Costco Stock Soars, But Investors Should Be Cautious
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 5 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy COST?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Stock Performance: Costco's shares surged 16% at the start of 2026, nearing the $1,000 mark as of Monday's close, despite a staggering price-to-earnings ratio of 54, significantly higher than the S&P 500's average of 25, indicating investor optimism about future performance.
- Earnings Expectations: Scheduled to release its latest earnings on March 5, Costco's last report exceeded expectations, yet the stock failed to gain post-release, reflecting market concerns over its high valuation.
- Sales Growth: For the quarter ending November 23, 2025, the company reported an 8.3% year-over-year revenue increase, with a comparable sales growth rate of 6.4%, and a solid 7% growth in comparable sales during the crucial holiday month of December, showcasing its ability to maintain stable growth.
- Investment Advice: Despite Costco's strong performance, analysts advise caution before purchasing the stock ahead of earnings due to its high valuation, suggesting that there are better value investment options available in the market.
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Analyst Views on COST
Wall Street analysts forecast COST stock price to rise
24 Analyst Rating
19 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 998.860
Low
769.00
Averages
1061
High
1205
Current: 998.860
Low
769.00
Averages
1061
High
1205
About COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) operates membership warehouses and e-commerce sites that offer a selection of nationally branded and private-label products in a wide range of categories. The Company buys the majority of its merchandise directly from suppliers and route it to cross-docking consolidation points (depots) or directly to its warehouses. It operates 891 warehouses, including 614 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 108 in Canada, 40 in Mexico, 35 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 19 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, two in France, and one each in Iceland, New Zealand and Sweden. It also operates e-commerce sites in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia. The Company provides wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Costco Enhances Membership Services and Operating Hours
- Enhanced Membership Value: Costco's Executive membership fee of $130 per year is easily offset by savings on groceries and household essentials, which significantly boosts customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Customer Service Excellence: Renowned for its exceptional customer service, Costco allows returns without receipts, creating a hassle-free shopping experience that not only enhances customer satisfaction but also encourages repeat purchases.
- Extended Operating Hours: Last year, Costco added an extra shopping hour on Saturday evenings, improving the shopping experience, especially during peak weekend times, helping customers avoid crowds and enhancing overall convenience.
- Holiday Operating Strategy: While Costco closes on several major holidays to accommodate employees, it remains open on Presidents Day, reflecting its commitment to member needs, although this may lead to increased foot traffic and longer wait times.
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Costco Reports $66 Billion in Q1 Sales, Highlights Investment Potential
- Strong Sales Performance: Costco achieved net sales of $66 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, reinforcing its leadership position in the global retail sector and further solidifying its market share.
- Attractive Investment Returns: With a total return of 193% over the past five years, Costco's stock has provided significant returns for investors, drawing increased attention from potential shareholders.
- Ongoing Expansion Plans: The management's strategy to open 25 to 30 new warehouses annually is expected to drive future revenue and profit growth, enhancing the company's competitive edge in the market.
- Cautious Investment Advice: While Costco is a high-quality business, its current price-to-earnings ratio of 52 indicates a high entry point, suggesting that investors should exercise patience and wait for a more favorable buying opportunity to ensure investment safety.
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Costco Reports $66 Billion in Q1 Sales for Fiscal 2026
- Sales Growth: Costco's net sales reached $66 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, underscoring its leadership in the global retail sector, while providing investors with a total return of 193% over five years, reflecting strong market performance.
- Membership Expansion: With membership households now at 81 million and the company opening 25 to 30 new warehouses annually, Costco is poised for continued revenue and profit growth, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Investment Advice: Despite being a high-quality business, Costco's current price-to-earnings ratio of 52 indicates an expensive stock price with no margin of safety, suggesting that investors should be patient and wait for a more favorable entry point.
- Market Performance Comparison: Costco's total return of 193% contrasts sharply with the Motley Fool Stock Advisor's average return of 886%, highlighting the potential for higher returns in other stocks, prompting investors to consider diversifying their investment choices.
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Costco's Market Leadership and Investment Advice
- Strong Sales Performance: Costco reported net sales of $66 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, underscoring its leadership in the global retail sector and continuing to attract investor interest.
- Significant Investment Returns: Over the past five years, Costco's stock has generated a total return of 193%, providing substantial gains for investors, although the current price-to-earnings ratio of 52 indicates a high entry cost.
- Ongoing Expansion Plans: The company plans to open 25 to 30 new warehouses each year, further solidifying its market share and driving future revenue and profit growth, demonstrating its strong business resilience.
- Caution for Investors: While Costco is an excellent company, its current high valuation suggests that new investors should exercise patience and wait for a more favorable entry point to mitigate risks.
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- Increased Household Tax Burden: U.S. households are projected to face an average tax increase of $1,000 in 2025, rising to $1,300 in 2026, highlighting the direct economic impact of tariffs on ordinary citizens.
- Tariff Revenue Figures: According to CBP data, the U.S. collected over $200 billion in tariffs between January 20 and December 15, 2025, with total customs revenue for 2025 estimated at $264 billion, yielding a net gain of approximately $132 billion after accounting for economic drag.
