Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) vs Intel Corp. (INTC)

A side-by-side comparison of Costco Wholesale Corporation and Intel Corp. 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; INTC is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnCOST vs INTC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
COST +528.3% (+20.2%/yr)INTC +228.6% (+12.6%/yr)COST compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$628$329
COST INTC

COST vs INTC: by the numbers

  • INTC is the larger company ($519.23B vs $401.25B market cap).
  • COST is profitable (3.01% net margin) while INTC runs a net loss (-19.79%).
  • COST grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.48% vs -5.97% CAGR).
  • COST pays a dividend (0.61% yield), while INTC is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCOSTINTC
P/E ratio45.51N/A
Forward P/E39.9268.61
P/S ratio1.379.10
P/B ratio11.975.93
EV / EBITDA28.3244.71
FCF yield2.19%0.55%

Profitability

MetricCOSTINTC
Gross margin12.88%38.93%
Operating margin3.82%0.14%
Net margin3.01%-19.79%
ROE26.38%-12.90%
ROIC19.01%0.05%

Dividends

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

Growth (annualized)

MetricCOSTINTC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.48%-5.97%
EPS CAGR (5Y)15.04%-38.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)4.95%-29.55%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.89%15.14%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, COST or INTC?
Over the past five years, COST grew revenue faster — COST at a 9.48% CAGR versus INTC at -5.97%.
Does COST or INTC pay a bigger dividend?
COST pays a dividend (0.61% yield), while INTC is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is COST or INTC more profitable?
COST runs the higher net margin — COST at 3.01% versus INTC at -19.79%.
How have COST and INTC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, COST delivered 20.56% and INTC delivered 13.32% 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.