AAPL vs WDC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 22, 2026, AAPL (Apple Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AAPL offers the higher yield at 0.31%, AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score, and WDC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 86% above its share price).
Key facts: AAPL vs WDC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 22, 2026, Apple Inc. (AAPL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.31%, versus 0.16% for Western Digital Corporation (WDC).
- As of Oct 22, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AAPL's dividend safety A (95/100) and WDC's C (60/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 22, 2026, AAPL has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and WDC for 0.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, AAPL pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and WDC pays out 2%.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, AAPL's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price and WDC's fair-value estimate is 86% above its share price, so WDC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AAPL vs WDC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 22, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aapl-vs-wdc
| Metric | AAPL | WDC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.31% | 0.16% |
| Annual dividend | $1.08 | $0.60 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 2% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.0% | -22.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 108% | 659% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 60 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $184.66 | $703.29 |
| Upside to fair value | -46% | +86% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.0T | $141.7B |
| P/E ratio | 39.4 | 14.1 |
Higher yield
AAPL
0.31%
Safer dividend
AAPL
Grade A
Faster growth
AAPL
5.0%
Better value
WDC
+86% upside
AAPL vs WDC — FAQ
Is AAPL or WDC a better dividend stock?
On the data, AAPL wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). AAPL offers the higher yield (0.31%), 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 WDC?
AAPL has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.31%, versus 0.16% for WDC.
Is AAPL or WDC safer?
AAPL has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AAPL or WDC better value right now?
As of Oct 22, 2026, WDC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 86% 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.