COST vs DIT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DIT offers the higher yield at 0.80%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and DIT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price).
Key facts: COST vs DIT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AMCON Distributing Company (DIT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.80%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and DIT's A (86/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and DIT for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and DIT pays out 25%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and DIT's fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price, so DIT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs DIT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-dit
| Metric | COST | DIT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 0.80% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.48 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 25% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 83% | -47% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 86 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $487.61 | $86.29 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +44% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $438.3B | $58.6M |
| P/E ratio | 47.6 | 31.1 |
Higher yield
DIT
0.80%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
DIT
+44% upside
COST vs DIT — FAQ
Is COST or DIT a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). DIT offers the higher yield (0.80%), 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, COST or DIT?
DIT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.80%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is COST or DIT safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 86/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or DIT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, DIT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price (undervalued). 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.