AAPL vs HCXY: 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. HCXY offers the higher yield at 6.48%, AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score, and HCXY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price).
Key facts: AAPL vs HCXY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Hercules Capital, Inc. (HCXY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.48%, versus 0.31% for Apple Inc. (AAPL).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AAPL's dividend safety A (95/100) and HCXY's B (75/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and HCXY for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price and HCXY's fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price, so HCXY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AAPL vs HCXY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aapl-vs-hcxy
| Metric | AAPL | HCXY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.31% | 6.48% |
| Annual dividend | $1.08 | $1.24 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | — |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.0% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 108% | -10% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 75 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $184.66 | $17.45 |
| Upside to fair value | -46% | -28% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.0T | — |
| P/E ratio | 39.4 | 18.8 |
Higher yield
HCXY
6.48%
Safer dividend
AAPL
Grade A
Faster growth
AAPL
5.0%
Better value
HCXY
-28% upside
AAPL vs HCXY — FAQ
Is AAPL or HCXY a better dividend stock?
On the data, AAPL wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). HCXY offers the higher yield (6.48%), 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 HCXY?
HCXY has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.48%, versus 0.31% for AAPL.
Is AAPL or HCXY safer?
AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AAPL or HCXY better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HCXY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price (overvalued). 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.