LIN vs WS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, LIN (Linde plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 5 head-to-head metrics. WS offers the higher yield at 1.61%, LIN has the higher dividend-safety score.
Key facts: LIN vs WS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Worthington Steel, Inc. (WS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.61%, versus 1.28% for Linde plc (LIN).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LIN's dividend safety A (94/100) and WS's C (63/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, LIN has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and WS for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, LIN pays out 40% of its earnings as dividends and WS pays out 376%.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "LIN vs WS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lin-vs-ws
| Metric | LIN | WS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.28% | 1.61% |
| Annual dividend | $6.40 | $0.64 |
| Payout ratio | 40% | 376% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.3% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 57% | — |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 63 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $280.62 | — |
| Upside to fair value | -44% | — |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $229.8B | $2.0B |
| P/E ratio | 32.2 | — |
Higher yield
WS
1.61%
Safer dividend
LIN
Grade A
Faster growth
LIN
9.3%
LIN vs WS — FAQ
Is LIN or WS a better dividend stock?
On the data, LIN wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 1). WS offers the higher yield (1.61%), 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 WS?
WS has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.61%, versus 1.28% for LIN.
Is LIN or WS safer?
LIN has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
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