Últimas noticias sobre Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) Bolsa

Costco Wholesale

Costco operates a membership-based, no-frills retail model, predicated on offering a select product assortment in bulk quantities at bargain prices. The firm avoids maintaining costly product displays by keeping inventory on pallets and limits distribution expenses by storing its inventory at point of sale in the warehouse. Given Costco's frugal cost structure, the firm is able to price its merchandise below competing retailers, driving high sales volume per warehouse and allowing the retailer to generate strong profits on thin margins. Costco operates over 600 warehouses in the United States and boasts over 60% market share in the domestic warehouse club industry. Internationally, Costco operates another 270 warehouses, primarily in markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK.

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BMO Capital analyst Kelly Bania maintains Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $980 to $1075.

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BMO Capital Maintains Outperform on Costco Wholesale, Raises Price Target to $1075

The dust is beginning to settle from the 2024 election, and companies are starting to digest what a second Trump term means for business. On the campaign trail, Candidate Trump promised another round of tariffs on foreign goods, but it remains to be seen what promises actually translate into law once the administration comes to power.&nbsp;
Some companies like Steve Madden are attempting to get ahead of the curve by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41862692/steve-madden-announces-plans-to-move-production-to-avoid-trump-tariffs-but-theres-a-catch">moving production out of China now</a>, but others aren't as nimble and will likely bear the brunt of higher costs. Which public companies are likely to be hit hardest by tariff expansion? Here&#8217;s a list of 4 stocks you might want to consider selling before the next trade war salvo.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Methodology</h2>
Each company chosen for this list faces at least one of the following issues:
<ul>
<li>Reliance on imports, especially goods from China </li>
<li>Limited ability to pass higher costs onto customers </li>
<li>Lack of negotiating power with suppliers&nbsp;</li>
<li>Thin margins that could make it challenging to absorb costs </li>
</ul>
The retail industry is already bracing for higher costs. According to the National Retail Foundation, companies are preparing for these additional costs by raising prices on a variety of goods that could cost consumers between $46 billion and $76 billion in purchasing power. Retail will be a major theme amongst these stock picks, especially in areas where customers expect low prices and have substantial alternatives.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>)</h3>
Dell has been one of the market's biggest winners since the start of 2023. The company has re-entered the S&amp;P 500 and its stock price has soared from under $40 in March 2023 to over $130 as of this writing. The stock has pulled back a bit since hitting an all-time high of $179 in May, and more pain could be on the way if the proposed tariffs come to be.
Dell sells a variety of electronics, from computers and laptops to cloud and networking solutions. This line of electronics depends on affordable printed circuit boards (PCBs), capacitors, resistors, casings, and assembly operations, and much of this company infrastructure is located in China. Additional tariffs on these components could force Dell to either raise prices faster than customers see reasonable or relocate some of their production outside of China. Either solution could hamper future stock growth. Dell is currently rated a Buy, but the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DELL/analyst-ratings">most recent analyst reports</a> put the consensus price target at $117, which is below the current market price.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Five Below (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIVE#NASDAQ">FIVE</a>)</h3>
If you or your spouse are primary education teachers, you likely have spent a lot of time in Five Below looking for school supplies, affordable electronics, student rewards, and perhaps some candy for the lounge. The company sells a variety of merchandise at highly discounted prices, and many of its electronic products are imported from China.
Five Below gets hit from both sides in a potential tariff war. Not only is the company heavily reliant on Chinese imports, but its business model leaves very little room to raise prices. Customers who see higher prices at specialty retailers like Five Below may just take their business to higher-end competitors like Target Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>). Analysts currently rate FIVE stock as a Hold with an average price target of $129. However, the three most recent analyst reports (Truist, BofA Securities, and Evercore ISI) only had an average price target of $89, which is about where shares are currently trading. BofA analyst Lorraine Hutchinson <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/06/trump-proposed-tariffs-consumer-prices.html">noted in her downgrade</a> that Five Below sources more than 20% of its products from China and lacks the pricing power to pass those costs onto consumers.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lowe's Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>)</h3>
Another big winner from the past two years could be facing more headwinds if tariffs come to fruition. Lowe's has benefited from the home price boom as millions of Americans tapped their expanding home equity for upgrades and renovations following COVID. LOW shares shot from a pandemic low of $86 to $258 by December 2021 and recently made a new all-time high at $270 a few weeks ago. However, if we use history as a guide, Lowe's stock had a choppy ride during the first round of tariffs in 2017.
Lowe's sells high-end appliances like washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, water heaters, and other important (and imported) home goods. Not only will the company face higher costs on these expensive goods, but consumers who have already tapped chunks of home equity may put off new projects or rush to buy before the tariffs kick in. From 2017 to 2020, LOW shares exhibited high volatility with four different 15% corrections. With more tariffs on tap and consumers stretched thin, Lowe's profits could take a hit in the coming months. The company reports earnings on November 19 and investors will be looking for clues on how tariffs could affect its bottom line.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>)</h3>
Another stock up big this year, and another company under pressure from the incoming administration. Walmart didn't suffer as much as the broader indices during the 2022 bear market, but the stock has roared to life in 2024. WMT shares are up over 60% year-to-date, including an eye-popping 41% in the last six months. The company has beaten analyst earnings expectations in each of the previous eight quarters as well.
In recent years, Walmart has sought to divest itself from China by moving some production to India, but Chinese imports still make up <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/walmart-shifts-india-china-cheaper-imports-2023-11-29/">about 60%</a> of the company's products. It's unlikely that much more production will be moved out of China by the time tariffs take effect, and Walmart doesn't have the supplier negotiating power that a company like Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) does. Additionally, Walmart's Every Day Low Price model runs on razor-thin margins. In July, Walmart reported a <a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/WMT/walmart/net-profit-margin">net profit margin of 2.34%</a>. While not as low as some previous reports, Walmart has consistently seen its net margin drop below 3% since the first Trump administration, and the company may not have the pricing power to pass additional tariff costs onto its customers.
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4 Stocks to Sell Before Trump's Tariffs Take Effect

