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Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) - Comprehensive Stock Analysis Report

$1008.79-$3.27 (-0.32%)as of 2026-05-08
Generated: May 09, 2026 at 12:55 PM ET
Strategy: No Active Position
Latest Data: 2026-05-08

๐Ÿ“Œ Is COST a Buy right now?

According to Ultra Stock Analysis Pro, Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) is currently rated WAIT (Signal Strength: 0/7). The long-term fundamentals are strong (P/E: 52.4, Revenue Growth: +21.5%), while short-term technicals show a bullish trend (RSI: 53). Consider waiting for support confirmation near $1025.14 before adding exposure.

For the latest stock analysis and interactive charts:
๐Ÿ“Š Open COST Analysis โ†—

โšก QUICK DECISION

Action: WAIT | Confidence: LOW | Signal Strength: 0/7

๐Ÿค– ALGORITHMIC CONVICTION & METHODOLOGY

Why this rating?

The Ultra Stock Analysis algorithm has assigned a WAIT rating to COST based on a confluence of 3 distinct factors:

  1. Technical Momentum: The RSI (53) is currently in neutral range in 45% of backtested scenarios.
  2. Trend Strength: ADX at 10 indicates weak/consolidating conditions (<20). News sentiment is neutral (Bullish).
  3. Volatility Profile: The ATR ($18.36) indicates moderate volatility (1.8% of price), suggesting potential moves of 3.6%+ on breakouts.

๐Ÿ“Š Confidence Interval:

Based on 7+ years of historical data, signals with this specific technical fingerprint have resulted in a positive return 45% of the time over a medium-term (months) hold period, with an average return of +5.4% per trade.

๐Ÿ”ฎ FUTURE PRICE SCENARIOS (AI Forecast)

To assist with risk management, here are the three most probable paths for COST over the next trading week:

๐ŸŸข The Bull Case (Probability: 20%)

If COST reclaims the $1025.14 resistance level (Bollinger Upper), algorithmic targets shift to $1072.22. This move would likely be driven by continued sector rotation into Consumer Defensive.

๐Ÿ”ด The Bear Case (Probability: 50%)

Failure to hold the $975.15 support zone (Bollinger Lower) triggers a defensive stop-loss signal. In this scenario, the algorithm projects a slide toward the $956.79 liquidity zone (-5.2% from current price).

๐ŸŸก The Base Case (Sideways)

Given the current ADX of 10 (weak trend - consolidation likely), the most likely immediate outcome is consolidation between $975.15 and $1025.14 until a volume catalyst occurs.

โš ๏ธ These scenarios are algorithm-generated projections based on technical analysis, not financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Essential Metrics

TECHNICAL METRICS VALUE FUNDAMENTAL METRICS VALUE
Current Price $1008.79 Market Cap $447.6B
Past Win Rate (Backtest) 45.0% Forward P/E 44.9x
Past Total Return +43.9% Analyst Target $1072.22
RSI / Trend Strength 53 / 10 Upside to Target +6.3%
MACD Signal Bullish Revenue Growth +21.5%
Profit Factor 3.51 Institutional Own. 75.0%
Open PositionNo open positionAnalyst Ratings23 Buy / 12 Hold / 2 Sell

๐ŸŽฏ CONSENSUS

Overall: WAIT FOR SIGNAL

Supporting Factors

  • Technical confluence: 0/7 bullish signals
  • Backtest win rate: 45.0%
  • Analyst consensus: 23 buy ratings
  • Upside potential: +6.3%

Risk Considerations

  • Market volatility: Beta 0.91
  • Valuation: 44.9x forward P/E
  • No position risk
  • News sentiment: Bullish
Action Plan:

WAIT FOR ENTRY - Monitor for confluence score >= 5 with proper risk management using stop loss set at 2-3x the 14-day ATR volatility.

๐Ÿ“Š Strategy Comparison: Conservative vs Hybrid

Both strategies analyzed independently. Conservative uses fixed 2.0x ATR stops. Hybrid adapts stops based on position profit (tighter as profit grows).

Conservative Strategy

NO POSITION

Fixed 2.0x ATR Stop Loss

No Position

Waiting for entry signal...

