SmarterDividends

COST vs EDU: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of September 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. EDU offers the higher yield at 2.14%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and EDU trades at the larger discount to fair value (+27%).

MetricCOSTEDU
Forward yield0.65%2.14%
Annual dividend$5.88$1.20
Payout ratio27%40%
Years of growth21 yr4 yr
5-yr dividend growth13.0%
5-yr total return82%171%
Dividend safety score97 (A)74 (B)
Fair value estimate$441.82$70.62
Upside to fair value-51%+27%
Frequencyquarterlyannual
Market cap$399.2B$8.9B
P/E ratio45.219.2

Higher yield

EDU

2.14%

Safer dividend

COST

Grade A

Faster growth

COST

13.0%

Better value

EDU

+27% upside

COST vs EDU — FAQ

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