ACU vs COST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ACU offers the higher yield at 1.04%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and ACU looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price).
Key facts: ACU vs COST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Acme United Corporation (ACU) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.04%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ACU's dividend safety A (92/100) and COST's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ACU has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and COST for 21.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ACU pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and COST pays out 27%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ACU's fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price and COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price, so ACU looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ACU vs COST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/acu-vs-cost
| Metric | ACU | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.04% | 0.59% |
| Annual dividend | $0.64 | $5.88 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 27% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.3% | 13.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 76% | 83% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $81.83 | $487.61 |
| Upside to fair value | +33% | -51% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $235.9M | $438.3B |
| P/E ratio | 25.8 | 47.6 |
Higher yield
ACU
1.04%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
ACU
+33% upside
ACU vs COST — FAQ
Is ACU or COST a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ACU offers the higher yield (1.04%), 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, ACU or COST?
ACU has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.04%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is ACU or COST safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 92/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ACU or COST better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ACU looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price (undervalued). 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.