SmarterDividends

RIO vs WDFC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 17, 2026, RIO and WDFC are closely matched. RIO offers the higher yield at 5.15%, WDFC has the higher dividend-safety score, and WDFC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price).

Key facts: RIO vs WDFC

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 17, 2026, Rio Tinto Group (RIO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.15%, versus 2.04% for WD-40 Company (WDFC).
  • As of Oct 17, 2026, SmarterDividends grades RIO's dividend safety C (63/100) and WDFC's A (84/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 17, 2026, RIO has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and WDFC for 16.
  • As of Oct 17, 2026, RIO pays out 54% of its earnings as dividends and WDFC pays out 60%.
  • As of Oct 17, 2026, RIO's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and WDFC's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price, so WDFC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "RIO vs WDFC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 17, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/rio-vs-wdfc

MetricRIOWDFC
Forward yield5.15%2.04%
Annual dividend$4.65$4.08
Payout ratio54%60%
Years of growth0 yr16 yr
5-yr dividend growth-0.7%7.0%
5-yr total return44%-11%
Dividend safety score63 (C)84 (A)
Fair value estimate$68.37$170.58
Upside to fair value-24%-15%
Frequencysemiannualquarterly
Market cap$146.9B$2.7B
P/E ratio12.230.4

Higher yield

RIO

5.15%

Safer dividend

WDFC

Grade A

Faster growth

WDFC

7.0%

Better value

WDFC

-15% upside

RIO vs WDFC — FAQ

Is RIO or WDFC a better dividend stock?

RIO and WDFC are closely matched. RIO has the higher yield; WDFC scores better on safety.

Which has a higher dividend yield, RIO or WDFC?

RIO has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.15%, versus 2.04% for WDFC.

Is RIO or WDFC safer?

WDFC has the higher dividend-safety score (84/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is RIO or WDFC better value right now?

As of Oct 17, 2026, WDFC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price (fairly valued). For RIO, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.