STOCK RISES 38 POINTS AFTER ALERT 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="691" height="863" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08212748/Screen-Shot-2024-11-08-at-4.31.04-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3181" style="width:624px" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08212748/Screen-Shot-2024-11-08-at-4.31.04-PM.png 691w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08212748/Screen-Shot-2024-11-08-at-4.31.04-PM-240x300.png 240w" sizes="(max-width: 691px) 100vw, 691px" /></figure>
Costco , Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) today experienced a Power Inflow, a significant event for those who follow where smart money goes and value order flow analytics in their trading decisions. 
Yesterday, at 10:00 AM on November 8th, a significant trading signal occurred for Costco, Inc. as it demonstrated a Power Inflow at a price of $923.81. This indicator is crucial for traders who want to know directionally where institutions and so-called "smart money" moves in the market. They see the value of utilizing order flow analytics to guide their trading decisions. The Power Inflow points to a possible uptrend in Costco&#8217;s stock, marking a potential entry point for traders looking to capitalize on the expected upward movement. Traders with this signal closely watch for sustained momentum in Costco&#8217;s stock price, interpreting this event as a bullish sign.
Signal description
Order flow analytics, aka transaction or market flow analysis, separate and study both the retail and institutional volume rate of orders (flow). It involves analyzing the flow of buy and sell orders, along with size, timing, and other associated characteristics and patterns, to gain insights and make more informed trading decisions. This particular indicator is interpreted as a bullish signal by active traders.&nbsp;
The Power Inflow occurs within the first two hours of the market open and generally signals the trend that helps gauge the stock&#8217;s overall direction, powered by institutional activity in the stock, for the remainder of the day.&nbsp;
By incorporating order flow analytics into their trading strategies, market participants can better interpret market conditions, identify trading opportunities, and potentially improve their trading performance. But let's not forget that while watching smart money flow can provide valuable insights, it is crucial to incorporate effective risk management strategies to protect capital and mitigate potential losses. Employing a consistent and effective risk management plan helps traders navigate the uncertainties of the market in a more controlled and calculated manner, increasing the likelihood of long-term success
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for COST <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.&nbsp;
<a href="https://benzinga.com/apis?_gl=1&#x2A;1hlgn5i&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTY1NjE2NTYxMi4xNzE0NzQ4MTAy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDc0ODEwMi4xLjEuMTcxNDc0ODQyOC4wLjAuMA..">Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs</a> and include firms, like <a href="https://finitusa.com/en/">Finit USA</a>, responsible for parts of the data within this article. 
&#xA9; 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
After Market Close UPDATE:
The price at the time of the Power Inflow was $923.81. The returns on the High price ($961.84) and Close price ($943.80) after the Power Inflow were respectively 4.1% and 2.6%. That is why it is important to have a trading plan that includes Profit Targets and Stop Losses that reflect your risk appetite. 
Past Performance is Not Indicative of Future Results

Signals

Markets

General

Tradepulse Power Inflow Alert: Costco Wholesale Corp. Receives Alert And Rises Over 4%

WIIM

Costco shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q3 Financials.

Telsey Advisory Group analyst Joseph Feldman maintains Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $1000 price target.

Telsey Advisory Group Maintains Outperform on Costco Wholesale, Maintains $1000 Price Target

Costco Earlier Reported Net Sales Of $20.03B For The Retail Month Of Oct., Up 7.2% YoY

