KO vs LW: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, KO (The Coca-Cola Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. LW offers the higher yield at 2.84%, KO has the higher dividend-safety score, and LW looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price).
Key facts: KO vs LW
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.84%, versus 2.26% for The Coca-Cola Company (KO).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades KO's dividend safety A (92/100) and LW's B (71/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, KO has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years and LW for 8.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, KO pays out 62% of its earnings as dividends and LW pays out 83%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, KO's fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price and LW's fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price, so LW looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "KO vs LW: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ko-vs-lw
| Metric | KO | LW |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.26% | 2.84% |
| Annual dividend | $2.12 | $1.52 |
| Payout ratio | 62% | 83% |
| Years of growth | 55 yr | 8 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.5% | 10.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 79% | 3% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 71 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $47.18 | $39.40 |
| Upside to fair value | -50% | -26% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $404.0B | $7.4B |
| P/E ratio | 28.2 | 29.3 |
Higher yield
LW
2.84%
Safer dividend
KO
Grade A
Faster growth
LW
10.0%
Better value
LW
-26% upside
KO vs LW — FAQ
Is KO or LW a better dividend stock?
On the data, KO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). LW offers the higher yield (2.84%), 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, KO or LW?
LW has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.84%, versus 2.26% for KO.
Is KO or LW safer?
KO has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is KO or LW better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, LW looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price (overvalued). For KO, its fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.