COST vs EPC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. EPC offers the higher yield at 2.02%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and EPC trades at the larger discount to fair value (-38%).
| Metric | COST | EPC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.62% | 2.02% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.60 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 545% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -30% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 56 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $422.97 | $18.45 |
| Upside to fair value | -55% | -38% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $415.0B | $1.3B |
| P/E ratio | 47.4 | — |
Higher yield
EPC
2.02%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
EPC
-38% upside
COST vs EPC — FAQ
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