On Friday, Evercore ISI updated its price target for Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST), raising it slightly to $1,030 from the previous $1,020, while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm highlighted Costco's strong value proposition, which has been driving significant traffic, share gains, and membership growth across various departments from Fresh Produce to Travel and Big & Bulky items.
The analyst noted that despite the operational challenges, Costco has made its success look routine, with loyalty metrics remaining high. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company maintains a "GREAT" financial health score of 3.05, supported by strong revenue of $254.45 billion and a track record of 21 consecutive years of dividend payments.
This financial strength was evidenced by a survey comparing Walmart+ and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) Prime, where Costco members indicated a 94% intention to renew their memberships. The survey also revealed a trend of consumers willing to hold memberships in multiple clubs, with 40% of respondents belonging to Amazon Prime and 31% to Sam's Club.
Evercore ISI pointed out that the long-term success of Costco is anchored in its ability to grow its membership base and top-line revenue. However, the firm also observed that while Costco's first-quarter performance left little room for criticism, Sam's Club's comparable sales have been accelerating ahead of Costco, and Sam's Club's in-club technology is also gaining recognition—an aspect to keep an eye on.
Despite the rich valuation of Costco's stock, which trades at 47.5 times Evercore ISI's calendar year 2026 earnings per share estimate, the firm justifies the premium with Costco's robust growth and the potential for an accelerating MFI (membership fee income) perpetuity income stream. This is particularly notable against a backdrop of lackluster consumer sentiment.
The updated price target of $1,030 is based on the assumption that Costco can maintain a 2.3 to 2.5 times multiple versus the S&P 500 on projected 2026 earnings per share.
In other recent news, Costco Wholesale has experienced a flurry of activity from financial analysts. Truist Securities raised its price target for Costco to $935 from $909, maintaining a hold rating. This adjustment follows the company's strong sales trends and a slight improvement in margins, with revenue reaching $254.45 billion and showing 5.02% growth.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) also increased its price target for Costco to $1,150 from the previous $950, maintaining an Overweight rating. The firm cites Costco's accelerating earnings momentum and potential for earnings growth as reasons for the adjustment. The firm's projections for Costco include a total comparable sales growth of approximately 5.8% in fiscal year 2025.
Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) raised its target for Costco to $1,096 from $1,091, expressing optimism for the company's ability to maintain its revenue growth and to expand margins. The analyst noted high single-digit growth in fresh foods and non-foods, as well as mid-single-digit growth in food and sundries.
DA Davidson increased Costco's stock price target to $900 from the previous $880, maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm's stance is influenced by the stock's current trading price, which is at 54 times the consensus estimates for Costco's fiscal year 2025 earnings.
Lastly, Loop Capital raised its price target for Costco to $1,095 from the previous $1,005 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm remains bullish on Costco, citing the retailer's ability to offer outsized value to its members.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.