CL vs COST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 19, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CL offers the higher yield at 2.25%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and CL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price).
Key facts: CL vs COST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 19, 2026, Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.25%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 19, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CL's dividend safety A (88/100) and COST's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 19, 2026, CL has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years and COST for 21.
- As of Oct 19, 2026, CL pays out 82% of its earnings as dividends and COST pays out 27%.
- As of Oct 19, 2026, CL's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price and COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price, so CL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CL vs COST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 19, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cl-vs-cost
| Metric | CL | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.25% | 0.59% |
| Annual dividend | $2.12 | $5.88 |
| Payout ratio | 82% | 27% |
| Years of growth | 52 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.3% | 13.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 25% | 83% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $73.57 | $487.61 |
| Upside to fair value | -22% | -51% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $75.0B | $438.3B |
| P/E ratio | 37.1 | 47.6 |
Higher yield
CL
2.25%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
CL
-22% upside
CL vs COST — FAQ
Is CL or COST a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). CL offers the higher yield (2.25%), 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, CL or COST?
CL has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.25%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is CL or COST safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CL or COST better value right now?
As of Oct 19, 2026, CL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price (overvalued). 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.