BABA vs MLKN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BABA (Alibaba Group Holding Limited) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. MLKN offers the higher yield at 3.56%, MLKN has the higher dividend-safety score, and BABA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price).
Key facts: BABA vs MLKN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MillerKnoll, Inc. (MLKN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.56%, versus 0.96% for Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BABA's dividend safety C (58/100) and MLKN's B (67/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BABA has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MLKN for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BABA pays out 25% of its earnings as dividends and MLKN pays out 53%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BABA's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price and MLKN's fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price, so BABA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BABA vs MLKN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/baba-vs-mlkn
| Metric | BABA | MLKN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.96% | 3.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.05 | $0.75 |
| Payout ratio | 25% | 53% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | -1.1% |
| 5-yr total return | -14% | -44% |
| Dividend safety score | 58 (C) | 67 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $107.90 | $11.64 |
| Upside to fair value | -1% | -45% |
| Frequency | annual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $271.4B | $1.4B |
| P/E ratio | 26.4 | 14.9 |
Higher yield
MLKN
3.56%
Safer dividend
MLKN
Grade B
Faster growth
MLKN
-1.1%
Better value
BABA
-1% upside
BABA vs MLKN — FAQ
Is BABA or MLKN a better dividend stock?
On the data, BABA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). MLKN offers the higher yield (3.56%), while MLKN has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BABA or MLKN?
MLKN has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.56%, versus 0.96% for BABA.
Is BABA or MLKN safer?
MLKN has the higher dividend-safety score (67/100 vs 58/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BABA or MLKN better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BABA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price (fairly valued). For MLKN, its fair-value estimate is 45% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.