COST vs PRDO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PRDO (Perdoceo Education Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. PRDO offers the higher yield at 2.02%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and PRDO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 64% above its share price).
Key facts: COST vs PRDO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Perdoceo Education Corporation (PRDO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.02%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and PRDO's B (76/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and PRDO for 2.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and PRDO pays out 22%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and PRDO's fair-value estimate is 64% above its share price, so PRDO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs PRDO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-prdo
| Metric | COST | PRDO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 2.02% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.68 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 83% | 242% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 76 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $487.61 | $55.38 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +64% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $438.3B | $2.1B |
| P/E ratio | 47.6 | 12.3 |
Higher yield
PRDO
2.02%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
PRDO
+64% upside
COST vs PRDO — FAQ
Is COST or PRDO a better dividend stock?
On the data, PRDO wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). PRDO offers the higher yield (2.02%), 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 PRDO?
PRDO has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.02%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is COST or PRDO safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 76/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or PRDO better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PRDO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 64% above its share price (undervalued). 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.