ADM vs COST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ADM offers the higher yield at 2.94%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and ADM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price).
Key facts: ADM vs COST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.94%, versus 0.56% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ADM's dividend safety A (93/100) and COST's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, ADM has raised its dividend for 42 consecutive years and COST for 21.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ADM pays out 40% of its earnings as dividends and COST pays out 27%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ADM's fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price and COST's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price, so ADM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ADM vs COST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/adm-vs-cost
| Metric | ADM | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.94% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $2.08 | $5.88 |
| Payout ratio | 40% | 27% |
| Years of growth | 42 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 13.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 24% | 88% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $51.52 | $491.02 |
| Upside to fair value | -28% | -54% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $34.1B | $474.6B |
| P/E ratio | 14.0 | 51.6 |
Higher yield
ADM
2.94%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
ADM
-28% upside
ADM vs COST — FAQ
Is ADM or COST a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ADM offers the higher yield (2.94%), 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, ADM or COST?
ADM has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.94%, versus 0.56% for COST.
Is ADM or COST safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 93/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ADM or COST better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, ADM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price (overvalued). For COST, its fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.