Walmart or Costco: Which Retail Powerhouse Looks Stronger Today?

Core Insights - Walmart and Costco are two leading retail giants that emphasize value-driven shopping globally, with Walmart being the largest retailer and Costco operating on a membership-based model [1][2][3] Walmart Overview - Walmart operates over 10,750 stores in 19 countries, serving approximately 270 million customers weekly, with a market capitalization of about $846.5 billion as of October 29, 2025 [1] - The company benefits from a diverse business model, generating growth from stores, digital advertising, memberships, and marketplace operations, which provide new profit streams [4] - Walmart's digital and logistics capabilities have improved significantly, using its store network as fulfillment hubs for faster delivery [5] - In Q2 of fiscal 2026, Walmart's total revenues increased by 5.6% in constant currency, with comparable sales in Walmart U.S. up by 4.6% and international sales rising by 10.5% [6] - Management anticipates operating income to grow faster than sales for the full year, with expected consolidated net sales growth of 3.75-4.75% and adjusted EPS in the range of $2.52-$2.62 for fiscal 2026 [8] Costco Overview - Costco operates around 914 warehouses globally, with a market capitalization of approximately $404.4 billion [2] - The company's membership fees increased by 14% in Q4, with renewal rates above 89.8% worldwide, indicating strong customer loyalty [10][11] - Costco's business model focuses on bulk purchasing and efficient supply chains, allowing it to maintain low prices [11] - In Q4 of fiscal 2025, Costco's e-commerce sales rose by 13.6% year-over-year, with digitally enabled sales exceeding $27 billion [14] - The company plans to open 35 new locations in fiscal 2026, reflecting its commitment to expansion [13] Comparative Performance - Over the past year, Walmart shares gained 25%, significantly outperforming Costco's 4.4% increase [21] - Walmart's forward P/E ratio is 36.02, while Costco's is 45.01, with Costco appearing more appealing based on its valuation relative to its one-year median [24] - In the current inflationary environment, Walmart is viewed as a stronger near-term investment due to its diversified revenue streams and strength in groceries [25]