Is COST a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 47.4/100. It is ranked #431 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 40/100, Momentum 50/100. The timing signal is "Bullish". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for COST?

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 47.4 ranks it #431 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is COST in?

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Retail industry) with a market cap of $442.13 billion. It is classified as a mega-cap stock.

Does COST pay a dividend?

Yes, COST pays a dividend with a current yield of 0.56%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $5.60 in annual dividend income.

What is COST's P/E ratio?

COST has a trailing P/E ratio of 58.17x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This above-average P/E reflects growth expectations or premium valuation.

How profitable is COST?

COST's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 12.8%. ROE: 24.1% vs sector average 6.2%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is COST valued compared to peers?

COST's value factor score is 40/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 58.2x, EV/EBITDA 43.0x. Trading at a premium relative to peers.

What is COST's debt level?

COST's debt-to-equity ratio is 161%. Sector average: 89%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

COST has a beta of 0.37, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 92/100.

Does COST have high short interest?

COST's short interest factor score is 20/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

COST Stock Analysis: Hold (Score 47.4/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
COST	-3.25%	-1.62%	+0.11%	+15.79%	+3.54%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLY	+0.13%	+4.38%	-1.35%	-5.46%	-39.92%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-3.19%	-5.23%	-0.23%	+16.15%	-25.98%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-3.38%	-6.01%	+1.47%	+21.25%	+43.46%	-	-	-

Metric	COST	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	58.2x	+138%
EV/EBITDA	43.0x	+776%
Price / Book	14.0x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CASY CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC	57	50	68	67	42.2x	16.9%	24.0%	3.8%	0.3%	123.0x	$27.2B	VS
TGT TARGET CORP	53	50	70	56	16.2x	20.7%	28.4%	3.4%	-0.7%	89.0x	$54.5B	VS
APEI AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC	53	49	58	72	78.3x	4.6%	52.8%	2.1%	6.8%	32.0x	$1.1B	VS
LINC LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP	52	50	48	75	116.7x	5.6%	59.2%	2.3%	37.4%	147.0x	$1.3B	VS
FIVE FIVE BELOW, INC	52	50	56	73	105.5x	5.4%	32.5%	3.1%	26.5%	125.0x	$13.0B	VS
IMKTA INGLES MARKETS INC	51	50	51	62	17.4x	6.2%	23.9%	1.9%	0.4%	57.0x	$1.7B	VS
PRDO PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp	51	50	70	57	14.2x	16.7%	100.0%	20.4%	27.1%	28.0x	$2.4B	VS
MCRI MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC	51	50	66	47	16.7x	19.7%	24.5%	19.4%	11.5%	33.0x	$1.7B	VS
FCFS FirstCash Holdings, Inc.	49	50	29	66	34.7x	10.8%	50.2%	8.0%	26.6%	98.0x	$8.4B	VS
ESCA ESCALADE INC	48	50	65	51	15.2x	9.0%	26.1%	6.2%	8.4%	11.0x	$249M	VS
COST COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW	47	50	40	50	58.2x	24.1%	12.8%	2.9%	12.0%	161.0x	$442.1B

Key Ratio	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
Gross Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
Operating Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
EBITDA Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Net Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
FCF Margin %	0.3%	-	-	-	-	-	2.7%	3.6%	-6.1%	2.0%	3.3%
ROE %	0.2%	0.1%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%
ROA %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	24.4%	6.4%	28.1%	31.1%	25.6%	29.8%	38.4%	31.5%	27.4%	26.6%	25.4%

