Costco Wholesale Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
Costco Wholesale's CEO is Ron Vachris, appointed in Feb 2022, has a tenure of 4.58 years. total yearly compensation is $13.93M, comprised of 8.5% salary and 91.5% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.012% of the company’s shares, worth $46.70M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 3.1 years and 10.2 years respectively.
Key information
Ron Vachris
Chief executive officer
US$13.9m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 8.49% |
| CEO tenure | 4.6yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.01% |
| Management average tenure | 3.1yrs |
| Board average tenure | 10.2yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Sep 16
COST: Membership Model And Special Dividend Potential Will Support Premium Future P/E
Analysts have trimmed the Costco Wholesale fair value estimate from $1,314.67 to $1,286.69, reflecting slightly softer revenue growth and margin assumptions, as well as a modestly lower forward P/E multiple in response to more cautious recent research commentary on supply chain costs and potential earnings risk. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Costco Wholesale shows a split tone.Seeking Alpha • Sep 11
Costco: A Premium Worth Paying For Long-Term Compounding
Summary Costco Wholesale commands a premium 44.23x FWD P/E, justified by recurring membership income and robust comparable-sales growth. Membership growth, especially in executive tiers, deepens COST’s moat and drives higher spending and renewal rates. Digital sales surged 20.8% YoY, with operational and AI-driven improvements enhancing member engagement and warehouse efficiency. Risks include multiple compression if growth slows, but COST’s disciplined model and expansion support a long-term premium valuation. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Jul 02
COST: Membership Model And Q3 Execution Will Support Premium Multiple
Analysts have nudged the Costco Wholesale fair value estimate higher to $1,082.94 from $1,047.90, reflecting updated assumptions around slightly firmer profit margins, a modestly lower future P/E of about 50.7, and Street research that highlights the company's resilient membership model and balanced risk/reward at current levels. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Costco Wholesale presents a mix of confidence in the business model and caution around valuation, with price targets spread across a wide range and ratings spanning Buy, Hold, Neutral, and Sell.
Narrative Update • Jun 18
COST: Slowing Membership And Traffic Trends Will Eventually Pressure Premium P E Multiple
Analysts have modestly lifted the consolidated price target for Costco Wholesale toward the upper end of a wide $781 to $1,275 range, citing the company's membership-backed warehouse model, stable renewal rates, and consistent mid-single digit comparable sales as key supports for the updated valuation framework. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Costco Wholesale points to a mixed backdrop, with many firms lifting price targets while still highlighting valuation tension, membership trends, and traffic as key issues to watch.Analysis Article • Jun 16
Costco Wholesale (COST) Stock Could Be 35% Overvalued After Strong May Sales
Costco Wholesale (COST) is back in focus after reporting May sales figures and year to date results that highlight double digit growth in net sales, strong digitally enabled demand, and record gasoline volumes. See our latest analysis for Costco Wholesale. Despite the strong May sales update, Costco Wholesale’s recent share price has cooled, with the 30 day share price return down 6.63%, even as the year to date share price return sits at 14.62% and the 5 year total shareholder return is...Narrative Update • Jun 04
COST: Slowing Membership Trends Will Eventually Pressure Premium P E Multiple
Costco Wholesale's analyst fair value estimate has been revised from $822.59 to $852.63 as analysts factor in a slightly higher assumed discount rate, modestly higher modeled revenue growth, and a marginally lower profit margin, along with a higher future P/E in response to a series of recent price target increases that highlight the company's membership model, traffic trends, and perceived moat in warehouse retailing. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Costco clusters around a common theme: the core membership and warehouse model is widely viewed as resilient, but opinions are split on how much investors should pay for that stability and growth profile.Narrative Update • Apr 29
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.Narrative Update • Apr 15
COST: 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.Narrative Update • Mar 31
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.Narrative Update • Mar 17
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.Narrative Update • Mar 03
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.Narrative Update • Feb 17
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.Narrative Update • Feb 03
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.Narrative Update • Jan 20
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.Analysis Article • Jan 05
Is There Now An Opportunity In Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)?
