LIN vs VMC: 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. LIN offers the higher yield at 1.22%, LIN has the higher dividend-safety score, and VMC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 44% below its share price).
Key facts: LIN vs VMC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Linde plc (LIN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.22%, versus 0.70% for Vulcan Materials Company (VMC).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LIN's dividend safety A (94/100) and VMC's A (87/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, LIN has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and VMC for 12.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, LIN pays out 42% of its earnings as dividends and VMC pays out 24%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, LIN's fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price and VMC's fair-value estimate is 44% below its share price, so VMC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "LIN vs VMC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lin-vs-vmc
| Metric | LIN | VMC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.22% | 0.70% |
| Annual dividend | $6.40 | $2.08 |
| Payout ratio | 42% | 24% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.3% | 7.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 62% | 47% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 87 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $278.01 | $160.27 |
| Upside to fair value | -47% | -44% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $241.0B | $36.9B |
| P/E ratio | 34.9 | 34.1 |
Higher yield
LIN
1.22%
Safer dividend
LIN
Grade A
Faster growth
LIN
9.3%
Better value
VMC
-44% upside
LIN vs VMC — FAQ
Is LIN or VMC a better dividend stock?
On the data, LIN wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). LIN offers the higher yield (1.22%), 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 VMC?
LIN has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.22%, versus 0.70% for VMC.
Is LIN or VMC safer?
LIN has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LIN or VMC better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, VMC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 44% 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.