Key Ratio

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Gross Margin %

0.1%

Operating Margin %

0.0%

EBITDA Margin %

0.0%

Net Margin %

0.0%

FCF Margin %

0.3%

2.7%

3.6%

-6.1%

2.0%

3.3%

ROE %

0.2%

0.1%

0.3%

0.2%

0.3%

ROA %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

ROIC %

24.4%

6.4%

28.1%

31.1%

25.6%

29.8%

38.4%

31.5%

27.4%

26.6%

25.4%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$263.8B	$275.2B	$254.5B	$242.3B	$227.0B	$195.9B	$166.8B	$152.7B	$141.6B	$129.0B	$118.7B	$116.2B
	—	$239.9B	$222.4B	$212.6B	$199.4B	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$33.9B	$35.3B	$32.1B	$29.7B	$27.6B	$25.2B	$21.8B	$19.8B	$18.4B	$17.1B	$15.8B	$15.1B
Gross Margin	12.8%	12.8%	12.6%	12.3%	12.2%	12.9%	13.1%	13.0%	13.0%	13.3%	13.3%	13.0%
	—	$25.0B	$22.8B	$21.6B	$19.8B	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	—	—	—	—	$1.8B	$1.6B	$1.5B	$1.4B	$1.4B	$1.3B	$1.1B
Total Operating Expenses	—	$25.0B	$22.8B	$21.6B	$19.8B	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$9.9B	$10.4B	$9.3B	$8.1B	$7.8B	$6.7B	$5.4B	$4.7B	$4.5B	$4.1B	$3.7B	$3.6B
EBIT	$9.9B	$10.4B	$9.3B	$8.1B	$7.8B	$6.7B	$5.4B	$4.7B	$4.5B	$4.1B	$3.7B	$3.6B
EBITDA	$10.5B	$10.4B	$9.3B	$8.1B	$7.8B	$8.5B	$7.1B	$6.2B	$5.9B	$2.7B	$4.9B	$4.8B
Operating Margin	3.8%	3.8%	3.6%	3.4%	3.4%	3.4%	3.3%	3.1%	3.2%	3.2%	3.1%	3.1%
EBITDA Margin	4.0%	3.8%	3.6%	3.3%	3.4%	4.3%	4.2%	4.1%	4.2%	2.1%	4.2%	4.1%
	—	$154M	$169M	$160M	$158M	$171M	$160M	$150M	$159M	$134M	$133M	$124M
	—	$10.8B	$9.7B	$8.5B	$7.8B	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$2.7B	$2.4B	$2.2B	$1.9B	$1.6B	$1.3B	$1.1B	$1.3B	$1.3B	$1.2B	$1.2B
	$7.7B	$8.1B	$7.4B	$6.3B	$5.9B	$5.1B	$4.1B	$3.7B	$3.2B	$2.7B	$2.4B	$2.4B
Net Margin	2.9%	2.9%	2.9%	2.6%	2.6%	2.6%	2.4%	2.4%	2.3%	2.1%	2.0%	2.1%
	$4.58	$18.24	$16.59	$14.18	$13.17	$11.30	$9.05	$8.32	$7.15	$6.11	$5.36	$5.41
Diluted EPS	$4.58	$18.21	$16.56	$14.16	$13.14	$11.30	$9.05	$8.32	$7.15	$6.11	$5.36	$5.41
Weighted Avg Basic	—	444M	444M	444M	444M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	445M	445M	444M	445M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$263.8B

$275.2B

$254.5B

$242.3B

$227.0B

$195.9B

$166.8B

$152.7B

$141.6B

$129.0B

$118.7B

$116.2B

—

$239.9B

$222.4B

$212.6B

$199.4B

—

$33.9B

$35.3B

$32.1B

$29.7B

$27.6B

$25.2B

$21.8B

$19.8B

$18.4B

$17.1B

$15.8B

$15.1B

Gross Margin

12.8%

12.6%

12.3%

12.2%

12.9%

13.1%

13.0%

13.3%

13.0%

—

$25.0B

$22.8B

$21.6B

$19.8B

—

Depreciation

—

$1.8B

$1.6B

$1.5B

$1.4B

$1.3B

$1.1B

Total Operating Expenses

—

$25.0B

$22.8B

$21.6B

$19.8B

—

$9.9B

$10.4B

$9.3B

$8.1B

$7.8B

$6.7B

$5.4B

$4.7B

$4.5B

$4.1B

$3.7B

$3.6B

EBIT

$9.9B

$10.4B

$9.3B

$8.1B

$7.8B

$6.7B

$5.4B

$4.7B

$4.5B

$4.1B

$3.7B

$3.6B

EBITDA

$10.5B

$10.4B

$9.3B

$8.1B

$7.8B

$8.5B

$7.1B

$6.2B

$5.9B

$2.7B

$4.9B

$4.8B

Operating Margin

3.8%

3.6%

3.4%

3.3%

3.1%

3.2%

3.1%

EBITDA Margin

4.0%

3.8%

3.6%

3.3%

3.4%

4.3%

4.2%

4.1%

4.2%

2.1%

4.2%

4.1%

—

$154M

$169M

$160M

$158M

$171M

$160M

$150M

$159M

$134M

$133M

$124M

—

$10.8B

$9.7B

$8.5B

$7.8B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$2.7B

$2.4B

$2.2B

$1.9B

$1.6B

$1.3B

$1.1B

$1.3B

$1.2B

$7.7B

$8.1B

$7.4B

$6.3B

$5.9B

$5.1B

$4.1B

$3.7B

$3.2B

$2.7B

$2.4B

Net Margin

2.9%

2.6%

2.4%

2.3%

2.1%

2.0%

2.1%

$4.58

$18.24

$16.59

$14.18

$13.17

$11.30

$9.05

$8.32

$7.15

$6.11

$5.36

$5.41

Diluted EPS

$4.58

$18.21

$16.56

$14.16

$13.14

$11.30

$9.05

$8.32

$7.15

$6.11

$5.36

$5.41

Weighted Avg Basic

—

444M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

445M

444M

445M

—

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW Do?

