Core Viewpoint - Costco Wholesale is experiencing strong digital sales growth, but concerns about its high valuation persist due to slower overall sales growth [1][4]. Group 1: Sales Performance - In January, Costco reported a 34% year-over-year increase in digitally enabled sales, indicating the effectiveness of its e-commerce platform [1]. - Total net sales grew by 9% year over year in January and 8% in the fiscal first quarter ending November 23 [4]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Valuation - After a recent pullback, Costco's stock is up approximately 15% year to date, driven by increased consumer spending on high-margin items [2]. - The stock is currently trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 53, and 49 using forward earnings estimates, which is considered expensive given the company's growth rates [4]. - Earnings per share have grown at an annualized rate of 11% over the past three years, with long-term earnings growth projected at about 9%, which is low for a stock priced around 50 times earnings [5]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - The stock is priced for flawless execution and robust earnings growth, which is not currently occurring, suggesting caution for potential investors [6]. - It may be advisable to monitor Costco and consider purchasing at a lower valuation [6].

We recently published 10 Stocks On Jim Cramer’s Mind & His Thoughts On Enterprise AI.  Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer's mind. Warehouse club Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) is one of Cramer’s favorite stocks. Even though the shares are down by 4% over the past year, the CNBC TV host has remained an ardent believer in the firm. Among the factors that drive his optimism are Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)’s ability to keep prices low for c ...

Core Viewpoint - Costco's strong performance and high-quality offerings have led to a premium valuation, making it less attractive for new investors despite its success in the retail sector [1][9]. Group 1: Company Performance - Costco operates successfully across four continents, avoiding cultural pitfalls that have affected competitors like Walmart and Home Depot [2]. - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Costco reported total revenue of $67 billion, reflecting an 8% growth, with net income reaching $2 billion, an 11% increase [6]. Group 2: Valuation Concerns - The company's current P/E ratio stands at approximately 54, significantly higher than Walmart's 45 and Amazon's 28, raising concerns about its valuation relative to growth [4]. - Despite its consistent execution and avoidance of major missteps, Costco's profit growth remains in the low double-digit percentage range, which does not justify its high valuation [7]. Group 3: Investment Outlook - Costco's P/E ratio has not dipped below 30 since 2019, and it last fell below 20 in 2010, indicating that a more attractive valuation for new investors may be a long wait [8]. - Given its premium valuation and moderate growth, Costco is considered a high-quality stock that may not be suitable for new investors seeking better value opportunities [10].

Key TakeawaysU.S. Dollar share of global foreign currency reserves has hit a century-low of 56.9%, signaling a historic shift in central bank diversification toward gold and non-traditional currencies.Costco (COST) and hundreds of other major retailers have filed lawsuits seeking billions in refunds after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s unilateral tariffs as unconstitutional.Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs effective February 22, 2026 ...

当地时间2月21日消息，在美国最高法院裁定特朗普政府大规模关税措施违法后，包括大型零售商开市 客（Costco）在内的数百家公司已提起诉讼，要求退还为此前被美最高法裁定"越权"的美政府关税政策 支付的款项。 根据美国海关与边境保护局去年12月的数据，依据《国际紧急经济权力法》实施的关税已累计征收约 1300亿美元。宾夕法尼亚大学的一项估算称，这一总额目前可能已超过1750亿美元。 有经济学家称，目前企业申请退还已缴关税的流程尚不明确，但有资格获得退款的美国企业并非唯一承 担关税负担的群体。（央视新闻） ...

有经济学家称，目前企业申请退还已缴关税的流程尚不明确，但有资格获得退款的美国企业并非唯一承 担关税负担的群体。 （文章来源：央视新闻） 总台记者当地时间2月21日获悉，在美国最高法院裁定特朗普政府大规模关税措施违法后，包括大型零 售商开市客（Costco）在内的数百家公司已提起诉讼，要求退还为此前被美最高法裁定"越权"的美政府 关税政策支付的款项。 根据美国海关与边境保护局去年12月的数据，依据《国际紧急经济权力法》实施的关税已累计征收约 1300亿美元。宾夕法尼亚大学的一项估算称，这一总额目前可能已超过1750亿美元。 ...

