COST vs WMK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. WMK offers the higher yield at 1.83%, WMK has the higher dividend-safety score, and WMK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price).
Key facts: COST vs WMK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Weis Markets, Inc. (WMK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.83%, versus 0.60% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and WMK's A (99/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and WMK for 0.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and WMK pays out 35%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 51% below its share price and WMK's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price, so WMK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs WMK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-wmk
| Metric | COST | WMK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.60% | 1.83% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $1.36 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 35% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 1.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 88% | 18% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 99 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $489.60 | $60.23 |
| Upside to fair value | -51% | -20% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $441.4B | $1.9B |
| P/E ratio | 48.0 | 19.0 |
Higher yield
WMK
1.83%
Safer dividend
WMK
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
WMK
-20% upside
COST vs WMK — FAQ
Is COST or WMK a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). WMK offers the higher yield (1.83%), while WMK 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 WMK?
WMK has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.83%, versus 0.60% for COST.
Is COST or WMK safer?
WMK has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 97/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or WMK better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, WMK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price (overvalued). 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.