EL vs KO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, KO (The Coca-Cola Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. KO offers the higher yield at 2.21%, KO has the higher dividend-safety score, and EL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price).
Key facts: EL vs KO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, The Coca-Cola Company (KO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.21%, versus 1.25% for The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades EL's dividend safety C (52/100) and KO's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, EL has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and KO for 55.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, EL pays out 140% of its earnings as dividends and KO pays out 62%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, EL's fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price and KO's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price, so EL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "EL vs KO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/el-vs-ko
| Metric | EL | KO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.25% | 2.21% |
| Annual dividend | $1.40 | $2.12 |
| Payout ratio | 140% | 62% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -6.8% | 4.5% |
| 5-yr total return | -67% | 81% |
| Dividend safety score | 52 (C) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $73.90 | $47.18 |
| Upside to fair value | -33% | -51% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $39.7B | $413.9B |
| P/E ratio | 109.6 | 28.4 |
Higher yield
KO
2.21%
Safer dividend
KO
Grade A
Faster growth
KO
4.5%
Better value
EL
-33% upside
EL vs KO — FAQ
Is EL or KO a better dividend stock?
On the data, KO wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). KO offers the higher yield (2.21%), 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, EL or KO?
KO has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.21%, versus 1.25% for EL.
Is EL or KO safer?
KO has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 52/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is EL or KO better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, EL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price (overvalued). For KO, its fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.