AAPL vs CSCO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, AAPL (Apple Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. CSCO offers the higher yield at 1.61%, AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score, and CSCO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 41% below its share price).
Key facts: AAPL vs CSCO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.61%, versus 0.31% for Apple Inc. (AAPL).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AAPL's dividend safety A (95/100) and CSCO's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, AAPL has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and CSCO for 14.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, AAPL pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and CSCO pays out 50%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, AAPL's fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price and CSCO's fair-value estimate is 41% below its share price, so CSCO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AAPL vs CSCO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aapl-vs-csco
| Metric | AAPL | CSCO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.31% | 1.61% |
| Annual dividend | $1.08 | $1.68 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 50% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.0% | 2.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 108% | 91% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $183.61 | $61.70 |
| Upside to fair value | -47% | -41% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.0T | $412.0B |
| P/E ratio | 39.5 | 31.4 |
Higher yield
CSCO
1.61%
Safer dividend
AAPL
Grade A
Faster growth
AAPL
5.0%
Better value
CSCO
-41% upside
AAPL vs CSCO — FAQ
Is AAPL or CSCO a better dividend stock?
On the data, AAPL wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). CSCO offers the higher yield (1.61%), 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 CSCO?
CSCO has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.61%, versus 0.31% for AAPL.
Is AAPL or CSCO safer?
AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AAPL or CSCO better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, CSCO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 41% below its share price (overvalued). For AAPL, its fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.