In the ever-changing and fiercely competitive business landscape, conducting thorough company analysis is crucial for investors and industry experts. In this article, we will undertake a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) and its primary competitors in the Consumer Staples Distribution &amp; Retail industry. By closely examining key financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, our aim is to provide valuable insights for investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Costco Wholesale Background</h3>
Costco operates a membership-based, no-frills retail model, predicated on offering a select product assortment in bulk quantities at bargain prices. The firm avoids maintaining costly product displays by keeping inventory on pallets and limits distribution expenses by storing its inventory at point of sale in the warehouse. Given Costco's frugal cost structure, the firm is able to price its merchandise below competing retailers, driving high sales volume per warehouse and allowing the retailer to generate strong profits on thin margins. Costco operates over 600 warehouses in the United States and boasts over 60% market share in the domestic warehouse club industry. Internationally, Costco operates another 270 warehouses, primarily in markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Costco Wholesale Corp</td>
<td>53.75</td>
<td>16.70</td>
<td>1.56</td>
<td>10.37%</td>
<td>$3.87</td>
<td>$10.11</td>
<td>0.96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Walmart Inc</td>
<td>43.58</td>
<td>7.97</td>
<td>1.02</td>
<td>5.43%</td>
<td>$10.1</td>
<td>$42.52</td>
<td>4.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Target Corp</td>
<td>15.60</td>
<td>4.82</td>
<td>0.65</td>
<td>8.43%</td>
<td>$2.4</td>
<td>$7.65</td>
<td>2.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dollar General Corp</td>
<td>12.69</td>
<td>2.47</td>
<td>0.45</td>
<td>5.25%</td>
<td>$0.79</td>
<td>$3.06</td>
<td>4.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings Inc</td>
<td>22.24</td>
<td>7.06</td>
<td>0.58</td>
<td>9.11%</td>
<td>$0.27</td>
<td>$0.96</td>
<td>4.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pricesmart Inc</td>
<td>19.09</td>
<td>2.38</td>
<td>0.53</td>
<td>2.56%</td>
<td>$0.07</td>
<td>$0.21</td>
<td>9.65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sendas Distribuidora SA</td>
<td>15.98</td>
<td>2.20</td>
<td>0.15</td>
<td>2.58%</td>
<td>$1.34</td>
<td>$2.95</td>
<td>11.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Almacenes Exito SA</td>
<td>98.41</td>
<td>0.46</td>
<td>0.14</td>
<td>-0.29%</td>
<td>$303.29</td>
<td>$1299.7</td>
<td>-0.86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>32.51</td>
<td>3.91</td>
<td>0.5</td>
<td>4.72%</td>
<td>$45.47</td>
<td>$193.86</td>
<td>5.32%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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 </style>By closely studying Costco Wholesale, we can observe the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
Notably, the current Price to Earnings ratio for this stock, 53.75, is 1.65x above the industry norm, reflecting a higher valuation relative to the industry.
</li>
<li>
With a Price to Book ratio of 16.7, which is 4.27x the industry average, Costco Wholesale might be considered overvalued in terms of its book value, as it is trading at a higher multiple compared to its industry peers.
</li>
<li>
With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 1.56, which is 3.12x the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The company has a higher Return on Equity (ROE) of 10.37%, which is 5.65% above the industry average. This suggests efficient use of equity to generate profits and demonstrates profitability and growth potential.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has lower Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $3.87 Billion, which is 0.09x below the industry average, potentially indicating lower profitability or financial challenges.
</li>
<li>
The company has lower gross profit of $10.11 Billion, which indicates 0.05x below the industry average. This potentially indicates lower revenue after accounting for production costs.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of 0.96% is significantly below the industry average of 5.32%. This suggests a potential struggle in generating increased sales volume.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1730905271_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio provides insights into the proportion of debt a company has in relation to its equity and asset value.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
When comparing Costco Wholesale with its top 4 peers based on the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following insights can be observed:
<ul>
<li>
Among its top 4 peers, Costco Wholesale has a stronger financial position with a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35.
</li>
<li>
This indicates that the company relies less on debt financing and maintains a more favorable balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Costco Wholesale, the PE, PB, and PS ratios are all high compared to its peers in the Consumer Staples Distribution &amp; Retail industry, indicating that the stock may be overvalued. On the other hand, Costco's high ROE suggests strong profitability relative to its equity, while the low EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth numbers may raise concerns about the company's operational efficiency and growth potential within the industry sector.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Inquiry Into Costco Wholesale's Competitor Dynamics In Consumer Staples Distribution &amp; Retail Industry

On CNBC's &#8220;Mad Money Lightning Round,&#8221; Jim Cramer recommended buying CyberArk Software Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYBR#NASDAQ">CYBR</a>). &#8220;That is a terrific situation, I've liked it for many, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CYBR/analyst-ratings">many years,&#8221; he added</a>.
On Oct. 29, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Jonathan Ruykhaver maintained CyberArk Software with an Overweight and raised the price target from $300 to $335.
&#8220;Any time I get into self-driving technology,&#8221; Cramer said when asked about Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AUR#NASDAQ">AUR</a>). &#8220;I like to go with Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)."
On Oct. 30, Aurora Innovation reported a quarterly loss of 13 cents per share, compared to market estimates of a loss of 13 cents per share.
Cramer recommended buying Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>).
On Oct. 16, Costco declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.16 per share.
SharkNinja (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SN#NYSE">SN</a>) is a &#8220;terrific&#8221; company, Cramer said. &#8220;If Trump wins, the tariffs are going to be so high that their earnings are just going to be shot. He added, &#8220;It is the stock to buy, actually the stock to buy if you think that Harris is going to be the next president of the United States.&#8221;
&#8220;I have to find out what the heck happened to that quarter,&#8221; Cramer said about Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>).
On Oct. 31, Huntington Ingalls reported worse-than-expected third-quarter financial results. It also revised FY24 revenue outlook and withdrew 5-year free cash flow outlook.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>CyberArk shares fell 0.1% to settle at $276.16 on Friday.</li>
<li>Aurora Innovation shares jumped 11.8% to close at $5.81 on Friday.</li>
<li>Costco shares gained 0.5% to settle at $877.31 during the session.</li>
<li>Huntington Ingalls gained 2.3% to settle at $189.23 on Friday.</li>
<li>SharkNinja shares fell 3.4% to close at $89.12.</li>
</ul>
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/41684497/jim-cramer-likes-cava-group-calls-this-utilities-stock-terrific">Jim Cramer Likes Cava Group, Calls This Utilities Stock &#8216;Terrific&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

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Jim Cramer Recommends Buying This Tech Stock: 'That Is A Terrific Situation'

