COST vs MKC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MKC offers the higher yield at 3.70%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and MKC trades at the larger discount to fair value (+72%).
| Metric | COST | MKC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.65% | 3.70% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $1.92 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 31% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 31 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 7.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 104% | -36% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $426.27 | $89.47 |
| Upside to fair value | -53% | +72% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $400.3B | $13.8B |
| P/E ratio | 45.9 | 8.6 |
Higher yield
MKC
3.70%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
MKC
+72% upside
COST vs MKC — FAQ
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