BUD 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. BUD offers the higher yield at 1.61%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and BUD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price).
Key facts: BUD vs COST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.61%, versus 0.56% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BUD's dividend safety C (63/100) and COST's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, BUD has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and COST for 21.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BUD pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and COST pays out 27%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BUD's fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price and COST's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price, so BUD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BUD vs COST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bud-vs-cost
| Metric | BUD | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.61% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.35 | $5.88 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 27% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 15.4% | 13.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 44% | 88% |
| Dividend safety score | 63 (C) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $98.86 | $491.02 |
| Upside to fair value | +16% | -54% |
| Frequency | annual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $167.7B | $474.6B |
| P/E ratio | 17.3 | 51.6 |
Higher yield
BUD
1.61%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
BUD
15.4%
Better value
BUD
+16% upside
BUD vs COST — FAQ
Is BUD or COST a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). BUD offers the higher yield (1.61%), 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, BUD or COST?
BUD has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.61%, versus 0.56% for COST.
Is BUD or COST safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BUD or COST better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, BUD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price (undervalued). 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.