- Market Reaction: Following Trump's April 2025
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- Legal Challenge: CEO Mike Musheinesh filed a lawsuit questioning the Trump administration's authority to impose taxes via executive order, emphasizing the importance of upholding free market principles and constitutional rights, reflecting strong discontent with government actions.
- Tariff Revenue Data: U.S. Treasury data shows tariff collections reached approximately $29 billion in January 2026, tripling from the previous year, yet showing a decline from the October 2025 peak, indicating ongoing trade policy uncertainty.
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Costco Enhances Membership Services and Operating Hours
- Enhanced Membership Value: Costco's Executive membership fee of $130 per year is easily offset by savings on groceries and household essentials, which significantly boosts customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Customer Service Excellence: Renowned for its exceptional customer service, Costco allows returns without receipts, creating a hassle-free shopping experience that not only enhances customer satisfaction but also encourages repeat purchases.
- Extended Operating Hours: Last year, Costco added an extra shopping hour on Saturday evenings, improving the shopping experience, especially during peak weekend times, helping customers avoid crowds and enhancing overall convenience.
- Holiday Operating Strategy: While Costco closes on several major holidays to accommodate employees, it remains open on Presidents Day, reflecting its commitment to member needs, although this may lead to increased foot traffic and longer wait times.
See More
Costco Reports $66 Billion in Q1 Sales, Highlights Investment Potential
- Strong Sales Performance: Costco achieved net sales of $66 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, reinforcing its leadership position in the global retail sector and further solidifying its market share.
- Attractive Investment Returns: With a total return of 193% over the past five years, Costco's stock has provided significant returns for investors, drawing increased attention from potential shareholders.
- Ongoing Expansion Plans: The management's strategy to open 25 to 30 new warehouses annually is expected to drive future revenue and profit growth, enhancing the company's competitive edge in the market.
- Cautious Investment Advice: While Costco is a high-quality business, its current price-to-earnings ratio of 52 indicates a high entry point, suggesting that investors should exercise patience and wait for a more favorable buying opportunity to ensure investment safety.
See More
Costco Reports $66 Billion in Q1 Sales for Fiscal 2026
- Sales Growth: Costco's net sales reached $66 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, underscoring its leadership in the global retail sector, while providing investors with a total return of 193% over five years, reflecting strong market performance.
- Membership Expansion: With membership households now at 81 million and the company opening 25 to 30 new warehouses annually, Costco is poised for continued revenue and profit growth, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Investment Advice: Despite being a high-quality business, Costco's current price-to-earnings ratio of 52 indicates an expensive stock price with no margin of safety, suggesting that investors should be patient and wait for a more favorable entry point.
- Market Performance Comparison: Costco's total return of 193% contrasts sharply with the Motley Fool Stock Advisor's average return of 886%, highlighting the potential for higher returns in other stocks, prompting investors to consider diversifying their investment choices.
See More
Costco's Market Leadership and Investment Advice
- Strong Sales Performance: Costco reported net sales of $66 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, underscoring its leadership in the global retail sector and continuing to attract investor interest.
- Significant Investment Returns: Over the past five years, Costco's stock has generated a total return of 193%, providing substantial gains for investors, although the current price-to-earnings ratio of 52 indicates a high entry cost.
- Ongoing Expansion Plans: The company plans to open 25 to 30 new warehouses each year, further solidifying its market share and driving future revenue and profit growth, demonstrating its strong business resilience.
- Caution for Investors: While Costco is an excellent company, its current high valuation suggests that new investors should exercise patience and wait for a more favorable entry point to mitigate risks.
See More
U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on Trump's Tariff Regime
- Potential Refunds: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on February 20 regarding Trump's tariff regime, with a ruling in favor potentially triggering refunds exceeding $130 billion, significantly reshaping American trade policy.
- Increased Household Tax Burden: U.S. households are projected to face an average tax increase of $1,000 in 2025, rising to $1,300 in 2026, highlighting the direct economic impact of tariffs on ordinary citizens.
- Tariff Revenue Figures: According to CBP data, the U.S. collected over $200 billion in tariffs between January 20 and December 15, 2025, with total customs revenue for 2025 estimated at $264 billion, yielding a net gain of approximately $132 billion after accounting for economic drag.
- Market Reaction: Following Trump's April 2025
See More
Trump's Tariff Policies Hit Detroit Axle Hard
- Tariff Cost Surge: Detroit Axle's import tariff skyrocketed from $25,000 to $725,000, resulting in a $700,000 increase in shipping costs, making it the company's largest expense and forcing price hikes to cover profit losses.
- Legal Challenge: CEO Mike Musheinesh filed a lawsuit questioning the Trump administration's authority to impose taxes via executive order, emphasizing the importance of upholding free market principles and constitutional rights, reflecting strong discontent with government actions.
- Tariff Revenue Data: U.S. Treasury data shows tariff collections reached approximately $29 billion in January 2026, tripling from the previous year, yet showing a decline from the October 2025 peak, indicating ongoing trade policy uncertainty.
- Supreme Court Dynamics: The Supreme Court is poised to rule on cases related to Trump, with legal experts predicting an opinion release shortly after the court reconvenes on February 23, which could significantly impact the operational environment for companies like Detroit Axle.
See More
