Costco Stock Is Up 15% This Year. Time to Buy?

Core Viewpoint - Costco's stock has risen 15% since the beginning of the year despite a decline over the last 12 months, indicating a potential recovery in investor sentiment [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Costco's stock price increased by 1.16% today, reaching $1,000.76, with a market capitalization of $444 billion [5][6]. - The stock has a 52-week range of $844.06 to $1,078.23, reflecting significant volatility [6]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Costco's revenue rose by 6%, and net income surged by 11% to $2.0 billion, closely aligning with fiscal 2025 results where revenue increased by 8% and profit was $8.1 billion, 10% higher than the previous year [6]. - Costco maintains a gross margin of 12.88% and a dividend yield of 0.64% [6]. Group 3: Competitive Position - Costco enjoys a high membership renewal rate of around 92%, indicating strong customer loyalty [4]. - The company has successfully expanded internationally, particularly in Europe and Asia, where competitors like Walmart have struggled [7]. Group 4: Valuation Concerns - Costco's current P/E ratio stands at 52, significantly higher than that of Walmart, Target, and Amazon, raising concerns about its valuation relative to profit growth [8]. - Berkshire Hathaway closed its Costco position in 2020 due to valuation concerns, although Warren Buffett later acknowledged it might have been a mistake [10]. Group 5: Investment Outlook - While Costco is considered a high-quality company with a strong growth trajectory, the current stock price may not justify additional investments until its earnings multiple aligns more closely with peers [12].