Costco stock holds near $961 as valuation stays high

Costco Wholesale Corporation (US22160K1051) is trading at $961.05 with a $426.21 billion market value and a 48.34 times earnings multiple, while fiscal Q3 2026 revenue reached $70.53 billion. The latest quarter also showed $4.93 in EPS, just below the $4.94 consensus, as the stock's premium valuation keeps attention on execution.

Fiscal Q3 still matters

The latest reported quarter was fiscal Q3 2026, reported on May 28, 2026, and it delivered 11.58% year-over-year revenue growth, with revenue rising from $63.13 billion in the prior year period to $70.53 billion. Net income increased 15.19% in that quarter, comparable sales rose 9.8%, and digital comps climbed 21.5%.

Renewal economics remain central to the story. The worldwide membership renewal rate held at 89.7%, and analysts still track Costco against an average price target of $1,059.53, which sits above the current share price.

Valuation pressure

The stock's 48.34 times earnings ratio compares with a 1-year low of $844.06 and a 1-year high of $1,096.50, leaving the shares in the upper half of that range. Trailing valuation is also wide versus the S&P 500 benchmark cited in market coverage, where Costco's multiple stands at a large premium.

Sell-side estimates for the current fiscal year point to 20.42 EPS, which gives investors a second number to measure against the current market price. That setup makes the next quarterly update a key checkpoint for margins, renewal rates, and traffic trends.

Warehouse model

Costco's warehouse clubs still lean on bulk grocery, household goods, electronics, apparel, gasoline, and private-label Kirkland Signature items. The business mix matters because membership fees and high-volume, low-margin sales remain the engine behind revenue growth and retention.

Ancillary services such as pharmacy, optical, hearing aids, travel, and insurance add another layer to the model. For investors, the blend of 9.8% comparable sales growth and 89.7% renewal rates explains why the market continues to pay a premium multiple.

Shares and cash return

Costco shares are trading at $961.05 as of August 17, 2026, with a market cap of $426.21 billion and volume not included in the available quote snapshot. The company also paid a quarterly dividend of $1.47 per share, or $5.88 annualized, alongside a 0.6% yield.

The next earnings date is September 26, 2026. That date will frame the next read on EPS, revenue, and membership trends.

Fact box

Company: Costco Wholesale Corporation

ISIN: US22160K1051

Ticker: COST

Exchange: Nasdaq

Price (as of August 17, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET): $961.05 USD

Market cap: $426.21 billion (as of August 17, 2026)

Sector / Industry: Consumer Staples / Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail

Index membership: S&P 500

Next earnings date: September 26, 2026

More on Costco stock

Kirkland Signature remains Costco's best-known private label and a core part of the warehouse mix.