COST vs KMB: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. KMB offers the higher yield at 4.73%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and KMB trades at the larger discount to fair value (+41%).
| Metric | COST | KMB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.62% | 4.73% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $5.12 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 98% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 40 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 3.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -21% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $422.97 | $152.52 |
| Upside to fair value | -55% | +41% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $415.0B | $36.0B |
| P/E ratio | 47.4 | 21.0 |
Higher yield
KMB
4.73%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
KMB
+41% upside
COST vs KMB — FAQ
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