Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
Consumer Staples34 articles
Price chart
Why is COST moving today?
-0.4%COST is -0.4% today, inside the ordinary range for a session (under 3%). No stories about it reached the feed in the last 24 hours.
What this does not prove. A story on the same day is evidence of timing, not of cause: it explains a move only if it accounts for the size and the direction, and most single-stock moves carry a sector or index component too. Nothing here is a forecast.
Source: Yahoo Finance - quote as of 12 hours ago
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.
COST is a member of the S&P 500. It sits in the Consumer Staples sector. That sector covers 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. The most recent market data puts the share price at about $978.01. That is down 0.41% on the session. At that price the company is worth roughly $433.38B.
Over the past 52 weeks, COST has traded between $844.06 and $1,096.50. Shares change hands at a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 47.1. The P/E ratio sets the share price against a year of earnings. A higher number means the market is paying more for each dollar the company earns. COST also pays a dividend. It yields around 0.60% at the current price.
Key statistics
Source: Yahoo Finance - quote as of 12 hours ago
Informational only, not financial advice. Content is AI-generated and may contain errors. How this works.
Why investors watch COST
COST is one of the larger names in the Consumer Staples sector, so investors follow it closely. It tends to move with the rest of the sector. This page sums up each COST story as it breaks, and tags it bullish, bearish or neutral.
Size matters here as well. The S&P 500 is weighted by market value. COST is large enough that its own share price nudges the whole index. So it is worth watching even for investors who only hold index funds.
What moves COST
- Earnings. COST reports results four times a year. A surprise against the estimate tends to move the stock that day.
- Analyst calls. Upgrades, downgrades and new price targets change what the market expects from COST.
- Sector news. Consumer Staples stocks often move together, so a rival's news can move COST too.
- Index weight. COST is big enough to move the S&P 500 on its own.
Market Mood
This week for COST
1 story about Costco Wholesale Corporation in the last 7 days- Costco EVP Sells $1.05 Million in Company Stockneutralinvesting.com
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Latest COST news
Costco EVP Sells $1.05 Million in Company Stock
Costco (COST) Executive Vice President William Wilcox sold $1.05 million worth of company stock. This transaction was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and could signal a personal decision rather than a company shift. Such sales can impact investor perceptions, though insider transactions do not necessarily reflect underlying company performance. Investors may need to watch for any further insider actions to gauge executive sentiment.
Read More: Costco EVP Sells $1.05 Million in Company Stock
Costco Fans Renovate Homes for Grocery Unloading
Costco fans are reportedly renovating their homes to facilitate easier unloading of groceries purchased from the warehouse retailer. This trend reflects consumers' changing habits and is potentially influenced by the bulk-buying nature of Costco shopping, which often involves larger quantities of goods that need efficient storage solutions in the home. The modifications reported are focused on enlarging storage areas, creating better pantry spaces, and optimizing unloading zones near entrances. While this is not a mass movement, it underlines how shopping habits can influence home renovation trends. For markets, this behavior may suggest stable demand for home improvement products, which could benefit retailers in the home goods and construction sectors. However, no data was provided on any potential increase in sales directly linked to this trend. The phenomenon highlights the importance of understanding consumer habits in predicting retail and housing trends. For ordinary investors, understanding these consumer-driven trends can offer insights into sectors that may benefit indirectly, such as home improvement retailers. Costco’s (COST) performance may not directly depend on this issue, but changes in consumer habits can have broader industry implications.
Read More: Costco Fans Renovate Homes for Grocery Unloading
Costco Expands to Challenge Major Grocery Chains
Costco is increasing its market presence, potentially impacting major grocery chains like Kroger and Publix. The company is aiming to capture a larger share of the grocery market by leveraging its strategic moves and pricing advantages. This expansion is perceived as a significant shift in the grocery retail landscape, possibly creating competitive pressures on established players in the industry. The grocery market is experiencing growth, and Costco is positioning itself to benefit from this trend. Experts suggest that Costco's strategy may involve enhancing its product offerings and customer experience to attract more consumers. This move is seen as an attempt to stay competitive against other retailers in the grocery segment. The strategic expansion of Costco is crucial for investors as it can influence market dynamics and affect the stock performance of both Costco (COST) and its competitors. Increased competition could lead to pricing pressure, impacting the profitability of traditional grocery chains.
Read More: Costco Expands to Challenge Major Grocery Chains
Costco (COST) EVP Caton Frates Disposes of $733,328 in Stock
Caton Frates, Senior Executive Vice President at Costco (COST), sold shares valued at $733,328. This stock sale adds to speculation regarding insider activity at the company. While the specific reason for the sale was not disclosed, such transactions by executives can signal various factors regarding company performance or personal financial planning. This could inform investors about potential confidence levels within the company as insider sales may lead to uncertainty about future stock performance.