Today we're going to take a look at the well-established Costco Wholesale Corporation ( NASDAQ:COST ). The company's...Narrative Update • 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.Narrative Update • Dec 15
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.Narrative Update • Dec 01
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.Narrative Update • Nov 17
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.Narrative Update • Nov 02
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.Narrative Update • Oct 03
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.Analysis Article • Sep 29
Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) Yearly Results: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For This Year
Last week, you might have seen that Costco Wholesale Corporation ( NASDAQ:COST ) released its yearly result to the...Narrative Update • Sep 04
Warehouse, 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.Seeking Alpha • Apr 28
Costco: Incredible Value For Members, A Premium For Investors
Summary Costco's current valuation at 54x FY25 EPS is significantly above its historical average, making it an unattractive investment despite its strong fundamentals and growth prospects. The retail giant's business model ensures consistent growth, but its share price appreciation has outpaced its true value creation. History shows more favorable entry points between 28x and 39x EPS. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 24
Costco: Profitable Like Heck, Valuation Like Shrek (Ugly)
Summary Costco is highly reliable due to its wide moats, loyal customer base, and predictable, cash-generative subscription model with pricing power. Companies with clearer futures, like Costco, deserve a premium valuation, similar to a bond proxy, ensuring ever-increasing cash flow. Despite Costco's strong fundamentals, its current high premium limits upside potential and annual returns, posing downside risks during market corrections. The most obvious reason to avoid Costco now is its sky-high premium, which sacrifices higher returns for safety. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 18
Costco's Selloff Is Finally Here - Is It A Buy Now?
Summary COST's much needed correction is finally here, albeit not enough, given the stock's still expensive valuations and pulled forward upside potential. While the stock has bounced at the 200 DMAs, it remains to be seen how the retailer may perform in the near-term, given the higher recessionary risks. This is especially since 27.6% of its FY2024 revenues are based in Canada/ International, worsened by the potential tariff impacts on its supply chain. While COST may have reported robust February 2025 comparable sales growth despite the tougher YoY comparisons, we believe that there may be more macro uncertainties ahead. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 10
Costco: Overvalued After Strong Bull Run (Rating Downgrade)
Summary COST shares have risen by 74% since my Buy rating on the stock was published in late 2023. The company's business continues to perform well, and the company is gaining market share relative to competitors. The stock now trades at a very high valuation relative to peers and its own historical norms. I do not view the current valuation as attractive. I am downgrading the stock to Sell. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 04
Costco's Q2 Preview: Investors Debate On Stock-Split, Special Dividend, And Fee Hike
Summary Costco's unique business model relies on membership fees, conservative management, and minimal debt, leading to strong cash flows and potential special dividends. Q2 earnings are expected to show revenue growth of 8% and EPS growth above 10%, with a focus on membership retention post-fee hike. In this article, we will go over the characteristics of this company and understand whether the stock presents an opportunity or not. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 23
Costco: Risks With The Momentum Trade Into Q2 Earnings
Summary The momentum trade has shifted to Walmart and Costco, with Costco's high P/E ratio and PEG ratio indicating a richly priced stock. Despite its premium valuation, Costco's strong earnings growth, robust traffic, and positive membership trends support a hold rating. Key risks include a cautious consumer, supply chain issues, inflation, and competition, but Costco's buy-in-bulk value proposition remains attractive. The technical analysis shows a bullish uptrend, suggesting buying in the mid-$950s offers a favorable risk/reward entry point. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 22
Costco's Price Looks Similar To Walmart In 1999
Summary Costco's stock is overpriced, with valuation metrics stretched, suggesting subpar returns over the next 5–10 years despite its strong business model and growth potential. The subscription model is a key strength, contributing significantly to Costco's net income, but revenue growth has slowed, making current valuations unsustainable. Comparisons to Walmart in the late '90s show potential for long-term price stagnation due to P/E ratio compression, similar to post-dotcom bubble trends. Consider diversifying with Amazon and Kroger, which offer better valuations and growth prospects, providing a balanced mix of growth and recession resilience. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 09
