SmarterDividends

COST vs PEP: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Nov 5, 2026, COST and PEP are closely matched. PEP offers the higher yield at 4.16%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and PEP looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price).

Key facts: COST vs PEP

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Nov 5, 2026, PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.16%, versus 0.56% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and PEP's A (84/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and PEP for 53.
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and PEP pays out 73%.
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price and PEP's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so PEP looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "COST vs PEP: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-pep

MetricCOSTPEP
Forward yield0.56%4.16%
Annual dividend$5.88$5.92
Payout ratio27%73%
Years of growth21 yr53 yr
5-yr dividend growth13.0%6.9%
5-yr total return88%-14%
Dividend safety score97 (A)84 (A)
Fair value estimate$491.02$118.29
Upside to fair value-53%-17%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$463.7B$194.1B
P/E ratio50.417.9

Higher yield

PEP

4.16%

Safer dividend

COST

Grade A

Faster growth

COST

13.0%

Better value

PEP

-17% upside

COST vs PEP — FAQ

Is COST or PEP a better dividend stock?

COST and PEP are closely matched. PEP has the higher yield; COST scores better on safety.

Which has a higher dividend yield, COST or PEP?

PEP has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.16%, versus 0.56% for COST.

Is COST or PEP safer?

COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 84/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is COST or PEP better value right now?

As of Nov 5, 2026, PEP looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price (overvalued). For COST, its fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.