AAPL vs PAYX: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, PAYX (Paychex, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PAYX offers the higher yield at 4.03%, AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score, and PAYX looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 0% below its share price).
Key facts: AAPL vs PAYX
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.03%, versus 0.31% for Apple Inc. (AAPL).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AAPL's dividend safety A (95/100) and PAYX's A (81/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, AAPL has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PAYX for 15.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AAPL pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and PAYX pays out 90%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AAPL's fair-value estimate is 47% below its share price and PAYX's fair-value estimate is 0% below its share price, so PAYX looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AAPL vs PAYX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aapl-vs-payx
| Metric | AAPL | PAYX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.31% | 4.03% |
| Annual dividend | $1.08 | $4.76 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 90% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.0% | 11.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 110% | -1% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 81 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $183.46 | $117.51 |
| Upside to fair value | -47% | -0% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.1T | $42.0B |
| P/E ratio | 39.9 | 23.4 |
Higher yield
PAYX
4.03%
Safer dividend
AAPL
Grade A
Faster growth
PAYX
11.2%
Better value
PAYX
-0% upside
AAPL vs PAYX — FAQ
Is AAPL or PAYX a better dividend stock?
On the data, PAYX wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). PAYX offers the higher yield (4.03%), 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 PAYX?
PAYX has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.03%, versus 0.31% for AAPL.
Is AAPL or PAYX safer?
AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 81/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AAPL or PAYX better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, PAYX looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 0% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.