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
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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.

consensus icon
Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Overvalued
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Similar
WMT
TOP PICK

World's third-largest retailer. Set apart by narrow product offering, lean supply chain, and good procurement clout. High traffic, repeat business, very high retention at 93%. Very strong same-store sales growth, still not a saturated concept. Great sales growth, earnings growth, compound total return. Despite the run, any day that ends in "y" is a good day to buy. Yield is 0.5%.

(Analysts’ price target is $1035.24)
COMMENT
Amazon vs. Costco

Trades at a reasonable valuation. Such a broad company. Their ad business continues to grow and they will remain competitive in data centres (they and Google have the best infrastructure in data centres). Prefers Amazon for its valuation and diversification.

BUY

Is down 7%, but buy it when it does down. Investors worry over its 50x PE, and their special dividend is behind them, so what will move this stock ahead? Well, it's the #1 retailer in the world.

HOLD

The biggest problem is that shares have rallied a lot for a long time and the valuation has climbed too high. Don't buy now, especially considering the weak CAD. You could even take some profits.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Aug 07/24, Up 19%)

(Note the short timeframe.)
Chosen on the theme of defensive retailers. Retailers have been mixed since then, but this one's done well. Otherwise, the sector's been steady and showing growth throughout the year.

HOLD
Trim a 14% position?

Well, that's about his position in this name, which he's been holding since ~$300. Now approaching $1000. He trims, but in a minor way. You'd want to wait for a position to top off.

HOLD

Excellent company that continues to dominate. Would recommend holding - no reason to sell. Share price not cheap, but company has earned high valuation. Would wait before investing - but if investing - would recommend holding for the long term. 

BUY ON WEAKNESS

For consumer staples, he likes to stick close to him. A name that's done very well for client portfolios. Not many names are similar, so it can price accordingly; significant leverage in negotiations.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

It's wrong to think its imported foods will get hit by Trump tariffs. Most of its business is driven by membership fees, and they offer low prices to customers. If this opens weak tomorrow, buy.

BUY

He doesn't think a recession is around the corner, so he'd favour big-growth COST for continued mid-cycle economic growth in consumer staples.

HOLD

Has done well. Happy to hold.

PARTIAL SELL

One of the favourite names in his portfolio, one of his favourite places to go. Fantastic technicals with higher highs and higher lows. Valuation of 53x forward PE is up there, premium for a premium name in its own space. He's trimmed. 10-12% earnings growth rate, which sounds expensive but it has no real competitors, not even WMT.

DON'T BUY

Spectacular company, huge competitive advantages. Trades at 60x earnings. Problem is there's nothing he knows about COST that everybody else doesn't already know. He's always looking for an edge that the market doesn't have; if he can't find it, he doesn't buy.

WAIT

Its P/E is high at 50X earnings which used to 36X. It is a dominant player but revenue growth this year is only 5%. It probably goes sideways so wait for a correction.

STRONG BUY

Was upgraded today. They have amazing e-commerce while Walmart has faded. A top-25 company in the world. Must own.

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