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.

consensus icon
Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Overvalued
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Similar
WMT
BUY

Stay with it. They have the right model for the consumer in this economic climate. A long-term holding for him.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Very good business, but the valuation is very high (~50x earnings). Would recommend investors wait before investing. Membership business very strong with excellent product offering. 

TOP PICK

Defensive retailers have been picking up in relative strength. DOL is #2 in Canada, COST is #1 in the US. WMT is also moving up into the top-favoured green zone, now in the top 10 of his RSI universe for the US. Yield is 0.5%.

(Analysts’ price target is $891.06)
WAIT

Superior retailer, steady and consistent revenue and bottom line growth for at least a decade. If you don't need cash tomorrow, it's always been a mistake to sell. Not huge growth (~6-8% topline, 11-12% bottom line), but growth nonetheless quarter after quarter. 

Historically trades around 30x earnings, a deserved premium. Announced subscription increase and stock took off along with the multiple at close to 50x. Lots of exuberance in the stock, be cautious. Wait for pullback to $700 level.

WAIT

Like an oasis in the consumer desert. Its value proposition is that it's the cheapest scale-buyer, and passes savings along to the consumer. A unit growth story. Trades at almost 50x earnings. 

When you think of growth stocks, think of their PEG ratios. This one is definitely on the upper end. Though quality of the business is about as good as it comes, there's a better entry point to be had.

There are 2 or 3 smaller brands that do the same thing, such as Sam's Club. COST used to trade in the 30s, but now it's closer to 50x. So if you own it today, you have to be ready for the 20-30% drawdown on just mean reversion on the multiple.

DON'T BUY

A fabulous company. They just raised membership fees for the first time since 2017 which they will likely reinvest. But it trades at 50x PE, which has always been his complaint despite this being a great company. Growth prospects are no higher than 10%. That isn't good enough. 

HOLD

Tremendous channel of higher highs and higher lows. Price increase in membership fees yesterday. Doesn't see this changing the 90% loyalty rate, so that's increased revenue coming in. Bit expensive at 50x forward earnings, but likes it because really no comparison. Smaller SKU footprint gives them much better pricing power.

HOLD

Current share price valuation very high. Growth not justifying share price. If company misses estimates, will suffer massive valuation cut. Risky at the high share price. Would not recommend investing at this time. 

BUY

They keep prices low by pressuring suppliers to keep them low. Plus, they always seem to be adding new products to their fine Kirkland brand.

BUY
Stock split on the horizon?

Doesn't know if they're going to split, and it's not important to him. Valuation expensive, but worth paying up for (see his upcoming podcast on Monday for why). Everything they do is to improve the business long term -- cares about employees, tries to add value for members, great balance sheet.

Best retail business in the world bar none. 10K Walmarts globally, but fewer than 900 Costco stores and they're all busy. Goal is to open 20-30 new stores a year for multi-decades. Business model is very certain. Doing everything right.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Great performer, hitting all-time highs, continues to like it. Combination of steady earnings with good secular growth. No meaningful competition. Charts don't get better than this, a series of higher highs and higher lows for the last couple of years. 200-day MA trending higher, and price is above that. Overbought at 77 RSI, so not buying for new clients.

Earnings are pretty steady. 10% growth rate, decent. Member loyalty is astounding, price has been increased slowly over time. Pricing power is so powerful because they have fewer different items, but in higher volumes.

(Analysts’ price target is $835.00)
TOP PICK

Great business model. Wide moat. Lots of potential in foreign markets. Could come back to the $600 level. Everyone should own some at some point. Yield is 0.6%.

(Analysts’ price target is $787.13)
BUY

It reports Thursday. He owns a big position and expects an excellent quarter. Wait because this stock tends to decline after it reports, then rallies several days later.

BUY

Excellent business. One of the top ten positions in portfolio. Stock price very high. Consumer discretionary spending down, but company offers compelling value. Many shoppers shifting spending trends to Costco with rising interest rates. Business has very strong business model. Would recommend holding for the long term. 

DON'T BUY

Fabulous company and great investment. Always too rich for him, trading in mid-30s. It would have been an uncomfortable ride for him, as it's a retailer with all that air underneath its lofty multiple. Unique business model.

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