Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated Feb 28, 2026
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
As of March 2, 2026, Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $1048.21, based on estimates from 57 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $1010.79, this represents a potential upside of +3.7%. The company has a market capitalization of $448.02B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $769.00 to a high of $1171.00, representing a 38% spread in expectations. The median target of $1082.50 aligns closely with the consensus average.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 37 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 55.5x and forward P/E of 49.8x. The forward PEG ratio of 3.30 reflects a premium valuation. Analysts expect EPS to grow +8.7% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $1230.64, with bear and bull scenarios of $841.63 and $1345.10 respectively. Model confidence stands at 86/100, indicating high predictability in the company's fundamentals.
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Start ComparisonThe consensus price target for COST is $1048.21, close to the current price of $1010.79 (3.7% implied move). Based on 57 analyst estimates, the stock appears fairly valued near current levels.
COST has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 57 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 37 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $1048.21 implies 3.7% upside from current levels.
At a forward P/E of 49.8002x, COST trades at a premium valuation. The consensus price target of $1048.21 (3.7% upside) suggests analysts may view current valuations as stretched.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $1171 for COST, while the most conservative target is $769. The consensus of $1048.21 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $1345 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
COST is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 57 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 37 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 57 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $1048.21, with estimates ranging from $769 (bear case) to $1171 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $1231, with bear/bull scenarios of $842/$1345.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates COST's fair value at $1231 (base case), with a bear case of $842 and bull case of $1345. 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 86/100.
COST trades at a forward P/E ratio of 49.8x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 55.5x. 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.
COST appears fairly valued according to analysts, with a "Buy" rating and minimal upside to the $1048.21 target. Consider your investment thesis and risk tolerance. 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 $769 to $1171, a 38% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $1048.21 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $842-$1345 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.