COST vs EL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. EL offers the higher yield at 1.50%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and EL trades at the larger discount to fair value (-21%).
| Metric | COST | EL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.66% | 1.50% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $1.40 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 280% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | -6.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 82% | -71% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 52 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $441.82 | $73.73 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | -21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $397.1B | $33.8B |
| P/E ratio | 45.0 | 186.9 |
Higher yield
EL
1.50%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
EL
-21% upside
COST vs EL — FAQ
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