LIN vs STLD
Linde (LIN) and Steel Dynamics (STLD) compared side by side. Linde (LIN) is larger, with a market cap of $234.6B versus $34.3B for Steel Dynamics, about 6.8 times the size. On trailing earnings, STLD is cheaper at 17.8x versus 32.8x for LIN.
Head to head
| Metric | LIN | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $234.6B | $34.3B |
| P/E (TTM) | 32.8x | 17.8x |
| Forward P/E | 26.0x | 11.3x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $35.4B | $22.2B |
| Revenue growth | 9.3% | 34.8% |
| Gross margin | 48.3% | 15.9% |
| Operating margin | 28.1% | 15.5% |
| Free cash flow | $5.0B | $955.6M |
| Dividend yield | 1.26% | 0.88% |
| 1-year return | +14.6% | +62.0% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +11.6% | +32.6% |
| Max drawdown | -52% | -87% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | C+ |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
LIN vs STLD FAQ
Which is bigger, LIN or STLD?
Linde (LIN) is larger, with a market cap of $234.6B versus $34.3B for Steel Dynamics, about 6.8 times the size.
Is LIN or STLD cheaper?
On trailing earnings, STLD is cheaper at 17.8x versus 32.8x for LIN. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, LIN or STLD?
STLD returned +62.0% over the past year including dividends, versus +14.6% for LIN, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, LIN or STLD?
LIN yields 1.26% versus 0.88% for STLD.
Full pages: Linde · Steel Dynamics