Core Insights - Costco's Auto Program offers a fixed price and no haggling, significantly reducing the car buying process from an average of six hours to one hour [2] - The program allows members to save substantial amounts on vehicle purchases, exemplified by a member saving over $11,000 on a 2025 RAV4 hybrid [2] - There is a growing trend among car buyers to seek nontraditional purchasing methods to avoid high prices and unexpected costs [3] Company Operations - Costco does not sell cars directly but acts as a broker between its members and local car dealerships, providing value to both parties by reducing uncertainty [4] - Membership costs $65 annually for a Gold Star Membership and $130 for an Executive Membership, indicating a commitment to shopping at Costco [5] - Costco leverages its knowledge of member shopping profiles to negotiate better deals with local car dealers, which helps in driving sales volume while allowing dealers to accept slimmer profit margins [6] Industry Dynamics - Car dealerships are willing to accept lower profit margins due to the sales volume generated by Costco's program, which also reduces their marketing costs [7] - Dealerships typically spend between $400 to $800 per vehicle on advertising, making Costco's membership referral system an attractive lead source [7]

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) is included among the 16 Best Dividend Stocks with Rising Payouts. Evercore ISI Raises Costco (COST) Price Target, Citi Also Lifts Valuation After Q2 Beat Niloo / Shutterstock.com On February 10, Evercore ISI analyst Greg Melich raised his price recommendation on Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) to $1,050 from $1,025. The analyst reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. More recently, on February 20, Citi analyst Steven Zaccone increased his pr ...

美国最高法院就特朗普政府关税政策作出关键裁决。 裁决公布后，市场整体反应相对克制，但个股表现出现分化。作为美国主要进口商的大型零售企业股价 涨跌不一，沃尔玛(WMT.US)股价下跌1.8%，家得宝(HD.US)上涨1.2%。此前曾起诉特朗普政府、要求 返还关税成本的好市多(COST.US)股价下跌0.4%。 汽车零售相关股票则普遍走强，Cars.com(CARS.US)上涨2%，潘世奇汽车(PAG.US)上涨3%。服装行业 公司股价同样走高，耐克(NKE.US)涨超2.6%，Lululemon Athletica(LULU.US)涨超2%，安德玛 (UAA.US)涨超3.5%。 在政治层面，民主党议员迅速对裁决表示欢迎。众议院筹款委员会首席民主党议员理查德·尼尔称，该 裁决是"美国人民、法治以及美国在全球经济中地位的胜利"。他在声明中强调，贸易立法权属于国 会，"宪法立场十分清晰，没有任何总统可以凭空创造并不存在的权力"。 从市场层面看，此次裁决对金融市场的即时冲击有限。美元指数短暂走低后迅速企稳，标普500指数和 纳斯达克综合指数冲高后回落。根据预测平台Kalshi，市场目前认为，在2026年7月之前，法院 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses potential candidates for stock splits in 2026, highlighting companies with high share prices and strong financial performance that may consider splitting their stocks to enhance accessibility for retail investors [1]. Group 1: Potential Stock Split Candidates - **MercadoLibre (MELI)**: Currently trading at approximately $1,997, it is the highest-priced major growth stock without a split history. The company reported Q3 2025 revenue of $7.41 billion, a 39% year-over-year increase, with total payment volume up 41% to $71.2 billion. Its stock has appreciated 1,910% over the past decade, making it a strong candidate for a split [1]. - **AutoZone (AZO)**: Trading near $3,745, AutoZone has not split its stock in over 30 years. The company generated $6.24 billion in Q4 2025 revenue and repurchased 117,000 shares for $446.7 million. The stock has surged 390% over the past decade, and its high price may eventually lead to a reconsideration of its split policy [1]. - **Costco (COST)**: Currently trading near $988, Costco has not split its stock since 2000. The company reported Q1 FY2026 revenue of $67.31 billion, with comparable sales up 6.4%. The stock has climbed 681% over the past decade, suggesting that management may consider a split as it approaches four-digit territory [1]. - **Meta Platforms (META)**: Trading at around $645, Meta has never split its stock despite a market cap of $1.63 trillion. The company reported Q4 2025 revenue of $59.89 billion, a 23.78% year-over-year increase. With significant share buybacks and strong financial performance, Meta has the flexibility to execute a split [1]. - **Microsoft (MSFT)**: Trading at approximately $398, Microsoft has not split its stock since February 2003. The company reported Q2 FY2026 revenue of $81.27 billion, up 16.72% year-over-year. With a market cap of $2.96 trillion and a stock price increase of 759% over the past decade, Microsoft may consider a split as analyst targets suggest further upside [1]. Group 2: Characteristics of Split Candidates - The five companies mentioned share common characteristics that typically precede stock splits: elevated share prices that create accessibility barriers, strong financial performance supporting continued appreciation, and large market capitalizations providing operational flexibility [1]. - While stock splits do not alter the fundamental value of a company, they can broaden the investor base and improve trading liquidity, which may encourage management teams to consider splits as a means to maintain retail investor participation in their growth stories [1].