In the last three months, 36 analysts have published ratings on Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>), offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">16</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">7</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $935.97, a high estimate of $1065.00, and a low estimate of $755.00. This upward trend is evident, with the current average reflecting a 3.72% increase from the previous average price target of $902.44.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1730721690_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
The standing of Costco Wholesale among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dean Rosenblum</td>
<td>Bernstein</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$1016.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivan Feinseth</td>
<td>Tigress Financial</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$1065.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Baker</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$880.00</td>
<td>$880.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$935.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rupesh Parikh</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$980.00</td>
<td>$955.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Melich</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$990.00</td>
<td>$985.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Chen</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$975.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bill Kirk</td>
<td>Roth MKM</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$755.00</td>
<td>$676.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Baker</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$880.00</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kate McShane</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$995.00</td>
<td>$876.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Kelly</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$850.00</td>
<td>$800.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karen Short</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$850.00</td>
<td>$830.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$909.00</td>
<td>$873.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kelly Bania</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$980.00</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$915.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Champine</td>
<td>Loop Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$1005.00</td>
<td>$975.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$873.00</td>
<td>$873.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karen Short</td>
<td>Melius Research</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniela Nedialkova</td>
<td>Redburn Atlantic</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$890.00</td>
<td>$860.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Simeon Gutman</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
<td>$855.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Champine</td>
<td>Loop Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$975.00</td>
<td>$970.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$915.00</td>
<td>$910.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Baker</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Melich</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$915.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rupesh Parikh</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$955.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kelly Bania</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
<td>$875.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chuck Grom</td>
<td>Gordon Haskett</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krisztina Katai</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$927.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rupesh Parikh</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Melich</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$915.00</td>
<td>$920.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Costco Wholesale. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of Costco Wholesale compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Costco Wholesale's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Costco Wholesale's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COST/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Costco Wholesale analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Costco Wholesale</h2>
Costco operates a membership-based, no-frills retail model, predicated on offering a select product assortment in bulk quantities at bargain prices. The firm avoids maintaining costly product displays by keeping inventory on pallets and limits distribution expenses by storing its inventory at point of sale in the warehouse. Given Costco's frugal cost structure, the firm is able to price its merchandise below competing retailers, driving high sales volume per warehouse and allowing the retailer to generate strong profits on thin margins. Costco operates over 600 warehouses in the United States and boasts over 60% market share in the domestic warehouse club industry. Internationally, Costco operates another 270 warehouses, primarily in markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK.
<h3>Costco Wholesale: Financial Performance Dissected</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.
Revenue Growth: Costco Wholesale's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 August, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 0.96%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: Costco Wholesale's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 2.95%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Costco Wholesale's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 10.37%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): Costco Wholesale's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 3.42% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.35.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

36 Analysts Have This To Say About Costco Wholesale

<a href="https://teamster.org/2024/11/costco-fleet-drivers-overwhelmingly-ratify-first-teamsters-contract/#:~:text=%E2%80%93%20Following%20a%20credible%20strike%20threat,than%2018%2C000%20Costco%20Teamsters%20nationwide.">https://teamster.org/2024/11/costco-fleet-drivers-overwhelmingly-ratify-first-teamsters-contract/#:~:text=%E2%80%93%20Following%20a%20credible%20strike%20threat,than%2018%2C000%20Costco%20Teamsters%20nationwide.</a>
&nbsp;
Following a <a href="https://teamster.org/2024/08/costco-fleet-drivers-overwhelmingly-authorize-strike/">credible strike threat</a>, over 150 Costco fleet drivers represented by Teamsters Local 174 have overwhelmingly ratified a short-term first contract. The three-month agreement will expire on the same day as the Costco National Master Agreement, which protects more than 18,000 Costco Teamsters nationwide. By lining up the expiration dates, the group has ensured even greater leverage at the table.
Notably, the new contract replaces the uncertainty of a 401(k) with the stability of a defined-benefit pension plan, ensuring greater security for these Teamsters' future.
"This first contract may only last a few months, but there is no expiration date on the power that new Costco Teamsters will wield in the fight for their future," said Rick Hicks, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 174. "The Western Conference Teamsters Pension Plan honors their years of service, newly negotiated contract language protects their current conditions, and the unified bargaining power of all Costco Teamsters nationwide will pave the way for a brighter future."
Despite its claim of being a "worker-friendly" company, Costco forced the Teamsters to <a href="https://teamster.org/2024/08/costco-teamsters-suspend-national-contract-negotiations/">suspend negotiations</a> on a new national contract after refusing to agree to a card-check neutrality agreement that would make it easier for nonunion Costco workers to become Teamsters.
"When we bargain with Costco, we'll do it together from a position of strength," said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division and Central Region International Vice President. "Our newly organized drivers will have the support of 18,000 Costco Teamsters behind them as we continue the fight in national negotiations. We're committed to negotiating game-changing agreements that set the standard at Costco and hold the company to its ‘pro-worker' reputation."
Costco is ranked as the 11th largest U.S. corporation on the Fortune 500, with a reported $242 billion in revenue and $29.7 billion in annual gross profits in 2023. Nationwide, Costco workers face deteriorating working conditions, a trend worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in the company's executive leadership. The decline has driven an increased number of nonunion Costco workers to begin organizing with the Teamsters.
"Costco can't have it both ways. A company can't call itself ‘worker-friendly' while standing in the way of its workers' right to form a union," said Lynda Linville, a 46-year Costco employee and member of Teamsters Local 542 in San Diego. "In nearly five decades with this company, I've seen a lot of changes in Costco's corporate culture — and none for the better. We're ready to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, to secure the contract we deserve. Together, we will stop the backsliding and protect our nonunion brothers and sisters."
&nbsp;

