CL vs KO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 19, 2026, KO (The Coca-Cola Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head metrics. KO offers the higher yield at 2.26%, KO has the higher dividend-safety score, and CL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price).
Key facts: CL vs KO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 19, 2026, The Coca-Cola Company (KO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.26%, versus 2.25% for Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL).
- As of Oct 19, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CL's dividend safety A (88/100) and KO's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 19, 2026, CL has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years and KO for 55.
- As of Oct 19, 2026, CL pays out 82% of its earnings as dividends and KO pays out 62%.
- As of Oct 19, 2026, CL's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price and KO's fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price, so CL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CL vs KO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 19, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cl-vs-ko
| Metric | CL | KO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.25% | 2.26% |
| Annual dividend | $2.12 | $2.12 |
| Payout ratio | 82% | 62% |
| Years of growth | 52 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.3% | 4.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 25% | 79% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $73.57 | $47.18 |
| Upside to fair value | -22% | -50% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $75.0B | $404.0B |
| P/E ratio | 37.1 | 28.2 |
Higher yield
KO
2.26%
Safer dividend
KO
Grade A
Faster growth
KO
4.5%
Better value
CL
-22% upside
CL vs KO — FAQ
Is CL or KO a better dividend stock?
On the data, KO wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 1). KO offers the higher yield (2.26%), while KO has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CL or KO?
KO has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.26%, versus 2.25% for CL.
Is CL or KO safer?
KO has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CL or KO better value right now?
As of Oct 19, 2026, CL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price (overvalued). For KO, its fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.