COST vs NGVC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NGVC offers the higher yield at 1.96%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and NGVC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price).
Key facts: COST vs NGVC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NGVC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.96%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and NGVC's B (75/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and NGVC for 2.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and NGVC pays out 28%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and NGVC's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price, so NGVC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs NGVC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-ngvc
| Metric | COST | NGVC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 1.96% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.60 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 28% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 12.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 83% | 138% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 75 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $487.61 | $15.97 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | -48% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $438.3B | $705.4M |
| P/E ratio | 47.6 | 14.9 |
Higher yield
NGVC
1.96%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
NGVC
-48% upside
COST vs NGVC — FAQ
Is COST or NGVC a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NGVC offers the higher yield (1.96%), 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 NGVC?
NGVC has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.96%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is COST or NGVC safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or NGVC better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, NGVC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price (overvalued). For COST, its fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.