ACI vs COST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ACI offers the higher yield at 4.86%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and ACI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price).
Key facts: ACI vs COST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.86%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ACI's dividend safety B (68/100) and COST's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, ACI has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and COST for 21.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, ACI pays out 365% of its earnings as dividends and COST pays out 27%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, ACI's fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price and COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price, so ACI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ACI vs COST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aci-vs-cost
| Metric | ACI | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.86% | 0.59% |
| Annual dividend | $0.68 | $5.88 |
| Payout ratio | 365% | 27% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 13.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -60% | 86% |
| Dividend safety score | 68 (B) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $12.45 | $489.60 |
| Upside to fair value | -11% | -51% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $6.8B | $445.4B |
| P/E ratio | — | 48.4 |
Higher yield
ACI
4.86%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
ACI
-11% upside
ACI vs COST — FAQ
Is ACI or COST a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ACI offers the higher yield (4.86%), while COST has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ACI or COST?
ACI has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.86%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is ACI or COST safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 68/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ACI or COST better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, ACI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price (fairly valued). For COST, its fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.