COST vs DOLE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. DOLE offers the higher yield at 2.56%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and DOLE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price).
Key facts: COST vs DOLE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Dole plc (DOLE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.56%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and DOLE's B (69/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and DOLE for 1.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and DOLE pays out 46%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and DOLE's fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price, so DOLE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs DOLE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-dole
| Metric | COST | DOLE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 2.56% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.34 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 46% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 83% | 3% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 69 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $487.61 | $18.63 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +40% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $438.3B | $1.3B |
| P/E ratio | 47.6 | 18.0 |
Higher yield
DOLE
2.56%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
DOLE
+40% upside
COST vs DOLE — FAQ
Is COST or DOLE a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). DOLE offers the higher yield (2.56%), 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 DOLE?
DOLE has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.56%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is COST or DOLE safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 69/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or DOLE better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, DOLE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 40% 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.