COST vs UG: 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. UG offers the higher yield at 9.06%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and UG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price).
Key facts: COST vs UG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, United-Guardian, Inc. (UG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.06%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and UG's D (45/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and UG for 0.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and UG pays out 93%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and UG's fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price, so UG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs UG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-ug
| Metric | COST | UG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 9.06% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.60 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 93% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | -5.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 86% | -58% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 45 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $489.60 | $7.93 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +19% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $445.4B | $30.5M |
| P/E ratio | 48.4 | 12.3 |
Higher yield
UG
9.06%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
UG
+19% upside
COST vs UG — FAQ
Is COST or UG a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). UG offers the higher yield (9.06%), 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 UG?
UG has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.06%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is COST or UG safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 45/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or UG better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, UG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 19% 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.