COST vs UL: 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. UL offers the higher yield at 3.43%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and UL trades at the larger discount to fair value (+15%).
| Metric | COST | UL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.66% | 3.43% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $2.12 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 77% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 1.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 82% | 2% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 55 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $441.82 | $71.00 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | +15% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $397.1B | $133.1B |
| P/E ratio | 45.0 | 21.2 |
Higher yield
UL
3.43%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
UL
+15% upside
COST vs UL — FAQ
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.