ASH vs RTNTF: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, RTNTF (Rio Tinto Group) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RTNTF offers the higher yield at 4.20%, ASH has the higher dividend-safety score, and RTNTF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 70% above its share price).
Key facts: ASH vs RTNTF
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Rio Tinto Group (RTNTF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.20%, versus 2.36% for Ashland Inc. (ASH).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ASH's dividend safety A (80/100) and RTNTF's C (56/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ASH has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and RTNTF for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ASH pays out 107% of its earnings as dividends and RTNTF pays out 53%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ASH's fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price and RTNTF's fair-value estimate is 70% above its share price, so RTNTF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ASH vs RTNTF: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ash-vs-rtntf
| Metric | ASH | RTNTF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.36% | 4.20% |
| Annual dividend | $1.68 | $4.72 |
| Payout ratio | 107% | 53% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | -0.2% |
| 5-yr total return | -30% | 63% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 56 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $98.86 | $190.39 |
| Upside to fair value | +39% | +70% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $3.3B | $182.6B |
| P/E ratio | 45.6 | 15.2 |
Higher yield
RTNTF
4.20%
Safer dividend
ASH
Grade A
Faster growth
ASH
8.4%
Better value
RTNTF
+70% upside
ASH vs RTNTF — FAQ
Is ASH or RTNTF a better dividend stock?
On the data, RTNTF wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). RTNTF offers the higher yield (4.20%), while ASH 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 RTNTF?
RTNTF has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.20%, versus 2.36% for ASH.
Is ASH or RTNTF safer?
ASH has the higher dividend-safety score (80/100 vs 56/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ASH or RTNTF better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, RTNTF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 70% above its share price (undervalued). For ASH, its fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.