Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
Consumer Staples16 articles
Price chart
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) overview
Costco is a membership-only warehouse-club retailer known for bulk pricing and strong customer loyalty driven by membership fees. It is a member of the S&P 500 and is classified in the Consumer Staples sector — food, beverage and household-goods companies that tend to hold up in any economy.
Costco Wholesale Corporation trades on the NasdaqGS under the ticker symbol COST. As of the most recent market data, the stock was priced around $940.87, down 0.50% on the session, giving Costco Wholesale Corporation a market capitalization of roughly $417.26B.
Over the past 52 weeks, COST has traded between $844.06 and $1,096.50. Shares are valued at a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 47.6, a common gauge of how richly the market prices the company's earnings. Costco Wholesale Corporation also pays a dividend, currently yielding around 62.00%.
Key statistics
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Why investors watch COST
As one of the larger companies in the Consumer Staples sector, Costco Wholesale Corporation is closely followed by investors and often moves with broader trends across food, beverage and household-goods companies that tend to hold up in any economy. Traders watch COST for earnings reports, analyst rating changes, and headlines that can shift sentiment — each of which is summarized on this page as it breaks.
Because the S&P 500 is weighted by market value, Costco Wholesale Corporation's size means its share-price moves can also nudge the index as a whole, making COST a stock that even index investors pay attention to.
Market Mood
Latest COST news
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.
Read More: Costco (COST) Generates 29.1% ROE with 3% Profit Margin
Costco (COST) Shares Surge 130% with $15 Special Dividend
Costco Wholesale (COST) shares have risen over 130% over the past five years. In 2024, the company paid a special dividend of $15 per share, rewarding long-term shareholders significantly. While a clear pattern for future special dividends is not established, projections suggest another payout could occur in 2026, marking two years since the last. Costco is currently well-capitalized, holding about $20 billion in cash and short-term investments, indicating it may support future dividend payouts.
Read More: Costco (COST) Shares Surge 130% with $15 Special Dividend
Costco (COST) Introduces Frozen Greek Yogurt Cups Amid Demand
Costco (COST) has added frozen Greek yogurt cups to its product lineup, responding to customer demand for high-quality options. The yogurt has been labeled as 'top tier' by customers, indicating strong market interest. Although specific sales figures and projected revenue impacts are not provided, this addition could enhance Costco's product offerings and attract more customers to their stores. The strategic move aligns with evolving consumer trends favoring healthier snack options.
Read More: Costco (COST) Introduces Frozen Greek Yogurt Cups Amid Demand
Federal Reserve Keeps Rates Steady; Costco (COST) Stock Resilient
The Federal Reserve unanimously decided to keep the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%. Despite expectations for a rate hike in 2026, Costco Wholesale (COST) demonstrated resilience, with same-store sales (SSS) growth of 14.4% in fiscal 2022 and 3% in fiscal 2023. Recently, Costco reported a 12.5% SSS gain for the four-week period ending May 31, even excluding gas price changes and foreign exchange impacts. This sustained performance highlights the company's strong position amidst economic uncertainty, making it attractive to some investors despite shares being 13% off their peak.
Read More: Federal Reserve Keeps Rates Steady; Costco (COST) Stock Resilient
Costco (COST) Earnings at 47x: A Long-Term Investment Perspective
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) is currently trading at a P/E ratio of 47. Jim Cramer suggested that investors consider buying shares at this level while hoping for a drop to a P/E of 45. Cramer discussed the stock in the context of current consumer financial challenges, emphasizing the importance of value in investments. Despite highlighting an investment in COST, he noted other AI stocks might offer greater upside and less downside risk for investors.
Read More: Costco (COST) Earnings at 47x: A Long-Term Investment Perspective
Costco (COST) Sees Increased Foot Traffic Amid Market Shifts
Costco (COST) has reportedly experienced increased customer traffic in recent months, suggesting a potential recovery in certain market sectors that have previously been overlooked. With competitive pricing and a strong membership base, Costco is positioned to benefit from the current economic landscape. This uptick in foot traffic could influence overall retail momentum and contribute to Costco's revenue growth. The market's reaction may reflect a positive outlook on consumer spending trends as companies capitalize on revitalized market interest.
Read More: Costco (COST) Sees Increased Foot Traffic Amid Market Shifts
Costco (COST) Q3 Same-Store Sales Increase 9.8% Driven by Gas
Costco (COST) reported a 9.8% increase in same-store sales during its third quarter, exceeding Wall Street estimates. This increase was largely attributed to higher gasoline sales, which significantly boosted overall performance. The strong sales figures could imply positive consumer confidence and spending trends, potentially benefiting the retail sector. As consumers seek to mitigate future price volatility in gasoline, Costco's sales performance may influence investor sentiment towards retail stocks.
Read More: Costco (COST) Q3 Same-Store Sales Increase 9.8% Driven by Gas
Zscaler (ZS) Stock Plunges 24% Premarket on Cautious Guidance
Zscaler (ZS) experienced a 24% decline in premarket trading following cautious guidance. This significant drop occurred amid a generally positive earnings season for S&P 500 companies, which have reported solid profits and are projected for double-digit earnings growth. Other companies reporting this week include Marvell Technology (MRVL), Salesforce (CRM), and Costco Wholesale (COST). Market watchers will be closely monitoring these updates for their potential impact on overall market sentiment.
