NASDAQ:COST

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

902.38
-0.22 (0.02%)
as of Sep 10, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
655 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconSep 10, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 48 opinions in the last 12 months.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) is widely regarded by experts as one of the best retailers globally, primarily due to its strong business model, consistent growth, and loyal customer base. Many analysts appreciate its recurring membership fees and the impressive ~92% retention rate, alongside its procurement power leading to solid gross margins. However, there is a consensus that the stock is trading at historically high valuation multiples, often cited in the range of 44x to 53x PE, raising concerns about its sustainability amid a potentially slowing growth trajectory. Analysts generally recommend buying on pullbacks, as they expect long-term growth despite current high valuations. The key takeaway is that while Costco is an exceptional company, prospective investors should be cautious of the lofty price and ensure they are buying at opportune levels.

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Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Overvalued
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DON'T BUY

Fantastic company, but still very expensive. Consistent, well-managed. Expectations for growth are about 10%, which doesn't entitle you to a 45x PE in his world. It's done well and good for them, but he can't get involved.

TOP PICK

World's third-largest retailer. High traffic, repeat business, superior same-store sales growth in high single digits. Likes the recurring membership fees, with ~92% retention rate. Likes the procurement clout and narrow assortment of goods. Pretty good gross margins of 11%, and ~30% ROE. 

Seems to trade at a high multiple, and this scares people. But it's compounded at 17-18% since the IPO in 1985. Any day that ends in "y" is a good day to buy. Yield is 0.64%.

(Analysts’ price target is $1093.58)
WEAK BUY

You have to be get used to paying a PE for this, like Walmart (which he prefers). A $50 drop off $1,100 is meaningless, since it has more room to run. 

TOP PICK

Has traded at a high valuation pretty much since it went public. Good luck trying to pick a perfect valuation entry point. He invests in companies that can invest cashflows at high rates of return over decades. Stealing market share from low- and middle-end grocery stores. Adding services, such as Medicare plans in the US. Same-store sales growth 7-8% a year.

Deserves to trade at a high multiple because of business durability over the long term. Yield is 0.60%.

(Analysts’ price target is $1095.57)
BUY ON WEAKNESS

A better growth name than ATD. Take a look.

COMMENT

It's one of the best business on Earth. Customers and employees love Costco. They are opening new stores, so there's ample runway. However, the PE of around 44x is high. Same-store sales growth has slowed slightly. But it's good to hold long term.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

It got too expensive, and now trades at 46x PE. If it falls to 45x expects a major move higher. Has long owned this.

DON'T BUY

He sold it last October at $1015. The chart began to break down. 

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Apr 03/25, Up 0.55%)

Inflation is really hard out there. Real pressure to save money, and this name is among the low-cost providers. Sees it continuing to do well, despite a difficult environment for so many people.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 02/25, Up 4%)

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.

PARTIAL BUY

Buy some now at 47x PE, then more at 45x. Likes it. Is up 13% this year

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jun 25/25, Up 1%)

A buy-and-hold forever. Omnichannel retailer, as it's increasingly seeing acceleration in e-commerce and delivery channels.

TRADE

He 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.

DON'T BUY

She once owned it for many years, but the chart is now broken. People are concerned that their growth and high multiple are in jeopardy.

DON'T BUY
COST vs. WMT

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.

Showing 1 to 15 of 425 entries

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, 46 stock analysts issued a Buy, Sell, or Hold rating on COST (previously COST-Q on Stockchase). 34 analysts recommended to BUY and 9 analysts recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst rating is DON'T BUY. 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 Gordon Reid on 2026-09-09. 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 655 investors on Stockchase and is a trending stock that is worth watching.

What is Costco Wholesale Corporation stock price?

On 2026-09-10, Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) stock closed at a price of $902.38.

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4.1(46)
Based on 46 expert opinions: 34 buy 3 hold 9 sell