NASDAQ:COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
Financials 
Technical Analysis 
Jul 6, 2026, 12:00 amThis summary was created by AI, based on 52 opinions in the last 12 months.
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) is widely regarded as a strong retail business with a loyal customer base, driven by its unique membership model and competitive pricing. Despite its impressive operational performance, many experts express concerns over its high valuation, frequently noting a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio in excess of 40, often approaching or exceeding 50. The company's ability to reflect steady double-digit growth and the potential for expansion through new store openings underline its resilient business model. However, with rising inflation and concerns surrounding membership renewals and market volatility, some experts are cautious about current entry points. Overall, while the sentiment leans positively towards Costco’s long-term prospects, valuation remains a critical concern for investors.
High valuation but is growing double digits, which it should do so for years. They have the lowest prices of products compared to peers. A lot of room to expand location. A great business model. He will hold this forever.
Barry SchwartzA buy-and-hold forever. Omnichannel retailer, as it's increasingly seeing acceleration in e-commerce and delivery channels.
Brian MaddenHe wrote an in-the-money call at $985. It was trading over $1,000 yesterday down to $950 today. He covered half the position and just closed it out at $5. He netted a $22 profit. Earnings were good, as expected. You can add to it at these levels, despite the high PE.
Kevin Simpson
Both great companies, but both very expensive. COST is over 50x PE, and WMT's in the 40s. Fairly low-margin model. Reliant on the consumer, and everyone's affected when that consumer is struggling.
WMT reported today. Earnings were OK, but projections on future quarters were tough. High fuel prices were highlighted.
No valuation concerns, as it's been expensive every day he's looked at it over 30 years. Compounded shareholder total return of 17.5% since its IPO. Third-largest retailer in the world. Procurement clout and supply-chain efficiencies produce gross margins of 11%. Still expanding store count. Periodically increases membership fees. Superior same-store sales performance driven by traffic and basket size.
Lots of ways to win. Yield is 0.59%.
Brian MaddenThe only consumer staples he owns are COST and KO, which are still growing.
Barry Schwartz
A good name to hold in consumer staples when people panic about market volatility, recession, or the like. Defensive plus steady growth. Runup since January, now trending sideways. Business model is what makes it stand out.
Sees ~11-12% upside from here. Of course, that could change. Ranks 10/10 for her.
Brianne Gardner
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Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costco Wholesale Corporation stock symbol?
Costco Wholesale Corporation is a American stock, trading under the symbol COST (previously COST-Q on Stockchase) on the NASDAQ (COST). It is usually referred to as NASDAQ:COST or COST
Is Costco Wholesale Corporation a buy or a sell?
In the last year, 45 stock analysts issued a Buy, Sell, or Hold rating on COST (previously COST-Q on Stockchase). 32 analysts recommended to BUY and 9 analysts recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst rating is SELL. Read the latest stock experts' ratings for Costco Wholesale Corporation.
Is Costco Wholesale Corporation a good investment or a top pick?
Costco Wholesale Corporation was recommended as a Top Pick by Bruce Murray on 2026-03-11. Read the latest stock experts ratings for Costco Wholesale Corporation.
Why is Costco Wholesale Corporation stock dropping?
Earnings reports or recent company news can cause the stock price to drop. Read stock experts' recommendations for Costco Wholesale Corporation.
Is Costco Wholesale Corporation worth watching?
Costco Wholesale Corporation is followed by 653 investors on Stockchase and is a trending stock that is worth watching.
What is Costco Wholesale Corporation stock price?
On 2026-07-07, Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) stock closed at a price of $947.48.
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It got too expensive, and now trades at 46x PE. If it falls to 45x expects a major move higher. Has long owned this.