SmarterDividends

HD vs ROST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Nov 5, 2026, HD (The Home Depot, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HD offers the higher yield at 2.62%, ROST has the higher dividend-safety score, and HD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price).

Key facts: HD vs ROST

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Nov 5, 2026, The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.62%, versus 0.72% for Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST).
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HD's dividend safety A (85/100) and ROST's A (92/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, HD has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and ROST for 4.
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, HD pays out 65% of its earnings as dividends and ROST pays out 21%.
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, HD's fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price and ROST's fair-value estimate is 41% below its share price, so HD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "HD vs ROST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hd-vs-rost

MetricHDROST
Forward yield2.62%0.72%
Annual dividend$9.32$1.78
Payout ratio65%21%
Years of growth16 yr4 yr
5-yr dividend growth8.9%7.3%
5-yr total return-18%109%
Dividend safety score85 (A)92 (A)
Fair value estimate$262.27$139.89
Upside to fair value-26%-41%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$351.4B$75.5B
P/E ratio24.628.5

Higher yield

HD

2.62%

Safer dividend

ROST

Grade A

Faster growth

HD

8.9%

Better value

HD

-26% upside

HD vs ROST — FAQ

Is HD or ROST a better dividend stock?

On the data, HD wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). HD offers the higher yield (2.62%), while ROST has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, HD or ROST?

HD has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.62%, versus 0.72% for ROST.

Is HD or ROST safer?

ROST has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is HD or ROST better value right now?

As of Nov 5, 2026, HD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price (overvalued). For ROST, its fair-value estimate is 41% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.