ASH vs LIN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, LIN (Linde plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ASH offers the higher yield at 2.36%, LIN has the higher dividend-safety score, and ASH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price).
Key facts: ASH vs LIN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Ashland Inc. (ASH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.36%, versus 1.28% for Linde plc (LIN).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ASH's dividend safety A (80/100) and LIN's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ASH has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and LIN for 32.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ASH pays out 107% of its earnings as dividends and LIN pays out 40%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ASH's fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price and LIN's fair-value estimate is 44% below its share price, so ASH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ASH vs LIN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ash-vs-lin
| Metric | ASH | LIN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.36% | 1.28% |
| Annual dividend | $1.68 | $6.40 |
| Payout ratio | 107% | 40% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 9.3% |
| 5-yr total return | -30% | 57% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $98.86 | $280.62 |
| Upside to fair value | +39% | -44% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.3B | $229.8B |
| P/E ratio | 45.6 | 32.2 |
Higher yield
ASH
2.36%
Safer dividend
LIN
Grade A
Faster growth
LIN
9.3%
Better value
ASH
+39% upside
ASH vs LIN — FAQ
Is ASH or LIN a better dividend stock?
On the data, LIN wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ASH offers the higher yield (2.36%), while LIN has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ASH or LIN?
ASH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.36%, versus 1.28% for LIN.
Is ASH or LIN safer?
LIN has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ASH or LIN better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ASH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price (undervalued). For LIN, its fair-value estimate is 44% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.