Management

'Costco Fleet Drivers Overwhelmingly Ratify First Teamsters Contract; New Short-Term Deal To Expire Same Day As Costco National Master Agreement' - Teamsters

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with COST, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 9 uncommon options trades for Costco Wholesale.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 33% bullish and 33%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $251,044, and 4 are calls, for a total amount of $191,820.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $575.0 and $925.0 for Costco Wholesale, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Costco Wholesale stands at 407.5, with a total volume reaching 46.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Costco Wholesale, situated within the strike price corridor from $575.0 to $925.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Costco Wholesale Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1730382344_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$97.5</td>
<td>$97.5</td>
<td>$97.5</td>
<td>$870.00</td>
<td>$97.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$18.4</td>
<td>$17.45</td>
<td>$18.35</td>
<td>$790.00</td>
<td>$84.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">65</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$25.55</td>
<td>$23.8</td>
<td>$25.22</td>
<td>$845.00</td>
<td>$63.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">394</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$18.25</td>
<td>$18.2</td>
<td>$18.2</td>
<td>$790.00</td>
<td>$47.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">65</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$38.05</td>
<td>$37.95</td>
<td>$37.95</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$34.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">136</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Costco Wholesale</h3>
Costco operates a membership-based, no-frills retail model, predicated on offering a select product assortment in bulk quantities at bargain prices. The firm avoids maintaining costly product displays by keeping inventory on pallets and limits distribution expenses by storing its inventory at point of sale in the warehouse. Given Costco's frugal cost structure, the firm is able to price its merchandise below competing retailers, driving high sales volume per warehouse and allowing the retailer to generate strong profits on thin margins. Costco operates over 600 warehouses in the United States and boasts over 60% market share in the domestic warehouse club industry. Internationally, Costco operates another 270 warehouses, primarily in markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK.
In light of the recent options history for Costco Wholesale, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Costco Wholesale</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 32,822, the price of COST is down by -0.36%, reaching $875.9.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 42 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Costco Wholesale</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $974.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Stifel keeps a Buy rating on Costco Wholesale with a target price of $935. 
&#x2A; An analyst from DA Davidson has decided to maintain their Neutral rating on Costco Wholesale, which currently sits at a price target of $880. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Tigress Financial has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Costco Wholesale, which currently sits at a price target of $1065. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group continues to hold a Outperform rating for Costco Wholesale, targeting a price of $990. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Telsey Advisory Group continues to hold a Outperform rating for Costco Wholesale, targeting a price of $1000. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Costco Wholesale options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Looking At Costco Wholesale's Recent Unusual Options Activity

It&#39;s been a good year in the stock market so far; however, one group of companies that hasn&#39;t performed as well as others are those in the <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/sectors/consumer-staples/">consumer staples sector</a>. This includes companies making and selling essential products like food. The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (ARCA: XLP) has provided a total return of only around 15% this year, while the S&amp;P 500 is nearly at the 23% mark.
However, some consumer staples stocks have massively outperformed the market this year. That includes the retail giant Walmart (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wmt#NYSE">WMT</a>). It&#39;s the largest company in its sector, with a market capitalization of around $660 billion. So, is Walmart a set-it-and-forget-it investment that will make investors happy for years to come, or is the stock running out of steam after its massive uptick this year?
<h3>Walmart: Winning The War In Groceries</h3>
Walmart is an omni-channel company. It sells to customers via its retail stores and its e-commerce site. Its U.S. segment made up around <a href="https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0000104169/b9745621-712b-43d0-b8e9-5cf33db255e3.pdf">68% of total revenue</a>, while its international and Sam&#39;s Club segments accounted for 18% and 14% respectively. I&#39;ll use the company&#39;s U.S. segment as a proxy for the overall business to understand how it breaks down revenue by product type. It doesn&#39;t report revenue by product type consistently across segments. Groceries made up 60% of U.S. revenues, general merchandise made up 26%, and health and wellness made up 12%. Its &quot;other categories&quot; made up the rest.
This breakdown is similar to <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NASDAQ/COST/">Costco (NASDAQ: </a><a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cost#NASDAQ">COST</a>), where 54% of revenue came from food, and 25% from &quot;non-food.&quot; Where Walmart has been winning is in taking grocery market share from its competition. The company increased its <a href="https://www.supermarketnews.com/independents-regional-grocers/walmart-kroger-costco-make-top-three-grocery-retailers-list">overall grocery market share</a> by 1.5%, up to 23.6%, from 2021 to 2023. And it is doing so not only on an overall basis but also when it comes to online grocery sales. This isn&#39;t overly surprising, given the rapid increase in inflation that has hit food particularly hard over the past few years.
Since Sept. 2021, grocery prices have <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUSR0000SAF11">increased over 17%</a>. This outpaces the 15% <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIAUCSL">when looking at all items</a>. Due to this, as well as overall <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/consumer-confidence">low consumer sentiment post-pandemic</a>, consumers are becoming more scrupulous about how they spend money. This benefits firms like Walmart greatly. The massive scale of the company allows it to keep its prices lower compared to the competition, driving consumers prioritizing savings to the company. The nearly 10% increase in <a href="https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2024/08/07/us-online-grocery-sales-q2-2024/">online grocery sales market share</a> from Q2 2021 to last quarter is evidence of this.
<h3>Walmart Can Sustain Advantage Through Value And Innovation</h3>
One reason I continue to like Walmart going forward is due to the cost savings it can continue to offer customers. Despite positive economic indicators, consumers still have sustained a much less positive view of the economy. These indicators include historically low unemployment, a strongly rising stock market, the Fed beginning to drop rates and slowing inflation.
In my view, this is negative sentiment largely due to the already embedded inflation in the economy that resulted after the pandemic. Consumers don&#39;t notice the fact that prices are increasing slower than they were the month before; they notice that they are paying 17% more for groceries than they used to. Until customers actually start to feel wealthier, they likely won&#39;t move to stores with higher-quality goods at a higher price.
Walmart also differentiates itself through its willingness to enter different markets. When it comes to consumer staples companies, innovating the business often isn&#39;t the name of the game, but that&#39;s not so at Walmart. The company is expanding into many different areas to grow its business. The growth of its e-commerce business allows it to sell ad space, a much higher-margin business than groceries. It is also venturing into the third-party marketplace arena. This allows the company to earn commissions on products other parties sell and get more data on what customers are buying.
<h3>Walmart Remains A&nbsp;Top Pick</h3>
As with many companies leading their industries, Wall Street analysts&#39; <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/WMT/forecast/">price targets</a> have continued rising at Walmart as the company&#39;s stock price rises. I am a big believer in this firm that is continually offering customers great value, and also looks for ways to improve its business beyond the standard strategies of many retail consumer staples companies. It&#39;s one of my favorite names in this sector long-term.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/originals/walmart-is-up-56-ytd-is-it-still-a-top-consumer-staples-stock/">Walmart is Up 56% YTD, Is it Still a Top Consumer Staples Stock?</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

