LIN vs RIO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, LIN (Linde plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RIO offers the higher yield at 5.50%, LIN has the higher dividend-safety score, and RIO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price).
Key facts: LIN vs RIO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Rio Tinto Group (RIO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.50%, versus 1.22% for Linde plc (LIN).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LIN's dividend safety A (94/100) and RIO's C (63/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, LIN has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and RIO for 0.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, LIN pays out 42% of its earnings as dividends and RIO pays out 54%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, LIN's fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price and RIO's fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price, so RIO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "LIN vs RIO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lin-vs-rio
| Metric | LIN | RIO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.22% | 5.50% |
| Annual dividend | $6.40 | $4.65 |
| Payout ratio | 42% | 54% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.3% | -0.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 62% | 31% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 63 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $278.01 | $68.37 |
| Upside to fair value | -47% | -19% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $241.0B | $137.5B |
| P/E ratio | 34.9 | 11.5 |
Higher yield
RIO
5.50%
Safer dividend
LIN
Grade A
Faster growth
LIN
9.3%
Better value
RIO
-19% upside
LIN vs RIO — FAQ
Is LIN or RIO a better dividend stock?
On the data, LIN wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). RIO offers the higher yield (5.50%), 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, LIN or RIO?
RIO has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.50%, versus 1.22% for LIN.
Is LIN or RIO safer?
LIN has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LIN or RIO better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, RIO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price (overvalued). For LIN, its fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.