KO vs UL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, KO (The Coca-Cola Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. UL offers the higher yield at 3.12%, KO has the higher dividend-safety score, and UL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price).
Key facts: KO vs UL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Unilever PLC (UL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 2.21% for The Coca-Cola Company (KO).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades KO's dividend safety A (92/100) and UL's C (57/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, KO has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years and UL for 3.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, KO pays out 62% of its earnings as dividends and UL pays out 46%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, KO's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and UL's fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price, so UL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "KO vs UL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ko-vs-ul
| Metric | KO | UL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.21% | 3.12% |
| Annual dividend | $2.12 | $2.09 |
| Payout ratio | 62% | 46% |
| Years of growth | 55 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.5% | 1.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 81% | 14% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 57 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $47.18 | $74.10 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +9% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $413.9B | $146.4B |
| P/E ratio | 28.4 | 13.7 |
Higher yield
UL
3.12%
Safer dividend
KO
Grade A
Faster growth
KO
4.5%
Better value
UL
+9% upside
KO vs UL — FAQ
Is KO or UL a better dividend stock?
On the data, KO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). UL offers the higher yield (3.12%), 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 UL?
UL has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 2.21% for KO.
Is KO or UL safer?
KO has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 57/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is KO or UL better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, UL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.