CALM vs COST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. CALM offers the higher yield at 3.93%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and CALM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price).
Key facts: CALM vs COST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (CALM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.93%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CALM's dividend safety F (31/100) and COST's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, CALM has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years and COST for 21.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CALM pays out 199% of its earnings as dividends and COST pays out 27%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CALM's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price and COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price, so CALM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CALM vs COST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/calm-vs-cost
| Metric | CALM | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.93% | 0.59% |
| Annual dividend | $2.45 | $5.88 |
| Payout ratio | 199% | 27% |
| Years of growth | 4 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 13.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 74% | 86% |
| Dividend safety score | 31 (F) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $52.95 | $489.60 |
| Upside to fair value | -15% | -51% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $2.9B | $445.4B |
| P/E ratio | 50.7 | 48.4 |
Higher yield
CALM
3.93%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
CALM
-15% upside
CALM vs COST — FAQ
Is CALM or COST a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). CALM offers the higher yield (3.93%), 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, CALM or COST?
CALM has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.93%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is CALM or COST safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 31/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CALM or COST better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, CALM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price (overvalued). For COST, its fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.