Walmart Is Up 56% YTD, Is it Still A Top Consumer Staples Stock?

Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 7.92% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 20.08%. Currently, Costco Wholesale has a market capitalization of $397.66 billion. 
Buying $100 In COST: If an investor had bought $100 of COST stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $1,580.32 today based on a price of $897.50 for COST at the time of writing.
<h3>Costco Wholesale's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729870210_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much $100 Invested In Costco Wholesale 15 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

On October 25, a recent SEC filing unveiled that RICHARD GALANTI, Executive Vice President at Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) made an insider sell.
What Happened: According to a Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000112760224025955//Archives/edgar/data/909832/000112760224025955/0001127602-24-025955-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Friday, GALANTI sold 1,416 shares of Costco Wholesale. The total transaction value is $1,267,279.
Monitoring the market, Costco Wholesale's shares up by 0.75% at $900.13 during Friday's morning.
<h3>Unveiling the Story Behind Costco Wholesale</h3>
Costco operates a membership-based, no-frills retail model, predicated on offering a select product assortment in bulk quantities at bargain prices. The firm avoids maintaining costly product displays by keeping inventory on pallets and limits distribution expenses by storing its inventory at point of sale in the warehouse. Given Costco's frugal cost structure, the firm is able to price its merchandise below competing retailers, driving high sales volume per warehouse and allowing the retailer to generate strong profits on thin margins. Costco operates over 600 warehouses in the United States and enjoys over 60% market share in the domestic warehouse club industry. Internationally, Costco operates another 270 warehouses, primarily in markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK.
<h3>Key Indicators: Costco Wholesale's Financial Health</h3>
Revenue Growth: Costco Wholesale displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 31 August, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 0.96%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Staples sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Exploring Profitability:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: With a low gross margin of 12.68%, the company exhibits below-average profitability, signaling potential struggles in cost efficiency compared to its industry peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Costco Wholesale's EPS outshines the industry average, indicating a strong bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 5.3.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, Costco Wholesale adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
Evaluating Valuation:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: A higher-than-average P/E ratio of 53.95 suggests caution, as the stock may be overvalued in the eyes of investors.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 1.56 as compared to the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): A high EV/EBITDA ratio of 32.35 positions the company as being more valued compared to industry benchmarks.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
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<h3>The Impact of Insider Transactions on Investments</h3>
Insider transactions should be considered alongside other factors when making investment decisions, as they can offer important insights.
Considering the legal perspective, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, according to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Pointing towards optimism, a company insider's new purchase signals their positive anticipation for the stock to rise.
Nevertheless, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>A Closer Look at Important Transaction Codes</h3>
When analyzing transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> tend to focus on those in the open market, detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase,while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000909832">Check Out The Full List Of Costco Wholesale's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Costco Wholesale Executive Vice President Trades Company's Stock

