COST vs MO
Costco Wholesale Corporation compared with Altria Group, Inc. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation
TTM yield · Quarterly
MO
Altria Group, Inc.
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- MO yields more today: 6.22% vs 0.64% (forward).
- COST has grown its payout faster: 13.2%/yr vs 4.3%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- COST has the longer streak of annual increases: 21 years vs 17.
- Over the last year MO delivered the higher total return: +7.7% vs -2.3% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | COST | MO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $915.74 | $68.18 |
| TTM yield | 0.60% | 6.22% |
| Forward yield | 0.64% | 6.22% |
| Annual payout per share | $5.88 | $4.24 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Oct 23, 2026 (est.) | Sep 15, 2026 (declared) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 27% | 89% |
| 1-year payout growth | +12.6% | +3.9% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +13.2% | +4.3% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 21 years | 17 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 88/100 | 97/100 |
| 1-year total return | -2.3% | +7.7% |
| 1-year price return | -2.9% | +1.4% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 403.6B | 113.8B |
| Years paying | 22.3 | 64.5 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Consumer Defensive | Consumer Defensive |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| COST | MO | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 10.9 | 146.7 |
| Income per year | $64 | $622 |
| Income per month (avg) | $5 | $52 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model COST · Model MO
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| COST Oct 23, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | $1.47 | Est. |
| COST Jan 22, 2027 | Feb 5, 2027 | $1.47 | Est. |
| COST Apr 23, 2027 | May 7, 2027 | $1.47 | Est. |
| MO Sep 15, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | $1.06 | Declared |
| MO Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $1.06 | Est. |
| MO Mar 14, 2027 | Mar 28, 2027 | $1.06 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
COSTMO
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, COST or MO?
MO currently has the higher trailing yield: COST yields 0.60% and MO yields 6.22%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do COST and MO pay?
COST pays every quarter and MO pays every quarter. COST's next ex-date is Oct 23, 2026 and MO's is Sep 15, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, COST or MO?
COST has grown its payout faster: 13.2%/yr vs 4.3%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is COST or MO better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. COST and MO differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.