COST vs DEO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DEO offers the higher yield at 3.95%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and DEO trades at the larger discount to fair value (+33%).
| Metric | COST | DEO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.62% | 3.95% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $3.32 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 96% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 2.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -56% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 52 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $422.97 | $112.10 |
| Upside to fair value | -55% | +33% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $415.0B | $47.2B |
| P/E ratio | 47.4 | 19.4 |
Higher yield
DEO
3.95%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
DEO
+33% upside
COST vs DEO — FAQ
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