ACU vs KO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, KO (The Coca-Cola Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. KO offers the higher yield at 2.26%, ACU has the higher dividend-safety score, and ACU looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price).
Key facts: ACU vs KO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, The Coca-Cola Company (KO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.26%, versus 1.04% for Acme United Corporation (ACU).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ACU's dividend safety A (92/100) and KO's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ACU has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and KO for 55.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ACU pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and KO pays out 62%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ACU's fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price and KO's fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price, so ACU looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ACU vs KO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/acu-vs-ko
| Metric | ACU | KO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.04% | 2.26% |
| Annual dividend | $0.64 | $2.12 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 62% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.3% | 4.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 76% | 79% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $81.83 | $47.18 |
| Upside to fair value | +33% | -50% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $235.9M | $404.0B |
| P/E ratio | 25.8 | 28.2 |
Higher yield
KO
2.26%
Safer dividend
ACU
Grade A
Faster growth
ACU
5.3%
Better value
ACU
+33% upside
ACU vs KO — FAQ
Is ACU or KO a better dividend stock?
On the data, KO wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). KO offers the higher yield (2.26%), while ACU has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ACU or KO?
KO has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.26%, versus 1.04% for ACU.
Is ACU or KO safer?
ACU has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ACU or KO better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ACU looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price (undervalued). For KO, its fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.