In the fast-paced and highly competitive business world of today, conducting thorough company analysis is essential for investors and industry observers. In this article, we will conduct an extensive industry comparison, evaluating Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) in relation to its major competitors in the Consumer Staples Distribution &amp; Retail industry. Through a detailed examination of key financial metrics, market standing, and growth prospects, our objective is to provide valuable insights and illuminate company's performance in the industry.
<h3>Costco Wholesale Background</h3>
Costco operates a membership-based, no-frills retail model, predicated on offering a select product assortment in bulk quantities at bargain prices. The firm avoids maintaining costly product displays by keeping inventory on pallets and limits distribution expenses by storing its inventory at point of sale in the warehouse. Given Costco's frugal cost structure, the firm is able to price its merchandise below competing retailers, driving high sales volume per warehouse and allowing the retailer to generate strong profits on thin margins. Costco operates over 600 warehouses in the United States and enjoys over 60% market share in the domestic warehouse club industry. Internationally, Costco operates another 270 warehouses, primarily in markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Costco Wholesale Corp</td>
<td>53.95</td>
<td>16.76</td>
<td>1.56</td>
<td>10.37%</td>
<td>$3.87</td>
<td>$10.11</td>
<td>0.96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Walmart Inc</td>
<td>42.72</td>
<td>7.81</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5.43%</td>
<td>$10.1</td>
<td>$42.52</td>
<td>4.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Target Corp</td>
<td>15.41</td>
<td>4.76</td>
<td>0.64</td>
<td>8.43%</td>
<td>$2.4</td>
<td>$7.65</td>
<td>2.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dollar General Corp</td>
<td>12.62</td>
<td>2.46</td>
<td>0.45</td>
<td>5.25%</td>
<td>$0.79</td>
<td>$3.06</td>
<td>4.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings Inc</td>
<td>21.71</td>
<td>6.89</td>
<td>0.57</td>
<td>9.11%</td>
<td>$0.27</td>
<td>$0.96</td>
<td>4.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pricesmart Inc</td>
<td>22.48</td>
<td>2.58</td>
<td>0.58</td>
<td>2.96%</td>
<td>$0.07</td>
<td>$0.21</td>
<td>12.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sendas Distribuidora SA</td>
<td>14.73</td>
<td>2.02</td>
<td>0.14</td>
<td>2.58%</td>
<td>$1.34</td>
<td>$2.95</td>
<td>11.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Almacenes Exito SA</td>
<td>100.43</td>
<td>0.47</td>
<td>0.15</td>
<td>-0.29%</td>
<td>$303.29</td>
<td>$1299.7</td>
<td>-0.86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>32.87</td>
<td>3.86</td>
<td>0.5</td>
<td>4.78%</td>
<td>$45.47</td>
<td>$193.86</td>
<td>5.67%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>By thoroughly analyzing Costco Wholesale, we can discern the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
The current Price to Earnings ratio of 53.95 is 1.64x higher than the industry average, indicating the stock is priced at a premium level according to the market sentiment.
</li>
<li>
It could be trading at a premium in relation to its book value, as indicated by its Price to Book ratio of 16.76 which exceeds the industry average by 4.34x.
</li>
<li>
The Price to Sales ratio of 1.56, which is 3.12x the industry average, suggests the stock could potentially be overvalued in relation to its sales performance compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
The Return on Equity (ROE) of 10.37% is 5.59% above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
With lower Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $3.87 Billion, which is 0.09x below the industry average, the company may face lower profitability or financial challenges.
</li>
<li>
With lower gross profit of $10.11 Billion, which indicates 0.05x below the industry average, the company may experience lower revenue after accounting for production costs.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of 0.96% is significantly below the industry average of 5.67%. This suggests a potential struggle in generating increased sales volume.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729695645_0_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio assesses the extent to which a company relies on borrowed funds compared to its equity.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
By analyzing Costco Wholesale in relation to its top 4 peers based on the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following insights can be derived:
<ul>
<li>
When considering the debt-to-equity ratio, Costco Wholesale exhibits a stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers.
</li>
<li>
This indicates that the company has a favorable balance between debt and equity, with a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, which can be perceived as a positive aspect by investors.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Costco Wholesale, the PE, PB, and PS ratios are all high compared to its peers in the Consumer Staples Distribution &amp; Retail industry, indicating potential overvaluation. On the other hand, the high ROE suggests strong profitability relative to the industry average. However, the low EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth may raise concerns about the company's operational efficiency and growth prospects compared to its competitors.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Industry Comparison: Evaluating Costco Wholesale Against Competitors In Consumer Staples Distribution &amp; Retail Industry

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in COST usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 15 extraordinary options activities for Costco Wholesale. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 66% leaning bullish and 20% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $359,109, and 13 are calls, amounting to $767,031.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $575.0 to $915.0 for Costco Wholesale over the recent three months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Costco Wholesale's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Costco Wholesale's significant trades, within a strike price range of $575.0 to $915.0, over the past month.
<h3>Costco Wholesale Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729694735_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$19.15</td>
<td>$18.5</td>
<td>$18.55</td>
<td>$820.00</td>
<td>$333.1K</td>
<td>650</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/25/24</td>
<td>$14.75</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$14.75</td>
<td>$887.50</td>
<td>$118.0K</td>
<td>339</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">121</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$41.0</td>
<td>$41.0</td>
<td>$41.0</td>
<td>$900.00</td>
<td>$102.5K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">172</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$38.0</td>
<td>$36.5</td>
<td>$37.99</td>
<td>$900.00</td>
<td>$75.9K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$37.0</td>
<td>$35.85</td>
<td>$37.0</td>
<td>$880.00</td>
<td>$74.0K</td>
<td>257</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Costco Wholesale</h3>
Costco operates a membership-based, no-frills retail model, predicated on offering a select product assortment in bulk quantities at bargain prices. The firm avoids maintaining costly product displays by keeping inventory on pallets and limits distribution expenses by storing its inventory at point of sale in the warehouse. Given Costco's frugal cost structure, the firm is able to price its merchandise below competing retailers, driving high sales volume per warehouse and allowing the retailer to generate strong profits on thin margins. Costco operates over 600 warehouses in the United States and enjoys over 60% market share in the domestic warehouse club industry. Internationally, Costco operates another 270 warehouses, primarily in markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Costco Wholesale, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Costco Wholesale</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 779,854, the COST's price is up by 1.15%, now at $903.75. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 50 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Costco Wholesale</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $952.2.
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&#x2A; An analyst from DA Davidson persists with their Neutral rating on Costco Wholesale, maintaining a target price of $880. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group keeps a Outperform rating on Costco Wholesale with a target price of $990. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from DA Davidson keeps a Neutral rating on Costco Wholesale with a target price of $880. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Goldman Sachs keeps a Buy rating on Costco Wholesale with a target price of $995. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Bernstein lowers its rating to Outperform with a new price target of $1016.
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Costco Wholesale, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

A Closer Look at Costco Wholesale's Options Market Dynamics

Evercore ISI Group analyst Greg Melich maintains Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $990 to $985.

