BUDFF vs COST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 8, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BUDFF offers the higher yield at 1.79%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and BUDFF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 31% above its share price).
Key facts: BUDFF vs COST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 8, 2026, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUDFF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.79%, versus 0.63% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BUDFF's dividend safety C (58/100) and COST's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 8, 2026, BUDFF has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and COST for 21.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, BUDFF pays out 29% of its earnings as dividends and COST pays out 27%.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, BUDFF's fair-value estimate is 31% above its share price and COST's fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price, so BUDFF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BUDFF vs COST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/budff-vs-cost
| Metric | BUDFF | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.79% | 0.63% |
| Annual dividend | $1.35 | $5.88 |
| Payout ratio | 29% | 27% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 14.9% | 13.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 19% | 87% |
| Dividend safety score | 58 (C) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $97.69 | $506.66 |
| Upside to fair value | +31% | -46% |
| Frequency | annual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $147.4B | $417.7B |
| P/E ratio | 16.3 | 45.1 |
Higher yield
BUDFF
1.79%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
BUDFF
14.9%
Better value
BUDFF
+31% upside
BUDFF vs COST — FAQ
Is BUDFF or COST a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). BUDFF offers the higher yield (1.79%), 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, BUDFF or COST?
BUDFF has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.79%, versus 0.63% for COST.
Is BUDFF or COST safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 58/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BUDFF or COST better value right now?
As of Oct 8, 2026, BUDFF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 31% above its share price (undervalued). For COST, its fair-value estimate is 46% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.


