COST vs SJM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SJM offers the higher yield at 3.38%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and SJM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 38% below its share price).
Key facts: COST vs SJM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.38%, versus 0.56% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and SJM's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and SJM for 24.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and SJM pays out 206%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price and SJM's fair-value estimate is 38% below its share price, so SJM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs SJM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-sjm
| Metric | COST | SJM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 3.38% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $4.48 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 206% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 24 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 4.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 88% | 3% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $491.02 | $81.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -54% | -38% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $474.6B | $14.2B |
| P/E ratio | 51.6 | 62.2 |
Higher yield
SJM
3.38%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
SJM
-38% upside
COST vs SJM — FAQ
Is COST or SJM a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SJM offers the higher yield (3.38%), 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 SJM?
SJM has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.38%, versus 0.56% for COST.
Is COST or SJM safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or SJM better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, SJM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 38% below its share price (overvalued). For COST, its fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.