ECL vs LIN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, LIN (Linde plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. LIN offers the higher yield at 1.22%, ECL has the higher dividend-safety score, and LIN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price).
Key facts: ECL vs LIN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Linde plc (LIN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.22%, versus 0.93% for Ecolab Inc. (ECL).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ECL's dividend safety A (95/100) and LIN's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, ECL has raised its dividend for 39 consecutive years and LIN for 32.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ECL pays out 40% of its earnings as dividends and LIN pays out 42%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ECL's fair-value estimate is 60% below its share price and LIN's fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price, so LIN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ECL vs LIN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ecl-vs-lin
| Metric | ECL | LIN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.93% | 1.22% |
| Annual dividend | $2.92 | $6.40 |
| Payout ratio | 40% | 42% |
| Years of growth | 39 yr | 32 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 9.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 37% | 62% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $124.80 | $278.01 |
| Upside to fair value | -60% | -47% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $86.7B | $241.0B |
| P/E ratio | 42.1 | 34.9 |
Higher yield
LIN
1.22%
Safer dividend
ECL
Grade A
Faster growth
LIN
9.3%
Better value
LIN
-47% upside
ECL vs LIN — FAQ
Is ECL or LIN a better dividend stock?
On the data, LIN wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). LIN offers the higher yield (1.22%), while ECL has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ECL or LIN?
LIN has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.22%, versus 0.93% for ECL.
Is ECL or LIN safer?
ECL has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 94/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ECL or LIN better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, LIN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price (overvalued). For ECL, its fair-value estimate is 60% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.