Core Viewpoint - Costco Wholesale (COST) shares have increased by 16% over the past month, currently trading at $983.25, but a multi-factor evaluation suggests it may be prudent to sell the shares due to a very high valuation and a negative outlook on the stock [1][3]. Valuation - Costco has a market capitalization of $437 billion, but its valuation appears very high, with a suggested target price of $687 [5][4]. - The stock is considered unattractive due to its very high valuation despite moderate operational efficiency and financial health [3][4]. Growth - Costco has experienced an average revenue growth rate of 6.7% over the last three years, with revenues increasing by 8.3% from $259 billion to $280 billion in the past 12 months [7]. - Quarterly revenues rose by 8.3%, reaching $67 billion in the most recent quarter, up from $62 billion a year prior [7]. Profitability - Over the last 12 months, Costco's operating income was $11 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 3.8% [8]. - The company generated approximately $15 billion in operating cash flow during this period, with a cash flow margin of 5.3% [8]. - Costco's net income for the same timeframe was nearly $8.3 billion, leading to a net margin of around 3.0% [8]. Financial Stability - As of the end of the most recent quarter, Costco had a debt of $8.1 billion, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.9% [9]. - The company holds $17 billion in cash (including cash equivalents) within total assets of $83 billion, resulting in a cash-to-assets ratio of 20.8% [9]. Downturn Resilience - Costco has shown more resilience than the S&P 500 index during various economic downturns, recovering quickly from declines [10]. - Historical data indicates that Costco shares have fully recovered from significant drops during the 2022 inflation shock, the 2020 COVID pandemic, and the 2008 global financial crisis [12].

Group 1 - Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) is currently viewed as a strong investment opportunity despite its stock reaching an all-time high earlier this year and experiencing a recent decline under new leadership [1] - The stock is trading at 45 times earnings, which is considered high, but it is suggested that starting a position could be worthwhile as Costco is regarded as the best buy in the industry [1] - Recent negative sentiment surrounding Costco, stemming from a major magazine article suggesting that the company's best times may be over, is not seen as a valid concern [1] Group 2 - Costco operates membership-based warehouses that offer a variety of food and non-food merchandise, along with services such as fuel stations, pharmacies, optical centers, and e-commerce operations [2]