AAPL vs MLAB: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL (Apple Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MLAB offers the higher yield at 0.52%, AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score, and MLAB looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price).
Key facts: AAPL vs MLAB
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (MLAB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.52%, versus 0.31% for Apple Inc. (AAPL).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AAPL's dividend safety A (95/100) and MLAB's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MLAB for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and MLAB pays out 75%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AAPL's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price and MLAB's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price, so MLAB looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AAPL vs MLAB: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aapl-vs-mlab
| Metric | AAPL | MLAB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.31% | 0.52% |
| Annual dividend | $1.08 | $0.64 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 75% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.0% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 108% | -60% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $184.66 | $157.16 |
| Upside to fair value | -46% | +28% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.0T | $685.4M |
| P/E ratio | 39.4 | 144.1 |
Higher yield
MLAB
0.52%
Safer dividend
AAPL
Grade A
Faster growth
AAPL
5.0%
Better value
MLAB
+28% upside
AAPL vs MLAB — FAQ
Is AAPL or MLAB a better dividend stock?
On the data, AAPL wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MLAB offers the higher yield (0.52%), 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 MLAB?
MLAB has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.52%, versus 0.31% for AAPL.
Is AAPL or MLAB safer?
AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AAPL or MLAB better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MLAB looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% 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.