Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) vs Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

A side-by-side comparison of Costco Wholesale Corporation and Fair Isaac 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.

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Different business models: COST is classified in Consumer Defensive; FICO is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnCOST vs FICO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
COST +544.2% (+20.5%/yr)FICO +642.4% (+22.2%/yr)FICO compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$644$742
COST FICO

COST vs FICO: by the numbers

  • COST is the larger company ($401.25B vs $21.28B market cap).
  • FICO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (28.46 vs 45.51 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • FICO converts more revenue to profit (34.05% vs 3.01% net margin).
  • FICO grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.03% vs 9.48% CAGR).
  • COST pays a dividend (0.61% yield), while FICO is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCOSTFICO
P/E ratio45.5128.46
Forward P/E39.9222.95
P/S ratio1.378.89
P/B ratio11.97N/A
EV / EBITDA28.3221.26
FCF yield2.19%4.68%

Profitability

MetricCOSTFICO
Gross margin12.88%85.10%
Operating margin3.82%51.65%
Net margin3.01%34.05%
ROE26.38%N/A
ROIC19.01%59.42%

Dividends

MetricCOSTFICO
Dividend yield0.61%N/A
Payout ratio27.87%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCOSTFICO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.48%12.03%
EPS CAGR (5Y)15.04%27.04%
FCF CAGR (5Y)4.95%16.63%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.89%16.31%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, COST or FICO?
FICO has the lower trailing P/E: COST trades at 45.51 and FICO at 28.46. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, COST or FICO?
Over the past five years, FICO grew revenue faster — COST at a 9.48% CAGR versus FICO at 12.03%.
Does COST or FICO pay a bigger dividend?
COST pays a dividend (0.61% yield), while FICO is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is COST or FICO more profitable?
FICO runs the higher net margin — COST at 3.01% versus FICO at 34.05%.
How have COST and FICO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, COST delivered 20.56% and FICO delivered 22.28% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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.