Throughout the last three months, 16 analysts have evaluated Costco Wholesale COST, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a concise overview of recent ratings by analysts, offering insights into the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and drawing comparisons with the preceding months for a holistic perspective.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 3 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $1072.19, a high estimate of $1135.00, and a low estimate of $980.00. Observing a 1.93% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $1051.88.
Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Costco Wholesale. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Astrachan | Stifel | Lowers | Buy | $1035.00 | $1075.00 |
| Greg Melich | Evercore ISI Group | Raises | Outperform | $1070.00 | $1050.00 |
| Karen Short | Barclays | Raises | Equal-Weight | $980.00 | $940.00 |
| Laura Champine | Loop Capital | Lowers | Buy | $1135.00 | $1150.00 |
| Scot Ciccarelli | Truist Securities | Raises | Hold | $995.00 | $935.00 |
| Christopher Horvers | JP Morgan | Raises | Overweight | $1070.00 | $1065.00 |
| Peter Benedict | Baird | Raises | Outperform | $1125.00 | $1075.00 |
| Joseph Feldman | Telsey Advisory Group | Maintains | Outperform | $1100.00 | $1100.00 |
| Joseph Feldman | Telsey Advisory Group | Maintains | Outperform | $1100.00 | $1100.00 |
| Michael Baker | DA Davidson | Raises | Neutral | $1000.00 | $900.00 |
| Mark Astrachan | Stifel | Raises | Buy | $1075.00 | $1000.00 |
| Greg Melich | Evercore ISI Group | Raises | Outperform | $1070.00 | $1040.00 |
| Joseph Feldman | Telsey Advisory Group | Maintains | Outperform | $1100.00 | $1100.00 |
| Joseph Feldman | Telsey Advisory Group | Maintains | Outperform | $1100.00 | $1100.00 |
| Joseph Feldman | Telsey Advisory Group | Maintains | Outperform | $1100.00 | $1100.00 |
| Joseph Feldman | Telsey Advisory Group | Maintains | Outperform | $1100.00 | $1100.00 |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Costco Wholesale. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.
- Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Costco Wholesale compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Costco Wholesale's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.
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.
Stay up to date on Costco Wholesale analyst ratings.
Unveiling the Story Behind 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 its frugal cost structure, the firm is able to price its merchandise below that of competing retailers, driving high sales volume per warehouse and generating strong profits on thin margins. Costco operates over 600 warehouses in the United States and has over 60% share in the domestic warehouse club industry. Internationally, Costco operates another 280 warehouses, primarily in Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK.
Financial Insights: Costco Wholesale
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 remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 28 February, 2025, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 9.04%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: Costco Wholesale's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.81% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Costco Wholesale's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 7.15%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Costco Wholesale's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 2.44%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Costco Wholesale's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.31, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
Analyst Ratings: What Are They?
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
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