DRI vs HD: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 23, 2026, DRI (Darden Restaurants, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DRI offers the higher yield at 2.98%, HD has the higher dividend-safety score, and DRI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price).
Key facts: DRI vs HD
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 23, 2026, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.98%, versus 2.84% for The Home Depot, Inc. (HD).
- As of Oct 23, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DRI's dividend safety C (55/100) and HD's A (85/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 23, 2026, DRI has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and HD for 16.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, DRI pays out 59% of its earnings as dividends and HD pays out 65%.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, DRI's fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price and HD's fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price, so DRI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DRI vs HD: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 23, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/dri-vs-hd
| Metric | DRI | HD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.98% | 2.84% |
| Annual dividend | $6.48 | $9.32 |
| Payout ratio | 59% | 65% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 19.7% | 8.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 54% | -20% |
| Dividend safety score | 55 (C) | 85 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $209.41 | $266.02 |
| Upside to fair value | -4% | -19% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $24.6B | $327.0B |
| P/E ratio | 21.1 | 22.9 |
Higher yield
DRI
2.98%
Safer dividend
HD
Grade A
Faster growth
DRI
19.7%
Better value
DRI
-4% upside
DRI vs HD — FAQ
Is DRI or HD a better dividend stock?
On the data, DRI wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). DRI offers the higher yield (2.98%), while HD has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, DRI or HD?
DRI has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.98%, versus 2.84% for HD.
Is DRI or HD safer?
HD has the higher dividend-safety score (85/100 vs 55/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DRI or HD better value right now?
As of Oct 23, 2026, DRI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price (fairly valued). For HD, its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.