LIN vs SMG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, LIN (Linde plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SMG offers the higher yield at 4.49%, LIN has the higher dividend-safety score, and SMG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price).
Key facts: LIN vs SMG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.49%, versus 1.26% for Linde plc (LIN).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LIN's dividend safety A (94/100) and SMG's A (80/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, LIN has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and SMG for 0.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, LIN pays out 40% of its earnings as dividends and SMG pays out 102%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, LIN's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price and SMG's fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price, so SMG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "LIN vs SMG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lin-vs-smg
| Metric | LIN | SMG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.26% | 4.49% |
| Annual dividend | $6.40 | $2.64 |
| Payout ratio | 40% | 102% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.3% | 2.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 60% | -59% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 80 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $280.60 | $56.70 |
| Upside to fair value | -45% | -4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $234.0B | $3.4B |
| P/E ratio | 32.8 | 21.0 |
Higher yield
SMG
4.49%
Safer dividend
LIN
Grade A
Faster growth
LIN
9.3%
Better value
SMG
-4% upside
LIN vs SMG — FAQ
Is LIN or SMG a better dividend stock?
On the data, LIN wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). SMG offers the higher yield (4.49%), 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 SMG?
SMG has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.49%, versus 1.26% for LIN.
Is LIN or SMG safer?
LIN has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LIN or SMG better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, SMG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price (fairly valued). For LIN, its fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.