Costco Wholesale Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Australia, Spain, France, Iceland, China, and Taiwan. It offers branded and private-label products in a range of merchandise categories. The company offers sundries, dry groceries, candies, coolers, freezers, liquor, and tobacco and deli products; appliances, electronics, health and beauty aids, hardware, garden and patio products, sporting goods, tires, toys and seasonal products, office supplies, automotive care products, postages, tickets, apparel, small appliances, furniture, domestics, housewares, special order kiosks, and jewelry; and meat, produce, service deli, and bakery products. It also operates pharmacies, opticals, food courts, hearing-aid centers, and tire installation centers, as well as 636 gas stations; and offers business delivery, travel, same-day grocery, and various other services online in various countries. As of August 29, 2021, the company operated 815 membership warehouses, including 564 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 105 in Canada, 39 in Mexico, 30 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 16 in South Korea, 14 in Taiwan, 12 in Australia, 3 in Spain, 1 in Iceland, 1 in France, and 1 in China. It also operates e-commerce websites in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia. The company was formerly known as Costco Companies, Inc. and changed its name to Costco Wholesale Corporation in August 1999. Costco Wholesale Corporation was founded in 1976 and is based in Issaquah, Washington. COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) is classified as a mega-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Retail industry. The company is led by CEO Walter C. Jelinek and employs approximately 304,000 people, headquartered in Issaquah, Washington. With a market capitalization of $442.1B, COST is one of the largest companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 47.4/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.COST ranks #431 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW ranks #23 of 442 stocks, placing it in the top 10% of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

COST Stock Price and 52-Week Range

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) currently trades at $1031.03. The stock lost $1.00 (0.1%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for COST is $1067.08, which means the stock is currently trading -3.4% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $844.06, putting the stock 22.2% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 0 shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is COST Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) carries a value factor score of 40/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 58.17x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a premium of 138%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 14.01x, versus the sector average of 1.99x. The price-to-sales ratio is 1.70x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, COST trades at 42.95x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector.

Overall, COST's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 24.1%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 9.2% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW reports gross margins of 12.8%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 3.8% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 2.9%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at 12.0% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

COST Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW has a debt-to-equity ratio of 161.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.06x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage.

COST has a beta of 0.37, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW is 92/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW reported revenue of $263.83B and earnings per share (EPS) of $4.58. Net income for the quarter was $7.73B. Gross margin was 12.8%. Operating income came in at $9.91B.

In Q2 2026, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW reported revenue of $69.60B and earnings per share (EPS) of $4.58. Net income for the quarter was $2.04B. Gross margin was 12.8%. Revenue grew 9.2% year-over-year compared to Q2 2025. Operating income came in at $2.61B.

In Q1 2026, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW reported revenue of $67.31B and earnings per share (EPS) of $4.51. Net income for the quarter was $2.00B. Gross margin was 13.1%. Revenue grew 8.3% year-over-year compared to Q1 2025. Operating income came in at $2.46B.

In FY 2025, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW reported revenue of $275.24B and earnings per share (EPS) of $18.24. Net income for the quarter was $8.10B. Gross margin was 12.8%. Revenue grew 8.2% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $10.38B.

Over the past 8 quarters, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $254.45B to $263.83B. Investors analyzing COST stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

COST Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) currently pays a dividend yield of 0.6%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in COST stock would generate approximately $$56.00 in annual dividend income.

COST Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) has a momentum factor score of 50/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 28/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 20/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

COST vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) ranks #23 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places COST in the top decile of all Consumer Discretionary stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC (MCRI) with a score of 50.5/100, CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC (CASY) with a score of 57.3/100, INGLES MARKETS INC (IMKTA) with a score of 51.0/100, FIVE BELOW, INC (FIVE) with a score of 51.6/100, and TARGET CORP (TGT) with a score of 52.6/100.

Comparing COST against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full COST vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

COST Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy COST? — Investment Thesis Summary

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. Low volatility (stability score 92/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 47.4/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on COST stock.

Related Resources for COST Investors

Explore more research and tools: COST vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Discretionary stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare COST head-to-head with peers: COST vs MCRI, COST vs CASY, COST vs IMKTA.

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COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW Do?

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW (COST) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

COST Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is COST Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

COST Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP /NEW Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

COST Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

COST Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

COST vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

COST Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy COST? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for COST Investors

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