COST vs UTZ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head metrics. UTZ offers the higher yield at 1.76%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score.
Key facts: COST vs UTZ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Utz Brands, Inc. (UTZ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.76%, versus 0.59% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and UTZ's D (49/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and UTZ for 0.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs UTZ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-utz
| Metric | COST | UTZ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 1.76% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.25 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 2460% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 3.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 83% | 1% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 49 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $487.61 | — |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | — |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $438.3B | $1.3B |
| P/E ratio | 47.6 | — |
Higher yield
UTZ
1.76%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
COST vs UTZ — FAQ
Is COST or UTZ a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 1). UTZ offers the higher yield (1.76%), 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 UTZ?
UTZ has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.76%, versus 0.59% for COST.
Is COST or UTZ safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 49/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.