Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) vs Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
A side-by-side comparison of Comcast Corporation and Costco Wholesale Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: CMCSA is classified in Communication Services; COST is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CMCSA
Comcast Corporation
$25.17Communication ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 10, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation
$902.38Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 10, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CMCSA vs COST
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCMCSA -2.0% (-0.2%/yr)COST +544.2% (+20.5%/yr)COST compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
CMCSA COST
CMCSA vs COST: by the numbers
- •COST is the larger company ($400.19B vs $89.32B market cap).
- •CMCSA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (8.15 vs 45.39 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CMCSA converts more revenue to profit (8.97% vs 3.01% net margin).
- •COST grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.48% vs 2.76% CAGR).
- •CMCSA pays the higher dividend yield (5.24% vs 0.61%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CMCSA | COST |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 8.15 | 45.39 |
| Forward P/E | 7.18 | 39.81 |
| P/S ratio | 0.72 | 1.36 |
| P/B ratio | 0.99 | 11.94 |
| EV / EBITDA | 5.05 | 28.24 |
| FCF yield | 22.89% | 2.20% |
Profitability
| Metric | CMCSA | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 69.39% | 12.88% |
| Operating margin | 14.66% | 3.82% |
| Net margin | 8.97% | 3.01% |
| ROE | 12.48% | 26.38% |
| ROIC | 6.12% | 19.01% |
Dividends
| Metric | CMCSA | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 5.24% | 0.61% |
| Payout ratio | 42.72% | 27.87% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CMCSA | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.76% | 9.48% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 18.66% | 15.04% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 8.05% | 4.95% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -13.07% | 14.89% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CMCSA or COST?
- CMCSA has the lower trailing P/E: CMCSA trades at 8.15 and COST at 45.39. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CMCSA or COST?
- Over the past five years, COST grew revenue faster — CMCSA at a 2.76% CAGR versus COST at 9.48%.
- Does CMCSA or COST pay a bigger dividend?
- CMCSA yields 5.24% and COST yields 0.61% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CMCSA or COST more profitable?
- CMCSA runs the higher net margin — CMCSA at 8.97% versus COST at 3.01%.
- How have CMCSA and COST total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CMCSA delivered -0.09% and COST delivered 20.56% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Comcast P/E ratioCostco Wholesale P/E ratioComcast dividend yieldCostco Wholesale dividend yieldComcast ROECostco Wholesale ROEComcast operating marginCostco Wholesale operating marginComcast revenue growthCostco Wholesale revenue growthComcast free cash flowCostco Wholesale free cash flow
Comcast & 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 September 11, 2026.