Costco (COST) Generates 29.1% ROE with 3% Profit Margin

Costco (COST) operates with a unique cash flow model, selling inventory before paying suppliers, resulting in a return on equity (ROE) of 29.1% despite a profit margin of just 3.01%. The company's shares trade at approximately 37 times fiscal 2028 earnings per share (EPS). Costco reports 82.9 million members with a renewal rate near 92%, supporting strong sales growth. In Q3 2026, net income rose 15.19% to $2.19 billion on revenue of $70.53 billion, marking an 11.58% increase year over year, showcasing the effectiveness of its pricing strategy and inventory turnover. This model highlights Costco's potential resilience and appeal to investors seeking stable returns.