DIS vs TDS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, TDS (Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. DIS offers the higher yield at 1.36%, TDS has the higher dividend-safety score, and TDS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price).
Key facts: DIS vs TDS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, The Walt Disney Company (DIS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.36%, versus 0.47% for Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DIS's dividend safety C (56/100) and TDS's B (70/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, DIS has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and TDS for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, DIS pays out 31% of its earnings as dividends and TDS pays out 4%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, DIS's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price and TDS's fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price, so TDS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DIS vs TDS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/dis-vs-tds
| Metric | DIS | TDS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.36% | 0.47% |
| Annual dividend | $1.50 | $0.16 |
| Payout ratio | 31% | 4% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | -25.1% |
| 5-yr total return | -24% | 92% |
| Dividend safety score | 56 (C) | 70 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $85.81 | $36.02 |
| Upside to fair value | -22% | +6% |
| Frequency | semiannual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $191.0B | $3.9B |
| P/E ratio | 22.8 | 8.5 |
Higher yield
DIS
1.36%
Safer dividend
TDS
Grade B
Faster growth
TDS
-25.1%
Better value
TDS
+6% upside
DIS vs TDS — FAQ
Is DIS or TDS a better dividend stock?
On the data, TDS wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). DIS offers the higher yield (1.36%), while TDS has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, DIS or TDS?
DIS has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.36%, versus 0.47% for TDS.
Is DIS or TDS safer?
TDS has the higher dividend-safety score (70/100 vs 56/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DIS or TDS better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, TDS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price (fairly valued). For DIS, its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.