Entry Stop: $972.08 ({atr_multiplier}x ATR)

Backtest Results (Since 2018):

Past Win Rate

45%

Past Total Return

+43.9%

Max Drawdown

-15.9%

Avg Trade

+5.4%

Trades

20

Hybrid Strategy

NO POSITION

Adaptive ATR Stop Loss (1.0-2.75x)

No Position

Waiting for entry signal...

Entry Stop: $981.26 ({atr_multiplier}x ATR)

Backtest Results (Since 2018):

Past Win Rate

45%

Past Total Return

+43.9%

Max Drawdown

-15.9%

Avg Trade

+5.4%

Trades

20

๐ŸŽฏ Intelligent Stop Loss Strategy

Current Price

$1008.79

Buy Stop Loss

$972.08

Distance: 4%

Conservative 2.0x

Position Stop Loss

$972.08

Distance: 4%

Hybrid 2.00x

ATR 14 Day

$18.36

Volatility

ADX Strength

10.0

Weak/No Trend

New position - Standard stop loss levels

ADX: 20-25 = Emerging trend | 25-50 = Strong trend | 50+ = Very strong

Technical Analysis

Indicator Value Signal
EMA 20 $1003.82 Bullish
EMA 50 $994.31 Bullish
RSI (14) 53.2 Neutral range
Trend Strength (ADX) 10.0 Weak/No trend (<20)

๐Ÿ”” ANALYST RATING CHANGES

Recent upgrades, downgrades, and price target changes (last 90 days)

Firm Action From โ†’ To Date
BTIGREITERATEDBuy โ†’ BuyMar 05, 2026

๐ŸŽฏ ANALYST PRICE TARGETS

Average Target: $1072.22 High Target: $1315.00
Current Price: $1008.79 Low Target: $650.00
Upside to Average: +6.3% Number of Analysts: 32

๐Ÿ“Š BUY-SIDE PERSPECTIVE

Portfolio Management Analysis

Expected Returns & Position Sizing

Based on backtest performance (Win Rate: 45.0%, Avg Return: +5.4%) and analyst consensus (Target: $1072.22, +6.3% upside), a MARKET WEIGHT exposure may be considered. Risk/Reward ratio of 0.42:1 suggests unfavorable risk-adjusted returns. No current position - opportunity to establish entry at favorable technical levels.

Technical Position Assessment

  • Confluence Score: 0/7 - Weak or no signal
  • RSI Level: 53 - Neutral range
  • Trend Strength (ADX): 10.0 - Weak/No trend (<20)
  • Backtested Win Rate: 45.0% with 3.51x profit factor

Liquidity Profile

  • Average Volume: 1.8M shares/day - Lower liquidity
  • Market Cap: $447.6B - Large cap
  • Beta: 0.91 - Market-like volatility
  • Execution Risk: Moderate for institutional-sized positions

Risk/Reward Analysis

  • Upside to Analyst Target: +6.3%
  • Historical Average Return: +5.37% per trade
  • Maximum Drawdown Risk: Stop loss typically set at 2-3x ATR ($36.71 to $55.07)
  • No current position

Institutional Activity

  • Institutional Ownership: 75.0%
  • Largest Holder: Vanguard Group Inc
  • Recent Rating Changes: 1 in last 90 days

๐Ÿ“ˆ SELL-SIDE PERSPECTIVE

Investment Research Analysis

Investment Thesis

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates in the Consumer Defensive sector (Discount Stores). Current valuation of 44.9x forward P/E reflects premium multiples relative to growth prospects. Operating margin of 3.7% shows compressed profitability.

Fundamental Outlook: Strong Growth - Positive operating leverage with revenue and earnings acceleration

Valuation Metrics

  • Forward P/E: 44.9x (Premium valuation)
  • Trailing P/E: 52.4x
  • Price-to-Sales: 1.56x - Market multiple
  • Price-to-Book: 27.06x
  • PEG Ratio: 2.09 (Overvalued)
  • Enterprise Value: $445.6B

Performance Metrics

  • Revenue: $286.3B
  • Revenue Growth: +21.5%
  • Earnings Growth: +45.5%
  • EPS Growth (Next Yr): +16.7%
  • Operating Margin: 3.7%
  • Free Cash Flow: $6.7B

Analyst Consensus

  • Ratings: 23 Buy, 12 Hold, 2 Sell
  • Consensus: Strong Buy
  • Average Target: $1072.22 (+6.3% upside)
  • Target Range: $650.00 - $1315.00

News Sentiment (14-Day)

Overall Score: 4.6/10 - Bullish

Bullish Articles (Top 5 of 8)

Bearish Articles (Top 5 of 1)

๐Ÿ“Š Sentiment Interpretation

The news sentiment is strongly bullish, indicating positive market perception and favorable coverage. This suggests growing investor confidence and potential upward momentum. Consider this as a supporting factor for bullish positions, but verify with technical and fundamental analysis.

