AAPL vs MSFT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 22, 2026, MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MSFT offers the higher yield at 0.74%, MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and MSFT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price).
Key facts: AAPL vs MSFT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 22, 2026, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.74%, versus 0.31% for Apple Inc. (AAPL).
- As of Oct 22, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AAPL's dividend safety A (95/100) and MSFT's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 22, 2026, AAPL has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MSFT for 20.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, AAPL pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and MSFT pays out 20%.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, AAPL's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price and MSFT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so MSFT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AAPL vs MSFT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 22, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aapl-vs-msft
| Metric | AAPL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.31% | 0.74% |
| Annual dividend | $1.08 | $3.92 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 20% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 20 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.0% | 10.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 108% | 60% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $184.66 | $308.36 |
| Upside to fair value | -46% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.0T | $4.0T |
| P/E ratio | 39.4 | 29.7 |
Higher yield
MSFT
0.74%
Safer dividend
MSFT
Grade A
Faster growth
MSFT
10.2%
Better value
MSFT
-42% upside
AAPL vs MSFT — FAQ
Is AAPL or MSFT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MSFT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MSFT offers the higher yield (0.74%), while MSFT 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 MSFT?
MSFT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.74%, versus 0.31% for AAPL.
Is AAPL or MSFT safer?
MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 95/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AAPL or MSFT better value right now?
As of Oct 22, 2026, MSFT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 42% 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.