CF vs LIN
CF Industries (CF) and Linde (LIN) compared side by side. Linde (LIN) is larger, with a market cap of $234.6B versus $18.3B for CF Industries, about 12.8 times the size. On trailing earnings, CF is cheaper at 9.0x versus 32.8x for LIN.
Head to head
| Metric | CF | LIN |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $18.3B | $234.6B |
| P/E (TTM) | 9.0x | 32.8x |
| Forward P/E | 10.6x | 26.0x |
| Revenue (TTM) | — | $35.4B |
| Revenue growth | — | 9.3% |
| Gross margin | — | 48.3% |
| Operating margin | — | 28.1% |
| Free cash flow | $1.9B | $5.0B |
| Dividend yield | 1.99% | 1.26% |
| 1-year return | +41.7% | +14.6% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +17.6% | +11.6% |
| Max drawdown | -77% | -52% |
| FI Handbook grade | A | B- |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
CF vs LIN FAQ
Which is bigger, CF or LIN?
Linde (LIN) is larger, with a market cap of $234.6B versus $18.3B for CF Industries, about 12.8 times the size.
Is CF or LIN cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CF is cheaper at 9.0x 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, CF or LIN?
CF returned +41.7% over the past year including dividends, versus +14.6% for LIN, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CF or LIN?
CF yields 1.99% versus 1.26% for LIN.
Full pages: CF Industries · Linde