COST vs WILC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 4 head-to-head metrics. COST offers the higher yield at 0.59%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and COST looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price).
Key facts: COST vs WILC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and WILC's C (60/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and WILC for 1.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs WILC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-wilc
| Metric | COST | WILC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | — |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.98 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | — |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 83% | — |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 60 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $487.61 | $12.76 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | -55% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $438.3B | — |
| P/E ratio | 47.6 | — |
Higher yield
COST
0.59%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
COST
-51% upside
COST vs WILC — FAQ
Is COST or WILC a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 0). COST offers the higher yield (0.59%), 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 WILC?
COST has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.59%, versus — for WILC.
Is COST or WILC safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or WILC better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, COST looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price (overvalued). For WILC, its fair-value estimate is 55% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.