COST vs TSN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. TSN offers the higher yield at 3.62%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and TSN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price).
Key facts: COST vs TSN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.62%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and TSN's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and TSN for 13.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and TSN pays out 125%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and TSN's fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price, so TSN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs TSN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-tsn
| Metric | COST | TSN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 3.62% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $2.04 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 125% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 3.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 86% | -28% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $489.60 | $75.28 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +33% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $445.4B | $19.8B |
| P/E ratio | 48.4 | 34.8 |
Higher yield
TSN
3.62%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
TSN
+33% upside
COST vs TSN — FAQ
Is COST or TSN a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). TSN offers the higher yield (3.62%), 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 TSN?
TSN has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.62%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is COST or TSN safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or TSN better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, TSN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 33% 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.