Fundamental Data

MetricValue
Market Cap$447.6B
P/E Ratio (Forward)44.9
EPS (Forward)$22.49
Dividend Yield0.58%
52-Week Range$844.06 - $1067.08
Beta0.91
Avg Volume1.8M

๐Ÿ” DEEP DIVE: COMPREHENSIVE RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Factors and Mitigation Strategies

Market Risks

  • Beta: 0.91 - Average market correlation
  • 52-Week Range Position: Current price $1008.79 within $844.06 - $1067.08
  • Volatility: ATR 14 = $18.36 (Stop loss typically 2-3x = $36.71-$55.07)

Technical Risks

  • RSI Status: 53 - Neutral
  • Support Level: Key support based on moving averages and price action
  • Resistance Level: Next resistance target from technical analysis

Fundamental Risks

  • Valuation: Forward P/E of 44.9x (expensive)
  • Earnings Risk: Next earnings on May 28, 2026
  • Sector Risks: Consumer Defensive sector specific challenges

๐Ÿ“Š APPENDIX A - Complete Technical Indicators

Comprehensive Technical Data for Quantitative Analysis

Indicator Value Indicator Value
Close Price $1008.79 Volume 1.8M
EMA 20 $1003.82 EMA 50 $994.31
EMA 200 $961.25 Current Price $1008.79
RSI (14) 53.16 MACD 3.962
MACD Signal 3.713 MACD Histogram 0.249
Trend Strength (ADX) 9.98 Volatility (ATR 14) $18.36
Bollinger Upper $1025.14 Bollinger Lower $975.15
Stochastic %K 49.53 Stochastic %D 55.40
VWAP $1009.97 Bollinger Middle $1000.14
Confluence Score 0/7 Trade Signal NONE

๐Ÿ’ผ APPENDIX B - Complete Fundamental Metrics

Comprehensive Fundamental Data for Financial Analysis

Valuation Metrics Performance
Market Cap $447.6B Revenue $286.3B
Forward P/E 44.9 Revenue Growth +21.5%
Trailing P/E 52.4 Gross Margin 12.9%
Price/Sales 1.56 Operating Margin 3.7%
Price/Book 27.06 Profit Margin 3.0%
PEG Ratio 2.09 ROE 29.7%
Enterprise Value $445.6B Free Cash Flow $6.7B

๐Ÿ“ˆ APPENDIX C - Complete Trade History & Backtest Results

Comprehensive Trading Performance and Position Details

Backtest Performance Metrics

Past Win Rate
45.0%
Avg Return
+5.37%
Past Total Return
+43.9%
Profit Factor
3.51

Recent Trade History (Last 10 Trades)

Entry Date Exit Date Entry Price Exit Price Return % Result
2022-10-132022-12-12$447.09$466.75+4.40%Win
2022-12-202023-12-27$438.17$657.63+50.09%Win
2024-03-072024-03-12$775.93$727.82-6.20%Loss
2024-07-052024-07-09$876.18$877.35+0.13%Win
2024-08-052024-09-13$794.37$907.48+14.24%Win
2024-11-082025-01-15$936.26$916.12-2.15%Loss
2025-01-212025-03-14$940.16$897.69-4.52%Loss
2025-05-302025-06-17$1034.36$972.25-6.00%Loss
2026-01-152026-02-17$954.06$1010.58+5.92%Win
2026-04-082026-04-15$1028.78$983.32-4.42%Loss

Summary: 20 total trades | Strategy: No Active Position

โš ๏ธ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Technical analysis based on historical data through 2026-05-08. Fundamental data auto-fetched from Yahoo Finance. Please conduct your own due diligence before making investment decisions.

Report Generated: May 09, 2026 at 12:55 PM

Ultra Stock Analysis Pro - Comprehensive Technical & Fundamental Analysis

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