Costco Wholesale (COST) Stock Overview
Engages in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. More details
| Snowflake Score | |
|---|---|
| Valuation | 0/6 |
| Future Growth | 2/6 |
| Past Performance | 6/6 |
| Financial Health | 6/6 |
| Dividends | 0/6 |
COST Community Fair Values
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Analyst Price Targets
Top Community Narratives
Costco Wholesale Corporation Competitors
Price History & Performance
| Historical stock prices | |
|---|---|
| Current Share Price | US$1,016.42 |
| 52 Week High | US$1,067.08 |
| 52 Week Low | US$844.06 |
| Beta | 0.91 |
| 1 Month Change | 0.14% |
| 3 Month Change | 3.89% |
| 1 Year Change | 0.59% |
| 3 Year Change | 102.96% |
| 5 Year Change | 168.77% |
| Change since IPO | 10,599.16% |
Recent News & Updates
COST: Membership Strength And Traffic Trends Will Support Premium Future P/E
Analysts have nudged the Costco Wholesale fair value estimate higher to reflect a modestly higher blended Street price target in the $975 to $1,315 range, citing recent target increases after Q2 earnings, resilient membership income, and steady traffic trends. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research points to a broadly constructive tone around Costco, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets and highlighting consistent execution following the latest earnings prints.Costco: When Compounding Is Already Priced In
Apr 20COST: Membership Income Strength And Steady Traffic Will Sustain Premium P E
Analysts have raised their Costco Wholesale price targets by amounts ranging from $1 to $65, reflecting updated views on its execution, membership trends, and price-to-earnings assumptions. Together, these factors translate into a slightly refined fair value estimate and margin outlook in the latest model.COST: Membership Engine And Premium P E Will Support Defensive Upside
Analyst fair value for Costco Wholesale has been revised higher from $1,205 to about $1,311 per share, as analysts factor in modestly stronger revenue growth assumptions, a slightly lower discount rate, a richer future P/E multiple near 57x, and recent Street research that continues to highlight resilient execution despite concerns around competing products. Analyst Commentary Recent research around Costco continues to frame the retailer as a high quality operator with a premium valuation, while also highlighting some areas of investor caution.Recent updates
COST: Membership Strength And Traffic Trends Will Support Premium Future P/E
Analysts have nudged the Costco Wholesale fair value estimate higher to reflect a modestly higher blended Street price target in the $975 to $1,315 range, citing recent target increases after Q2 earnings, resilient membership income, and steady traffic trends. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research points to a broadly constructive tone around Costco, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets and highlighting consistent execution following the latest earnings prints.Costco: When Compounding Is Already Priced In
Apr 20COST: Membership Income Strength And Steady Traffic Will Sustain Premium P E
Analysts have raised their Costco Wholesale price targets by amounts ranging from $1 to $65, reflecting updated views on its execution, membership trends, and price-to-earnings assumptions. Together, these factors translate into a slightly refined fair value estimate and margin outlook in the latest model.COST: Membership Engine And Premium P E Will Support Defensive Upside
Analyst fair value for Costco Wholesale has been revised higher from $1,205 to about $1,311 per share, as analysts factor in modestly stronger revenue growth assumptions, a slightly lower discount rate, a richer future P/E multiple near 57x, and recent Street research that continues to highlight resilient execution despite concerns around competing products. Analyst Commentary Recent research around Costco continues to frame the retailer as a high quality operator with a premium valuation, while also highlighting some areas of investor caution.
COST: Membership Headwinds And Rich P E Will Shape Cautious Outlook
Costco Wholesale's intrinsic value estimate has been lifted by about $23 to $822.59 per share as analysts factor in higher long term price targets, supported by consistent same store sales execution, resilient traffic and ticket trends, recurring membership income growth, and views that the warehouse model remains a core holding for many portfolios despite a premium P/E multiple and membership growth headwinds flagged in some recent research. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Costco Wholesale centers on strong operational execution and consistent earnings beats, alongside ongoing debate about how much of that quality is already reflected in the share price.COST: Membership Strength And Pricing Power Will Support Defensive Upside Through 2026
Analysts have nudged their Costco Wholesale price target higher to $1,205, a modest revision that reflects slightly firmer assumptions on revenue growth and a small adjustment to the discount rate, while still factoring in a similar long term profit profile and P/E outlook to previous estimates. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Costco points to generally constructive sentiment, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets and reiterating positive views on the company’s positioning and execution.
Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST): The Ultimate Membership Flywheel – Scaling 145 Million Members
Costco (COST) enters March 2026 as one of the most resilient "all-weather" stocks in the retail sector, trading at $1,011.17 following a 2.5% rally on February 27. The company has successfully navigated the high-inflation environment of the past two years, leveraging its bulk-buying power to maintain its "industry-leading pricing" advantage.
COST: Value Focus And Membership Model Will Balance Food Disinflation And Competition
Analysts have nudged their Costco Wholesale fair value estimate higher to about $1,048 from roughly $1,030, pointing to slightly stronger assumptions for revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E multiples, partially tempered by a modestly higher discount rate and fresh price target raises across the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Costco Wholesale has centered on fresh price target moves and updated views on how the membership model could hold up through changing consumer trends and spending patterns.COST: Membership Model And Value Focus Will Support Defensive Upside Through 2026
Analysts maintained their fair value estimate for Costco Wholesale at $1,205, while adjusting their assumptions to reflect slightly higher revenue growth, modestly improved profit margins, and a slightly lower future P/E. These changes reflect renewed coverage and mixed but improving expectations for food retailers as discussed in recent Street research.COST: Value Focus And SNAP Insulation Will Support Steady Future Membership Gains
Analysts have trimmed their Costco Wholesale fair value estimate to about $1,030 from roughly $1,056. They cite slightly more conservative assumptions on revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E multiples, while also noting relative insulation from SNAP headwinds and potential consumer tailwinds discussed in recent retail sector research.Is There Now An Opportunity In Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)?
Jan 05
COST: SNAP Headwinds And Tariff Relief Will Shape Fairly Balanced Outlook
Narrative Update Analysts have adjusted their Costco Wholesale fair value estimate from about $834.56 to $799.51. A higher discount rate and slightly lower assumed profit margin offset stronger modeled revenue growth.COST: Membership Model And Traffic Strength Will Support Defensive Upside
Analysts have modestly reduced their fair value estimate for Costco Wholesale to $1,205 from $1,225, reflecting slightly lower growth and margin assumptions and a gradual normalization of the stock's previously elevated valuation multiple following recent Street target trims. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts acknowledge that near term macro headwinds, including reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, are pressuring sector level sales, particularly in staples and grocery categories.COST: Solid Membership Retention And Defensive Edge Will Support Future Share Gains
Analysts have modestly lowered their average price target for Costco Wholesale, now expecting shares to reach around $1,020. Recent updates reflect both the company's continued strong performance as well as persistent concerns over its premium valuation and mixed quarterly results.COST: Strong Sales And Membership Model Will Drive Market Share Gains
Costco Wholesale’s analyst price targets have been reduced by approximately $30 to $70 per share following its fiscal Q4 report. Analysts cite a mixed performance, ongoing industry headwinds, and the company’s premium valuation as key factors in their updated outlooks.COST: Market Share Gains Will Continue Driven By High Member Renewal Rates
Costco Wholesale's analyst price target has been reduced modestly, with the average fair value estimate moving down by about $1.65 to $1,059.55. Analysts cite a combination of slightly slower margin growth and a continued premium valuation backdrop as reasons for the adjustment.Warehouse, E-Commerce, And International Expansion Will Support Future Success
Costco’s analyst price target has been revised downward to $1,061 from $1,072. Analysts cite mixed quarterly results, persistent strength in sales and margin improvements, but continued caution given the stock’s elevated valuation multiples.Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) Yearly Results: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For This Year
Sep 29Warehouse, E-Commerce, And International Expansion Will Support Future Success
Despite continued strong comparable sales growth and solid execution, analysts cite concerns about Costco’s elevated valuation and limited upside at current prices, resulting in an unchanged consensus price target of $1073. Analyst Commentary Solid U.S. comparable sales growth at 5.5% in June, maintaining strength in Food, Sundries, and Fresh Foods, with mid-single-digit gains in nonfood categories.Does Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
Jul 25
We Like Costco Wholesale's (NASDAQ:COST) Returns And Here's How They're Trending
Jul 14Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) Shares Could Be 32% Above Their Intrinsic Value Estimate
May 30Costco: Incredible Value For Members, A Premium For Investors
Apr 28Costco: Profitable Like Heck, Valuation Like Shrek (Ugly)
Mar 24Costco's Selloff Is Finally Here - Is It A Buy Now?
