COST vs EL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 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 1.25%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and EL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price).
Key facts: COST vs EL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.25%, versus 0.56% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and EL's C (52/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and EL for 0.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and EL pays out 140%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price and EL's fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price, so EL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs EL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-el
| Metric | COST | EL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 1.25% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $1.40 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 140% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | -6.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 88% | -67% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 52 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $491.02 | $73.90 |
| Upside to fair value | -54% | -33% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $474.6B | $39.7B |
| P/E ratio | 51.6 | 109.6 |
Higher yield
EL
1.25%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
EL
-33% upside
COST vs EL — FAQ
Is COST or EL a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). EL offers the higher yield (1.25%), 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, COST or EL?
EL has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.25%, versus 0.56% for COST.
Is COST or EL safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 52/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or EL better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, EL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price (overvalued). For COST, its fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.