COST trades 23.1% below Wall Street's consensus target of $1101.78.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes COST achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 43.6x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 59 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of September 20, 2026, Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $1101.78, based on estimates from 59 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $895.31, this represents a potential upside of +23.1%. The company has a market capitalization of $397.05B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $1000.00 to a high of $1275.00, representing a 25% spread in expectations. The median target of $1100.00 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 39 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,19 rating it Hold, and 1 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The positive sentiment balance indicates moderate optimism about the stock prospects.
From a valuation perspective, COST trades at a trailing P/E of 49.2x and forward P/E of 43.6x. The forward PEG ratio of 2.89 reflects a premium valuation. Analysts expect EPS to grow +3.2% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $979.42, with bear and bull scenarios of $617.03 and $1290.48 respectively. Model confidence stands at 65/100, reflecting moderate uncertainty in projections.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 WMTWalmart Inc. | $850.7B | $106.73 | $128.84 | +20.7% | Buy | 36.9x | 66 |
 TGTTarget Corporation | $71.8B | $158.19 | $166.10 | +5.0% | Buy | 15.7x | 60 |
 BJBJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. | $11.8B | $92.03 | $110.00 | +19.5% | Buy | 19.5x | 27 |
 KRThe Kroger Co. | $37.0B | $60.00 | $69.64 | +16.1% | Buy | 11.6x | 44 |
 ACIAlbertsons Companies, Inc. | $6.0B | $12.35 | $13.36 | +8.2% | Hold | 6.9x | 23 |
 SFMSprouts Farmers Market, Inc. | $6.6B | $70.79 | $90.00 | +27.1% | Buy | 12.7x | 43 |
 WMKWeis Markets, Inc. | $1.8B | $72.26 | — | — | — | 9.1x | — |
 GOGrocery Outlet Holding Corp. | $1.1B | $11.27 | $10.80 | -4.2% | Hold | 20.6x | 23 |
 PGThe Procter & Gamble Company | $340.8B | $146.34 | $157.78 | +7.8% | Buy | 21.0x | 53 |
 KOThe Coca-Cola Company | $379.7B | $88.25 | $95.75 | +8.5% | Buy | 26.7x | 48 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying COST stock.
The consensus Wall Street price target for COST is $1101.78, representing 23.1% upside from the current price of $895.31. With 59 analysts covering the stock, this strong upside suggests significant value not yet reflected in today's share price.
COST has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 59 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 39 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $1101.78 implies 23.1% upside from current levels.
At a forward P/E of 43.6383x, COST trades at a premium valuation. The consensus price target of $1101.78 (23.1% upside) suggests analysts still see growth justifying the multiple.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $1275 for COST, while the most conservative target is $1000. The consensus of $1101.78 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $1290 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
COST is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 59 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 39 have Buy ratings, 19 recommend Hold, and 1 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month COST stock forecast based on 59 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $1101.78, with estimates ranging from $1000 (bear case) to $1275 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $979, with bear/bull scenarios of $617/$1290.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates COST's fair value at $979 (base case), with a bear case of $617 and bull case of $1290. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 65/100.
COST trades at a forward P/E ratio of 43.6x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 49.2x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Wall Street analysts are very optimistic on COST, with a "Buy" consensus rating and $1101.78 price target (23.1% upside). 39 of 59 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
COST analyst price targets range from $1000 to $1275, a 25% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $1101.78 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $617-$1290 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
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