Read More: Costco (COST) EVP Caton Frates Disposes of $733,328 in Stock
Costco (COST) Reports Fourth Quarter Profit Beat with Tariff Refunds
Costco's (COST) fourth quarter results exceeded expectations, driven by tariff refunds. This financial boost allowed the company to report a profit that surpassed analysts' forecasts. Despite the positive outcome, investors remain cautious about future performance. The tariff refunds played a significant role in the profit increase, underscoring the impact of external factors on the company's financials. For ordinary investors, understanding the influence of tariff refunds on Costco's revenue may inform investment decisions.
Read More: Costco (COST) Reports Fourth Quarter Profit Beat with Tariff Refunds
U.S. Military Presence in Greenland: Trump Announces Security Agreement
President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Denmark and Greenland, granting the U.S. 'permanent control over security' in Greenland. The announcement specified that the U.S. would begin developing a large military presence there, which already hosts U.S. troops under an existing defense agreement with Denmark. Trump emphasized that there would be 'NO COST to the United States' for this deal. The three governments are expected to sign the agreement at the United Nations General Assembly next week, which aims to enhance security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, thus impacting NATO and European security.
Read More: U.S. Military Presence in Greenland: Trump Announces Security Agreement
Costco (COST) Q4 2026 Report Details Membership Growth and Digital Sales
Costco (COST) will report its fiscal fourth-quarter results on September 24, 2026, but the new partnership with DoorDash is not included as it launched after the quarter ended. Digital sales showed a notable increase with comparable sales up 21.5% and e-commerce traffic rising by 37%. Membership fees increased to $1.37 billion, a 10.7% growth, and the company has 82.9 million paid members, with a high renewal rate of 89.7%. Investors should note that Costco's stock is currently priced at a P/E ratio of 45 and has decreased by 7.01% over the past month.
Read More: Costco (COST) Q4 2026 Report Details Membership Growth and Digital Sales
Costco (COST) Stock Rating Reiterated by RBC Capital on Tariff Refund Outlook
RBC Capital has reiterated its rating for Costco (COST) based on the company's prospects regarding tariff refunds. This reaffirmation reflects RBC's confidence in Costco's financial outlook amid changing trade policies. The report highlights the potential positive impact of tariff refunds on Costco's profitability. As investors look for signals of future performance, this rating could influence market perception and trading activity for the stock.
Read More: Costco (COST) Stock Rating Reiterated by RBC Capital on Tariff Refund Outlook
Costco (COST) Hikes Dividend by 13% for Increased Income Potential
Costco Wholesale (COST) announced a 13% increase in its dividend, raising its dividend yield to 0.65%. A $10,000 investment, at a stock price of $902, would yield about $65 annually, though past increases suggest future payouts may rise. Costco's dividend has more than doubled since 2020, and it has a history of issuing large special dividends as well. This information is significant for investors seeking income generation from dividends, highlighting Costco's potential for growth in payouts.
Read More: Costco (COST) Hikes Dividend by 13% for Increased Income Potential
Costco Stock: Should You Invest $2,000 for 5 Years?
The article discusses whether investing $2,000 in Costco (COST) stock is a wise choice for a five-year hold period. It suggests that Costco has maintained strong growth and resilience during economic fluctuations, contributing to steady revenue increases. As of now, no specific performance figures or P/E ratios were mentioned, but the recommendation implies a positive long-term outlook for potential investors. This consideration matters for ordinary investors looking for stable, long-term growth in their portfolios.
Read More: Costco Stock: Should You Invest $2,000 for 5 Years?
Costco (COST) $55 Halloween Chocolate Frankenstein Head Available
Costco has introduced a 5.5-pound chocolate Frankenstein head priced at $55, filled with gummy candy, in time for Halloween. This product marks a seasonal offering that may attract Halloween shoppers looking for novelty items. The launch of such themed products can influence foot traffic and sales during the holiday season. Costco's (COST) efforts to enhance its product lineup could have implications for consumer spending patterns in the retail market.
Read More: Costco (COST) $55 Halloween Chocolate Frankenstein Head Available
Costco (COST) Stock Faces Caution from Jim Cramer
Jim Cramer has raised concerns about Costco's (COST) stock performance, indicating that it is currently in the penalty box. Specific financial metrics or performance figures were not disclosed in the article. Cramer noted that analysts have flagged potential issues that may affect the stock's future. This caution from a well-known market commentator could impact investor sentiment and trading patterns for Costco shares.
