COST vs WMT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of August 2026, COST and WMT are closely matched. WMT offers the higher yield at 0.89%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and WMT trades at the larger discount to fair value (-45%).
| Metric | COST | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.62% | 0.89% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $0.99 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 34% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 50 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 5.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 109% | 125% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $423.36 | $60.63 |
| Upside to fair value | -56% | -45% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $417.8B | $894.0B |
| P/E ratio | 47.6 | 39.3 |
Higher yield
WMT
0.89%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
WMT
-45% upside
COST vs WMT — FAQ
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