AAPL vs CMSD: 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. CMSD offers the higher yield at 7.39%, AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score, and CMSD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 49% above its share price).
Key facts: AAPL vs CMSD
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CMS Energy Corporation 5.875% J (CMSD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.39%, versus 0.31% for Apple Inc. (AAPL).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AAPL's dividend safety A (95/100) and CMSD's B (72/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and CMSD for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price and CMSD's fair-value estimate is 49% above its share price, so CMSD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AAPL vs CMSD: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aapl-vs-cmsd
| Metric | AAPL | CMSD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.31% | 7.39% |
| Annual dividend | $1.08 | $1.47 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | — |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.0% | -0.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 108% | -25% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 72 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $184.66 | $29.68 |
| Upside to fair value | -46% | +49% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.0T | — |
| P/E ratio | 39.4 | — |
Higher yield
CMSD
7.39%
Safer dividend
AAPL
Grade A
Faster growth
AAPL
5.0%
Better value
CMSD
+49% upside
AAPL vs CMSD — FAQ
Is AAPL or CMSD a better dividend stock?
On the data, AAPL wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). CMSD offers the higher yield (7.39%), 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 CMSD?
CMSD has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.39%, versus 0.31% for AAPL.
Is AAPL or CMSD safer?
AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AAPL or CMSD better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CMSD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 49% above its share price (undervalued). For AAPL, its fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.