LIN vs WFG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, LIN (Linde plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. WFG offers the higher yield at 1.96%, LIN has the higher dividend-safety score, and WFG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 93% above its share price).
Key facts: LIN vs WFG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.96%, versus 1.28% for Linde plc (LIN).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LIN's dividend safety A (94/100) and WFG's C (57/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, LIN has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and WFG for 5.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, LIN pays out 40% of its earnings as dividends and WFG pays out 76%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, LIN's fair-value estimate is 44% below its share price and WFG's fair-value estimate is 93% above its share price, so WFG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "LIN vs WFG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lin-vs-wfg
| Metric | LIN | WFG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.28% | 1.96% |
| Annual dividend | $6.40 | $1.28 |
| Payout ratio | 40% | 76% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 5 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.3% | 16.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 57% | -20% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 57 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $280.62 | $126.00 |
| Upside to fair value | -44% | +93% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $229.8B | $5.1B |
| P/E ratio | 32.2 | — |
Higher yield
WFG
1.96%
Safer dividend
LIN
Grade A
Faster growth
WFG
16.5%
Better value
WFG
+93% upside
LIN vs WFG — FAQ
Is LIN or WFG a better dividend stock?
On the data, LIN wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). WFG offers the higher yield (1.96%), 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 WFG?
WFG has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.96%, versus 1.28% for LIN.
Is LIN or WFG safer?
LIN has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 57/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LIN or WFG better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, WFG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 93% above its share price (undervalued). For LIN, its fair-value estimate is 44% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.