COST vs WMT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. WMT offers the higher yield at 0.77%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and COST looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price).
Key facts: COST vs WMT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Walmart Inc. (WMT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.77%, versus 0.56% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and WMT's A (91/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and WMT for 50.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and WMT pays out 35%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price and WMT's fair-value estimate is 55% below its share price, so COST looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs WMT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-wmt
| Metric | COST | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 0.77% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.99 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 35% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 50 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 5.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 88% | 163% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $491.02 | $57.65 |
| Upside to fair value | -53% | -55% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $463.7B | $1.0T |
| P/E ratio | 50.4 | 46.8 |
Higher yield
WMT
0.77%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
COST
-53% upside
COST vs WMT — FAQ
Is COST or WMT a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). WMT offers the higher yield (0.77%), 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 WMT?
WMT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.77%, versus 0.56% for COST.
Is COST or WMT safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or WMT better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, COST looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price (overvalued). For WMT, its fair-value estimate is 55% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.