Stock · Consumer Defensive
COST Costco Wholesale Corporation
Costco Wholesale Corporation scores well across yield, structure, and size — a typical strong-safety profile.
Why we rate it 8.3
- Low yield of 0.59% — typical of growth-tilted stocks
- Payout ratio of 27% leaves significant room to grow the dividend or absorb earnings dips
- Current yield is in line with the 5-year average of 0.60%
- Mega-cap scale (>$200B) — market dominance reduces dividend pressure
About Costco Wholesale Corporation
Costco Wholesale Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. It offers merchandise, including sundries, dry groceries, candies, coolers, freezers, deli, liquor, and tobacco; non-food merchandise comprising appliances, small electronics, health and beauty aids, hardware, lawn and garden, sporting goods, tires, toys and seasonal, automotive, stamps, tickets, apparel, furniture, domestics, housewares, special order kiosks, and jewelry; and fresh food, such as meat, produce, service deli, and bakery products. The company is also involved in warehouse ancillary operations, which include gasoline, pharmacies, optical, food courts, hearing-aid centers, and tire installation centers. In addition, it engages in e-commerce, business centers, travel, and other businesses. The company was formerly known as Costco Companies, Inc. and changed its name to Costco Wholesale Corporation in August 1999. Costco Wholesale Corporation was founded in 1976 and is based in Issaquah, Washington.
How we score dividend safety
The Infnits Dividend Safety Score is a 0–10 rating derived from yield zone, payout ratio (when applicable), yield trend versus 5-year average, instrument type, and company size. Each factor is independently transparent — see the reasons above for exactly which factors contributed to COST's score.
For the full methodology including the in-app version that uses ETF look-through and historical cut data, see our methodology page.
This is educational, not investment advice.Dividend safety scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" date shown. Verify current data on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Is COST's dividend safe?
Based on snapshot data — yield 0.59%, payout ratio 27%, instrument type stock — Infnits rates COST's dividend safety profile as strong (8.3/10). This is one signal, not a recommendation.
What is COST's current dividend yield?
COST has a current dividend yield of 0.59% as of April 28, 2026. Its 5-year average yield is 0.60%.
How is COST's safety score calculated?
The score combines yield zone (yields above 7% historically carry elevated cut risk), payout ratio (lower is safer), trend vs. 5-year average yield, instrument type (ETFs are inherently more diversified), and size (larger companies have more stable cash flows). Each factor is scored 0-2.5 and summed to a 0-10 result.
Where does this data come from?
Fundamentals are sourced from public market data and refreshed regularly. The "as of" date on each page reflects the snapshot used for the score. For real-time data, check the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage.
Should I buy COST based on this score?
No — this is an educational score based on a handful of public signals, not investment advice. Use it as one input among many. For a portfolio-aware analysis with ETF look-through and personalized insights, install the Infnits app.
Other dividend tickers
Track your full portfolio's dividend safety
Connect your brokerage in the Infnits app and get a portfolio-wide safety score with ETF look-through, concentration analysis, and AI-generated insights — updated daily.