Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) vs Salesforce, Inc. (CRM)
A side-by-side comparison of Costco Wholesale Corporation and Salesforce, Inc. 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: COST is classified in Consumer Defensive; CRM is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation
$904.77Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CRM
Salesforce, Inc.
$247.72TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — COST vs CRM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCOST +528.3% (+20.2%/yr)CRM +238.5% (+13.0%/yr)COST compounded faster over this window
COST CRM
COST vs CRM: by the numbers
- •COST is the larger company ($401.25B vs $202.88B market cap).
- •CRM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.60 vs 45.51 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CRM converts more revenue to profit (21.99% vs 3.01% net margin).
- •CRM grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.30% vs 9.48% CAGR).
- •CRM pays the higher dividend yield (0.70% vs 0.61%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | COST | CRM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 45.51 | 22.60 |
| Forward P/E | 39.92 | 14.88 |
| P/S ratio | 1.37 | 4.62 |
| P/B ratio | 11.97 | 5.29 |
| EV / EBITDA | 28.32 | 17.74 |
| FCF yield | 2.19% | 7.47% |
Profitability
| Metric | COST | CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 12.88% | 77.28% |
| Operating margin | 3.82% | 21.39% |
| Net margin | 3.01% | 21.99% |
| ROE | 26.38% | 25.18% |
| ROIC | 19.01% | 8.78% |
Dividends
| Metric | COST | CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.61% | 0.70% |
| Payout ratio | 27.87% | 15.62% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | COST | CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.48% | 13.30% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 15.04% | 11.87% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 4.95% | 22.61% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.89% | -0.78% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, COST or CRM?
- CRM has the lower trailing P/E: COST trades at 45.51 and CRM at 22.60. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, COST or CRM?
- Over the past five years, CRM grew revenue faster — COST at a 9.48% CAGR versus CRM at 13.30%.
- Does COST or CRM pay a bigger dividend?
- COST yields 0.61% and CRM yields 0.70% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is COST or CRM more profitable?
- CRM runs the higher net margin — COST at 3.01% versus CRM at 21.99%.
- How have COST and CRM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, COST delivered 20.56% and CRM delivered 12.79% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Costco Wholesale P/E ratioSalesforce P/E ratioCostco Wholesale dividend yieldSalesforce dividend yieldCostco Wholesale ROESalesforce ROECostco Wholesale operating marginSalesforce operating marginCostco Wholesale revenue growthSalesforce revenue growthCostco Wholesale free cash flowSalesforce free cash flow
Costco Wholesale & Salesforce 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.