SmarterDividends

COST vs STRA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of September 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. STRA offers the higher yield at 2.88%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and STRA trades at the larger discount to fair value (+129%).

MetricCOSTSTRA
Forward yield0.63%2.88%
Annual dividend$5.88$2.40
Payout ratio27%40%
Years of growth21 yr0 yr
5-yr dividend growth13.0%0.0%
5-yr total return110%20%
Dividend safety score95 (A)76 (B)
Fair value estimate$429.16$193.98
Upside to fair value-55%+129%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$411.8B$1.8B
P/E ratio46.813.9

Higher yield

STRA

2.88%

Safer dividend

COST

Grade A

Faster growth

COST

13.0%

Better value

STRA

+129% upside

COST vs STRA — FAQ

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