HRL vs KO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, KO (The Coca-Cola Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HRL offers the higher yield at 5.58%, KO has the higher dividend-safety score, and HRL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 35% above its share price).
Key facts: HRL vs KO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.58%, versus 2.29% for The Coca-Cola Company (KO).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HRL's dividend safety B (76/100) and KO's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, HRL has raised its dividend for 24 consecutive years and KO for 55.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, HRL pays out 188% of its earnings as dividends and KO pays out 62%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, HRL's fair-value estimate is 35% above its share price and KO's fair-value estimate is 49% below its share price, so HRL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HRL vs KO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hrl-vs-ko
| Metric | HRL | KO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 5.58% | 2.29% |
| Annual dividend | $1.17 | $2.12 |
| Payout ratio | 188% | 62% |
| Years of growth | 24 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.5% | 4.5% |
| 5-yr total return | -49% | 77% |
| Dividend safety score | 76 (B) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $28.33 | $47.17 |
| Upside to fair value | +35% | -49% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $11.5B | $398.8B |
| P/E ratio | 33.8 | 27.8 |
Higher yield
HRL
5.58%
Safer dividend
KO
Grade A
Faster growth
HRL
4.5%
Better value
HRL
+35% upside
HRL vs KO — FAQ
Is HRL or KO a better dividend stock?
On the data, KO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). HRL offers the higher yield (5.58%), 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, HRL or KO?
HRL has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.58%, versus 2.29% for KO.
Is HRL or KO safer?
KO has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 76/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HRL or KO better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, HRL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 35% above its share price (undervalued). For KO, its fair-value estimate is 49% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.