Costco: If It Ain't Broke, Why Fix It? Consistency Is Key
Summary Costco Wholesale Corporation's consistent performance and strong financials, including impressive ROA and ROE, make it a reliable long-term investment despite its high P/E ratio. The company's competitive edge and clean balance sheet, with substantial cash reserves and manageable debt, reinforce its strong market position. Recent developments show robust comparable sales growth, particularly in the U.S., and increasing popularity among younger demographics, indicating sustained demand. While Costco's valuation appears high, its predictable operations and potential for aggressive expansion, especially in China, justify a watchful approach toward COST stock for a 10%-20% pullback. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 10 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$9b |
| Feb 15 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$9b |
| Nov 23 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$8b |
| Aug 31 2025 | US$14m | US$1m | US$8b |
| May 11 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$8b |
| Feb 16 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$8b |
| Nov 24 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$8b |
| Sep 01 2024 | US$12m | US$1m | US$7b |
| May 12 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$7b |
| Feb 18 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$7b |
| Nov 26 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$7b |
| Sep 03 2023 | US$8m | US$938k | US$6b |
| May 07 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Feb 12 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Nov 20 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Aug 28 2022 | US$7m | US$993k | US$6b |
| May 08 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Feb 13 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$6b |
| Nov 21 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$5b |
| Aug 29 2021 | US$5m | US$805k | US$5b |
| May 09 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$5b |
| Feb 14 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$4b |
| Nov 22 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$4b |
| Aug 30 2020 | US$4m | US$667k | US$4b |
Compensation vs Market: Ron's total compensation ($USD13.93M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.74M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Ron's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Ron Vachris (61 yo)
4.6yrs
Tenure
US$13,932,597
Compensation
Mr. Ron M. Vachris serves as President and Director at Costco Wholesale Corporation since February 2, 2022 and served as its Chief Operating Officer since February 2, 2022 to December 2023 and serves as it...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 4.6yrs | US$13.93m | 0.012% $ 46.7m | |
| Executive VP & CFO | 2.5yrs | US$6.77m | 0.0011% $ 4.3m | |
| Executive VP and CI&DO of Information Systems | 2.2yrs | US$7.51m | 0.00013% $ 515.4k | |
| Executive VP & COO of International Division | 25.7yrs | US$5.29m | 0.0032% $ 12.7m | |
| Senior VP | 1.2yrs | no data | 0% $ 0 | |
| Executive Vice President of Administration | less than a year | no data | 0.0021% $ 8.3m | |
| Executive VP | 16.7yrs | no data | 0.0079% $ 31.2m | |
| Senior Vice President of Global Sustainability & Compliance | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP of Membership | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Human Resources | 3.8yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Construction & Purchasing | 15.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Costco Wholesale Industries & Business Development | less than a year | no data | no data |
3.1yrs
Average Tenure
61yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: COST's management team is considered experienced (3.1 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 4.6yrs | US$13.93m | 0.012% $ 46.7m | |
| Independent Director | 17.8yrs | US$304.66k | 0.0012% $ 4.8m | |
| Independent Vice Chairman of the Board | 9.5yrs | US$304.66k | 0.00093% $ 3.7m | |
| Independent Director | 21.9yrs | US$304.66k | 0.0018% $ 7.0m | |
| Independent Director | 10.9yrs | US$304.66k | 0.0028% $ 11.0m | |
| Independent Director | 10.9yrs | US$304.66k | 0.0054% $ 21.3m | |
| Independent Chairman of the Board | 38.1yrs | US$304.66k | 0.013% $ 50.1m | |
| Independent Director | 6.7yrs | US$304.66k | 0.00066% $ 2.6m | |
| Independent Director | less than a year | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 3.1yrs | US$304.66k | 0.00011% $ 436.1k |
10.2yrs
Average Tenure
67.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: COST's board of directors are seasoned and experienced ( 10.2 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/09/18 04:03 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/09/18 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/05/10 |
| 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 |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| 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
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Learn about the who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
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 65 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 |
| Robert Drbul | Barclays |