COST vs UL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. UL offers the higher yield at 3.12%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and UL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price).
Key facts: COST vs UL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Unilever PLC (UL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 0.56% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and UL's C (57/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and UL for 3.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and UL pays out 46%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price and UL's fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price, so UL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs UL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-ul
| Metric | COST | UL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 3.12% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $2.09 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 46% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 1.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 88% | 14% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 57 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $491.02 | $74.10 |
| Upside to fair value | -54% | +9% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $474.6B | $146.4B |
| P/E ratio | 51.6 | 13.7 |
Higher yield
UL
3.12%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
UL
+9% upside
COST vs UL — FAQ
Is COST or UL a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). UL offers the higher yield (3.12%), 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 UL?
UL has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 0.56% for COST.
Is COST or UL safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 57/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or UL better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, UL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.