Evercore ISI Group Maintains Outperform on Costco Wholesale, Lowers Price Target to $985

Peloton Interactive Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTON#NASDAQ">PTON</a>) shares are trading volatile on Tuesday, initially spiking after the company announced a partnership with Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/b41453815/peloton-and-costco-to-partner-during-holiday-season-to-offer-bike-at-300-us-costco-stores-and-nati">the holiday season</a>.
What Happened: Peloton announced that Costco will begin selling the Peloton Bike+ in 300 of its U.S. stores and online on Nov. 1. Costco members will be able to purchase an exclusive Bike + bundle this holiday season through Feb. 15. 
&#8220;The Costco brand is incredibly powerful and respected in the US and abroad. Costco members know they are shopping for high quality products from trusted brands with the best value,&#8221; said Dion Camp Sanders, chief emerging business officer at Peloton. 
&#8220;We&#8217;re excited to learn from this first seasonal collaboration in the US and hopefully expand distribution of Peloton products to new geographic markets with Costco in the future.&#8221;
Don&#8217;t Miss: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41453239/post-it-maker-3m-q3-earnings-sales-growth-slows-margins-expand-raises-annual-profit-outlook">Post-It Maker 3M Q3 Earnings: Sales Growth Slows, Margins Expand, Raises Annual Profit Outlook</a>
The Peloton Bike+ is expected to retail for&nbsp;$1,999&nbsp;in-store and&nbsp;$2,199&nbsp;online, including delivery. Peloton&#8217;s all-access membership, which is required to access content on the Peloton Bike, costs $44 per month. 
Through the partnership, Peloton said it aims to create additional exposure for its connected fitness experience among an affluent, net-new audience during the holiday season.
PTON Price Action: <a href="http://benzinga.com/quote/pton">Peloton shares</a> were up 2.55% at $5.34 at the time of publication Tuesday, per <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: nyker from Shutterstock.

Contracts

Movers

PTON

Peloton Stock Pedals Higher On Costco Partnership: What's Going On?

In the last three months, 36 analysts have published ratings on Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>), offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $933.89, along with a high estimate of $1065.00 and a low estimate of $755.00. This upward trend is apparent, with the current average reflecting a 3.76% increase from the previous average price target of $900.09.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729605658_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look</h2>
The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of Costco Wholesale by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dean Rosenblum</td>
<td>Bernstein</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$1016.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivan Feinseth</td>
<td>Tigress Financial</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$1065.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Baker</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$880.00</td>
<td>$880.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$935.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rupesh Parikh</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$980.00</td>
<td>$955.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Melich</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$990.00</td>
<td>$985.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Chen</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$975.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bill Kirk</td>
<td>Roth MKM</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$755.00</td>
<td>$676.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Baker</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$880.00</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kate McShane</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$995.00</td>
<td>$876.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Kelly</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$850.00</td>
<td>$800.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karen Short</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$850.00</td>
<td>$830.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$909.00</td>
<td>$873.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kelly Bania</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$980.00</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$915.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Champine</td>
<td>Loop Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$1005.00</td>
<td>$975.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$873.00</td>
<td>$873.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karen Short</td>
<td>Melius Research</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniela Nedialkova</td>
<td>Redburn Atlantic</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$890.00</td>
<td>$860.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Simeon Gutman</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
<td>$855.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Champine</td>
<td>Loop Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$975.00</td>
<td>$970.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$915.00</td>
<td>$910.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Baker</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Melich</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$915.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rupesh Parikh</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$955.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kelly Bania</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
<td>$875.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chuck Grom</td>
<td>Gordon Haskett</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krisztina Katai</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$927.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rupesh Parikh</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Melich</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$915.00</td>
<td>$920.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
<td>$925.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Costco Wholesale. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of Costco Wholesale compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for Costco Wholesale's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
To gain a panoramic view of Costco Wholesale's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COST/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Costco Wholesale analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know Costco Wholesale Better</h2>
Costco operates a membership-based, no-frills retail model, predicated on offering a select product assortment in bulk quantities at bargain prices. The firm avoids maintaining costly product displays by keeping inventory on pallets and limits distribution expenses by storing its inventory at point of sale in the warehouse. Given Costco's frugal cost structure, the firm is able to price its merchandise below competing retailers, driving high sales volume per warehouse and allowing the retailer to generate strong profits on thin margins. Costco operates over 600 warehouses in the United States and enjoys over 60% market share in the domestic warehouse club industry. Internationally, Costco operates another 270 warehouses, primarily in markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK.
<h3>Costco Wholesale: Financial Performance Dissected</h3>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
Revenue Growth: Costco Wholesale displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 31 August, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 0.96%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 2.95%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Costco Wholesale's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 10.37% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Costco Wholesale's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 3.42%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.35.
<h2>How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
In addition to their assessments, some analysts extend their insights by offering predictions for key metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates. This supplementary information provides further guidance for traders. It is crucial to recognize that, despite their specialization, analysts are human and can only provide forecasts based on their beliefs.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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