COST vs MGPI: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MGPI offers the higher yield at 3.17%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and MGPI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price).
Key facts: COST vs MGPI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGPI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.17%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and MGPI's C (61/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and MGPI for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and MGPI pays out 98%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and MGPI's fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price, so MGPI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs MGPI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-mgpi
| Metric | COST | MGPI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 3.17% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.48 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 98% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 83% | -81% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 61 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $487.61 | $13.39 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | -11% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $438.3B | $323.8M |
| P/E ratio | 47.6 | — |
Higher yield
MGPI
3.17%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
MGPI
-11% upside
COST vs MGPI — FAQ
Is COST or MGPI a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MGPI offers the higher yield (3.17%), 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 MGPI?
MGPI has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.17%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is COST or MGPI safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 61/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or MGPI better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MGPI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.