Read More: Zscaler (ZS) Stock Plunges 24% Premarket on Cautious Guidance
Costco (COST) Achieves 15,000% Return Over 30 Years
Costco Wholesale (COST) has delivered a total return of 15,000% over the past 30 years, turning an initial investment of $6,700 into $1 million. In fiscal 2025, it reported same-store sales growth of 5.9%, which increased to 7.4% in Q2 2026. Costco currently has a paid membership base of 82.1 million with a renewal rate of 89.7%. The company's market capitalization stands at $456 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 53.5, significantly higher than Nvidia's valuation.
Read More: Costco (COST) Achieves 15,000% Return Over 30 Years
Stores Open Memorial Day 2026: Costco, Walmart, and Target Details
Memorial Day 2026 will see operations from major retailers including Costco, Walmart, and Target. Specific operational hours have not been detailed, but these retailers are typically open during major holidays for consumer convenience. This holiday is known for increased shopping activity, impacting retail sales metrics and consumer spending patterns. Understanding store hours can influence consumer behavior and market performance for these companies, particularly in the retail sector.
Read More: Stores Open Memorial Day 2026: Costco, Walmart, and Target Details
Jet Fuel Shortages Impact Airlines; UK Plans Flight Consolidation
Jet fuel shortages in Europe are leading airlines to cut flights, affecting summer travel plans. The UK government is allowing airlines to consolidate flights due to soaring jet fuel costs. This move highlights the growing concern over fuel availability and prices, which could lead to increased operational costs for airlines. The situation presents potential risks for the airline sector as travel demand increases during the summer months. Key airlines have not been specified, but the overall issue influences the market sentiment surrounding the airline industry.
Read More: Jet Fuel Shortages Impact Airlines; UK Plans Flight Consolidation
PriceSmart (PSMT) Share Trading at $155.52 with P/E 30.57
PriceSmart, Inc. (PSMT) shares were trading at $155.52 as of April 28. The company's trailing P/E ratio stands at 30.57. Year-over-year, net merchandise sales increased by 10.6%, with e-commerce now representing 6.6% of total sales. PriceSmart has a membership-driven model, which accounts for approximately 37% of operating profit, and boasts a high renewal rate of 89%. The stock has appreciated about 52.90% since the last bullish thesis was published in April 2025.
Read More: PriceSmart (PSMT) Share Trading at $155.52 with P/E 30.57
Parents Spend £250-£600 on School Proms Amidst Cost Concerns
Research indicates that parents typically spend between £250 and £500 on school proms, with one case noting £600 spent on an event. A survey revealed that one in four parents feel pressured by these costs, especially amidst rising living expenses. Another parent shared she saved between £300 and £400 for her daughter's upcoming prom, although she believes her child may not attend. This trend raises concerns about financial pressures on families, as many students reportedly face competition over extravagant prom expenditures.
Read More: Parents Spend £250-£600 on School Proms Amidst Cost Concerns
S&P 500 Futures Little Changed Ahead of Trump’s Deadline
S&P 500 futures were little changed as the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approached. The S&P 500 rose 0.44% and Dow gained 165.21 points, or 0.36%, during Monday's regular session. Trump extended the deadline to Tuesday, threatening destruction of Iran's power plants if compliance does not occur. Additionally, Casey's General Stores is set to join the S&P 500 on April 9, while health insurers saw gains following finalized Medicare Advantage payment rates for 2027. Overall, market sentiment reflects cautious optimism about potential conflict resolution.
Read More: S&P 500 Futures Little Changed Ahead of Trump’s Deadline
740K Sauté Pans Recalled by Costco for Safety Hazards
A recall has been issued for 740,000 sauté pans sold at retailers including Costco and Walmart due to potential burn hazards from metal caps on the handles that may heat and detach. This recall is significant as it addresses safety concerns affecting a large number of consumers. Regulatory authorities emphasize the importance of consumer safety in products sold on the market. Companies involved could face increased scrutiny, and impacted consumers are advised to return the products for a refund.
Read More: 740K Sauté Pans Recalled by Costco for Safety Hazards
Costco (COST) Stock Drops Nearly 20% in Back Half of 2025
Costco (COST) experienced a stock decline of nearly 20% in the latter half of 2025, reaching a low before year's end. Although this drop is part of a normal pattern, with share prices fluctuating over 15% in the past decade, it has led to concerns about valuation. Currently, Costco's P/E ratio has been around 45x at its lowest, which remains high compared to the S&P 500's average P/E of nearly 28x. Investors are advised to view Costco's stock as expensive, indicating a market caution toward its growth potential.
Read More: Costco (COST) Stock Drops Nearly 20% in Back Half of 2025More Consumer Staples stocks
Frequently asked questions
Is Costco Wholesale Corporation in the S&P 500?
Yes. Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) is a member of the S&P 500 index, classified in the Consumer Staples sector.
What sector is COST in?
Costco Wholesale Corporation is classified in the Consumer Staples sector of the S&P 500 — food, beverage and household-goods companies that tend to hold up in any economy.
Where can I find the latest COST news?
This page collects recent Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) news and market analysis, each article summarized by AI and tagged with bullish, bearish, or neutral sentiment.
What is Costco Wholesale Corporation's stock price?
As of the most recent market data, Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) traded at approximately $940.87. Prices move throughout the trading day, so this reflects the latest available quote rather than a live price.
What is Costco Wholesale Corporation's market cap?
Costco Wholesale Corporation has a market capitalization of roughly $417.26B, based on its most recent share price and shares outstanding.
What is COST's P/E ratio?
COST trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of about 47.6. The P/E ratio compares a company's share price to its earnings per share.