIN +2458.4%RIO +522.4%LIN compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,558$622
LIN RIO

LIN vs RIO: by the numbers

  • LIN is the larger company ($240.38B vs $152.24B market cap).
  • RIO trades at the lower earnings multiple (7.12 vs 34.50 P/E).
  • LIN converts more revenue to profit (20.56% vs 19.28% net margin).
  • RIO grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.92% vs 4.55% CAGR).
  • RIO pays the higher dividend yield (5.42% vs 1.23%).

Which is better, LIN or RIO?

Metric tally: LIN 7 · RIO 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueRIO(lower P/E)
GrowthRIO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeRIO(higher dividend yield)
QualityRIO(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLINRIO
P/E ratio34.507.12
Forward P/E26.5110.76
P/S ratio6.991.38
P/B ratio6.282.47
PEG ratio4.1519.77
EV / EBITDA19.204.06
FCF yield2.10%7.01%

Profitability

MetricLINRIO
Gross margin45.99%27.57%
Operating margin28.79%27.10%
Net margin20.56%19.28%
ROE18.47%34.53%
ROIC8.97%9.18%

Dividends

MetricLINRIO
Dividend yield1.23%5.42%
Payout ratio43.63%82.60%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLINRIO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.55%4.92%
EPS CAGR (5Y)25.30%0.36%
FCF CAGR (5Y)1.07%-11.74%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.28%10.24%

Frequently asked

Which is better, LIN or RIO?
It depends on your goal. value: RIO (lower P/E); growth: RIO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: RIO (higher dividend yield); quality: RIO (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, RIO leads 10 to 7.
Is LIN or RIO cheaper?
On trailing earnings, RIO is cheaper: LIN trades at a 34.50 P/E and RIO at 7.12.
Which has grown faster, LIN or RIO?
Over the past five years, RIO grew revenue faster — LIN at a 4.55% CAGR versus RIO at 4.92%.
Does LIN or RIO pay a bigger dividend?
LIN yields 1.23% and RIO yields 5.42% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is LIN or RIO more profitable?
LIN runs the higher net margin — LIN at 20.56% versus RIO at 19.28%.
Which has been the better investment, LIN or RIO?
Over the past 10-year, RIO delivered the higher annualized total return — LIN at 18.74% versus RIO at 21.31%. 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 27, 2026.