Read More: Costco (COST) Stock Faces Caution from Jim Cramer
Costco (COST) Stock Price at $945 Raises Concerns for Investors
Costco's stock is currently priced at $945. Investors are advised to reconsider their positions due to high valuations. The stock's price-earnings (P/E) ratio and recent performance may lead to a pause in buying. It's important for investors to assess these metrics before making investment decisions. For ordinary investors, understanding Costco's (COST) current valuation could guide their buy or sell strategies.
Read More: Costco (COST) Stock Price at $945 Raises Concerns for Investors
Costco (COST) Reports 3% Net Income Margin Amid Revenue Growth
Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) announced a net income margin of 3% for the quarter ended May 10, 2026, along with a planned increase in annual membership fees and new entry card scanners for customer identity verification. In contrast, General Mills (NYSE:GIS) reported an EBIT margin of 15% for the quarter ended May 31, 2026, while facing challenges such as a voluntary product recall and competition from cheaper brands. The comparison shows Costco's steady revenue growth against General Mills' difficulties, highlighting consumer preferences. This information is crucial for investors analyzing the performance and market position of these consumer staples companies, impacting investment decisions.
Read More: Costco (COST) Reports 3% Net Income Margin Amid Revenue Growth
Costco (COST) Eyes $2,250 Target by 2035 with 45.5% Growth
Costco's (COST) market cap is $422 billion, supported by 45.5% earnings growth and a strong membership renewal rate of 89.7%. Analysts forecast a target price of $2,250 by 2035, representing a potential 136.4% increase from the current price of $951.89. E-commerce traffic increased by 37%, and executive membership reached 75%. However, Wall Street's consensus target is just $1,076.91, indicating 13% upside, suggesting the stock may remain undervalued compared to its fundamentals. This could impact ordinary investors as they consider the growth trajectory versus current market pricing.
Read More: Costco (COST) Eyes $2,250 Target by 2035 with 45.5% Growth
Costco (COST) Growth Potential: Can It Reach Trillion-Dollar Valuation?
Costco (COST) is recognized as a prominent player in retail, currently valued at $210 billion. The article discusses Costco's ambitions and market strategies that could potentially drive its valuation to the trillion-dollar mark. Its consistent revenue growth and operational efficiency are highlighted as key factors in attracting both consumers and investors. The future expansion plans and strong membership base could significantly impact its stock performance, essential for ordinary investors considering the company's growth trajectory.
Read More: Costco (COST) Growth Potential: Can It Reach Trillion-Dollar Valuation?
Costco Gas Sales Surge Amid Rising Prices, Record Demand Seen
Costco's gas stations experienced record demand during the quarter ending May 10, leading to multiple daily fuel deliveries at several warehouses. The company has seen double-digit growth in gallons sold, even as U.S. gasoline consumption remains flat due to rising prices. Costco consistently priced its fuel an average of 9 cents per gallon below its five largest local competitors and 24 cents below the state average from April 2025 to March 2026. This strategy encourages more frequent visits and higher membership renewals, making it a key focus for Costco (COST) and enhancing its overall business model.
Read More: Costco Gas Sales Surge Amid Rising Prices, Record Demand Seen
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 2025
Beyond Meat Moves to Frozen Aisle at Walmart and Costco Amid Sales Decline
Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) is shifting its products from the meat aisle to the frozen food section at Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT) and Costco (NASDAQ: COST) as demand for its plant-based alternatives has decreased. After a successful IPO, Beyond Meat saw a decline in sales starting in 2022, prompting retailers to adjust its placement. The company has delayed its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings release to review inventory balances due to excessive and obsolete inventory. This strategic change may lead to lower yet more stable revenues due to the longer shelf life of frozen foods, though Beyond Meat has yet to achieve sustainable profitability.
Read More: Beyond Meat Moves to Frozen Aisle at Walmart and Costco Amid Sales DeclineMore Consumer Staples stocks
Frequently asked questions
Is Costco Wholesale Corporation in the S&P 500?
Yes. Costco Wholesale Corporation trades as COST and is a member of the S&P 500. The index lists it in the Consumer Staples sector.
What sector is COST in?
COST sits in the Consumer Staples sector of the S&P 500.
Where can I find the latest COST news?
Right here. This page collects recent COST news and market analysis. Every story gets an AI summary and a bullish, bearish or neutral tag.
What is Costco Wholesale Corporation's stock price?
COST last traded at about $978.01. Prices move all through the session, so this is the latest quote rather than a live one.
What is Costco Wholesale Corporation's market cap?
COST is worth roughly $433.38B. Market cap is the share price times the number of shares outstanding.
What is COST's P/E ratio?
COST trades at a trailing P/E ratio of about 47.1. The ratio compares the share price with earnings per share over the past year.