Mar 18Costco: Overvalued After Strong Bull Run (Rating Downgrade)
Mar 10Costco's Q2 Preview: Investors Debate On Stock-Split, Special Dividend, And Fee Hike
Mar 04Costco: Risks With The Momentum Trade Into Q2 Earnings
Feb 23Costco's Price Looks Similar To Walmart In 1999
Jan 22Costco: If It Ain't Broke, Why Fix It? Consistency Is Key
Jan 09As Costco's Q1 Earnings Approach, Let's Understand The Mindset Of Its Shareholders
Dec 09Costco Is A Great Place To Shop, But Not To Invest
Nov 11Costco: Still Cheap With Room For Warehouse Growth
Oct 29Costco Is Running Out Of Gold, Here's What That Means For The Wholesaler
Oct 18Costco's Buying Opportunity Has Long Left The Station
Oct 12
Narrative update from Goran Damchevski
Membership Fee Increase and E-comm Will Improve Costco’s ProfitabilityBeginning September 1, 2024 Costco increased its membership fees by 8.3% from $120 to $130 for the Executive package and from $60Costco Is A Phenomenal Company, But It's An Overpriced Investment
Oct 01Costco: Value For Customers But Not For Investors
Sep 23Shareholder Returns
| COST | US Consumer Retailing | US Market | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7D | 2.3% | 2.3% | 1.8% |
| 1Y | 0.6% | 19.2% | 29.8% |
Return vs Industry: COST underperformed the US Consumer Retailing industry which returned 19.2% over the past year.
Return vs Market: COST underperformed the US Market which returned 29.8% over the past year.
Price Volatility
| COST volatility | |
|---|---|
| COST Average Weekly Movement | 2.6% |
| Consumer Retailing Industry Average Movement | 5.2% |
| Market Average Movement | 7.1% |
| 10% most volatile stocks in US Market | 16.1% |
| 10% least volatile stocks in US Market | 3.2% |
Stable Share Price: COST has not had significant price volatility in the past 3 months compared to the US market.
Volatility Over Time: COST's weekly volatility (3%) has been stable over the past year.
About the Company
| Founded | Employees | CEO | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | 341,000 | Ron Vachris | www.costco.com |
Costco Wholesale Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. It offers merchandise, including sundries, dry groceries, candies, coolers, freezers, deli, liquor, and tobacco; non-food merchandise comprising appliances, small electronics, health and beauty aids, hardware, lawn and garden, sporting goods, tires, toys and seasonal, automotive, stamps, tickets, apparel, furniture, domestics, housewares, special order kiosks, and jewelry; and fresh food, such as meat, produce, service deli, and bakery products. The company is also involved in warehouse ancillary operations, which include gasoline, pharmacies, optical, food courts, hearing-aid centers, and tire installation centers.
Costco Wholesale Corporation Fundamentals Summary
| COST fundamental statistics | |
|---|---|
| Market cap | US$449.33b |
| Earnings (TTM) | US$8.55b |
| Revenue (TTM) | US$286.27b |
52.7x
P/E Ratio1.6x
P/S RatioIs COST overvalued?
See Fair Value and valuation analysisEarnings & Revenue
| COST income statement (TTM) | |
|---|---|
| Revenue | US$286.27b |
| Cost of Revenue | US$249.26b |
| Gross Profit | US$37.00b |
| Other Expenses | US$28.45b |
| Earnings | US$8.55b |
Last Reported Earnings
Feb 15, 2026
Next Earnings Date
May 28, 2026
| Earnings per share (EPS) | 19.27 |
| Gross Margin | 12.93% |
| Net Profit Margin | 2.99% |
| Debt/Equity Ratio | 18.3% |
How did COST perform over the long term?
See historical performance and comparisonDividends
0.6%
Current Dividend Yield27%
Payout RatioDoes COST pay a reliable dividends?
See COST dividend history and benchmarks| Costco Wholesale dividend dates | |
|---|---|
| Ex Dividend Date | May 01 2026 |
| Dividend Pay Date | May 15 2026 |
| Days until Ex dividend | 6 days |
| Days until Dividend pay date | 8 days |
Does COST pay a reliable dividends?
See COST dividend history and benchmarksCompany Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/05 16:44 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/05 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/02/15 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/08/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Costco Wholesale Corporation is covered by 62 analysts. 31 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Christopher Graja | Argus Research Company |
| Peter Benedict | Baird |
| Meredith Adler | Barclays |