COST vs SFD: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 3 of 5 head-to-head metrics. SFD offers the higher yield at 6.83%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and SFD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price).
Key facts: COST vs SFD
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Smithfield Foods, Inc. (SFD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.83%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and SFD for 0.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and SFD pays out 42%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and SFD's fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price, so SFD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs SFD: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-sfd
| Metric | COST | SFD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 6.83% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $1.25 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 42% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 86% | — |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | — |
| Fair value estimate | $489.60 | $19.61 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +7% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $445.4B | $7.2B |
| P/E ratio | 48.4 | 6.8 |
Higher yield
SFD
6.83%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
SFD
+7% upside
COST vs SFD — FAQ
Is COST or SFD a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (3 vs 2). SFD offers the higher yield (6.83%), 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 SFD?
SFD has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.83%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is COST or SFD safer?
Compare each stock's payout ratio, growth streak and cut history on its detail page to judge safety.
Is COST or SFD better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, SFD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 7% above 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.