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Costco Wholesale CorporationCOSTTOP PICKDec 29, 2025Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 16, 2026. Market Open.
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%.
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.
Still one of the most consistent businesses in global retail. Hard-to-replicate membership model is the core driver of loyalty, recurring revenue, and steady traffic. Even with tougher consumer backdrop, still continues to gain market share. Predictable cashflow and long-term compounding through cycles.
(Analysts’ price target is $1036.90)Pullback provides a good entry point. Trades at 50x forward PE, but that reflects durability and reliability. Sees over 20% growth upside from here. Ranks 10/10 on fundamentals. Yield is 0.6%.