Cigna Corporation (CI) vs Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
A side-by-side comparison of Cigna Corporation and Costco Wholesale Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: CI is classified in Healthcare; COST is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CI
Cigna Corporation
$301.06HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation
$966.58Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CI vs COST
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCI +3104.9%COST +11175.1%COST compounded faster
CI COST
CI vs COST: by the numbers
- •COST is the larger company ($428.66B vs $79.64B market cap).
- •CI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.34 vs 47.87 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •COST converts more revenue to profit (3.01% vs 2.26% net margin).
- •CI grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.28% vs 9.48% CAGR).
- •CI pays the higher dividend yield (2.11% vs 0.56%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CI | COST |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 12.34 | 47.87 |
| Forward P/E | 9.55 | 46.33 |
| P/S ratio | 0.28 | 1.44 |
| P/B ratio | 1.82 | 12.62 |
| PEG ratio | 0.15 | 5.23 |
| EV / EBITDA | 8.31 | 29.89 |
| FCF yield | 9.96% | 2.08% |
Profitability
| Metric | CI | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 9.30% | 12.88% |
| Operating margin | 3.42% | 3.82% |
| Net margin | 2.26% | 3.01% |
| ROE | 14.90% | 26.38% |
| ROIC | 7.35% | 19.44% |
Dividends
| Metric | CI | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.11% | 0.56% |
| Payout ratio | 27.53% | 29.44% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CI | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 11.28% | 9.48% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -0.76% | 15.04% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -2.03% | 4.95% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.87% | 18.31% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CI or COST?
- CI has the lower trailing P/E: CI trades at 12.34 and COST at 47.87. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CI or COST?
- Over the past five years, CI grew revenue faster — CI at a 11.28% CAGR versus COST at 9.48%.
- Does CI or COST pay a bigger dividend?
- CI yields 2.11% and COST yields 0.56% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CI or COST more profitable?
- COST runs the higher net margin — CI at 2.26% versus COST at 3.01%.
- How have CI and COST total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CI delivered 8.83% and COST delivered 20.06% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cigna P/E ratioCostco Wholesale P/E ratioCigna dividend yieldCostco Wholesale dividend yieldCigna ROECostco Wholesale ROECigna operating marginCostco Wholesale operating marginCigna revenue growthCostco Wholesale revenue growthCigna free cash flowCostco Wholesale free cash flow
Cigna & Costco Wholesale appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.