Apple Just Paid Investors And This Is AAPL's Dividend Grade

"Apple ( Nasdaq: AAPL) | AAPL Price Prediction just distributed $0.26 per share to shareholders on February 12, 2026, marking another quarterly payment in the company's uninterrupted dividend streak spanning over a decade. With a current yield of 0.38% and shares trading at $279.72, Apple's dividend profile reflects a company prioritizing capital appreciation and share buybacks over income generation. Here's how the tech giant's dividend stacks up across key sustainability metrics."

"Dividend Grade: A- Apple earns an A- grade for dividend quality, driven by exceptional coverage ratios and robust cash generation despite a yield well below market averages. The company's 13.06% payout ratio leaves substantial room for future increases, while operating cash flow of $111.5 billion in fiscal 2025 covered dividends by 7.23 times. This cushion positions Apple to maintain payments even during market downturns."

"The grade reflects a tension between safety and income. Apple's dividend is extraordinarily secure - backed by $435.6 billion in trailing revenue and 27% profit margins - but the 0.38% yield trails both the 2.45% average of the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF and the broader income-focused universe. Investors seeking current income will find better yields elsewhere; those prioritizing safety and growth potential will appreciate Apple's fortress balance sheet."

Apple paid $0.26 per share on February 12, 2026, continuing a dividend streak of over a decade. The dividend yields 0.38% with shares at $279.72, reflecting a focus on capital appreciation and buybacks. The company earned an A- dividend grade due to strong coverage and cash generation. A 13.06% payout ratio and $111.5 billion operating cash flow in fiscal 2025 covered dividends by 7.23 times, providing a substantial cushion for payments. Trailing revenue was $435.6 billion with 27% profit margins. Dividend growth has been modest, and fiscal 2025 returns included $15.4 billion in dividends and $90.7 billion in buybacks.

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