AAPL vs CMSA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL (Apple Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. CMSA offers the higher yield at 7.37%, AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score, and CMSA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 43% above its share price).
Key facts: AAPL vs CMSA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CMS Energy Corporation 5.6% JRSUB NT 78 (CMSA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.37%, versus 0.31% for Apple Inc. (AAPL).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AAPL's dividend safety A (95/100) and CMSA's B (76/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and CMSA for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price and CMSA's fair-value estimate is 43% above its share price, so CMSA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AAPL vs CMSA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aapl-vs-cmsa
| Metric | AAPL | CMSA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.31% | 7.37% |
| Annual dividend | $1.08 | $1.36 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | — |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.0% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 108% | -27% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 76 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $184.66 | $27.25 |
| Upside to fair value | -46% | +43% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.0T | — |
| P/E ratio | 39.4 | 10.7 |
Higher yield
CMSA
7.37%
Safer dividend
AAPL
Grade A
Faster growth
AAPL
5.0%
Better value
CMSA
+43% upside
AAPL vs CMSA — FAQ
Is AAPL or CMSA a better dividend stock?
On the data, AAPL wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). CMSA offers the higher yield (7.37%), while AAPL has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AAPL or CMSA?
CMSA has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.37%, versus 0.31% for AAPL.
Is AAPL or CMSA safer?
AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 76/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AAPL or CMSA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CMSA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 43% above its share price (undervalued). For AAPL, its fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.