Costco Wholesale Corporation ($COST) Stock Forecast: Up 5.1% Today

What is Costco Wholesale Corporation?

Costco (COST) is a well-known membership-driven wholesale retailer with a strong presence in both physical warehouses and e-commerce platforms. The stock experienced a bullish movement recently.

Why is Costco Wholesale Corporation going up?

COST stock is up 5.1% on Jan 8, 2026 19:21

• Strong December sales and a positive outlook on tariff relief were factors that contributed to the bullish movement in Costco's stock price.
• Costco's focus on non-food categories like appliances and robust digital sales growth influenced its net sales and comparable sales positively.
• Positive ratings and price targets from analysts post-December sales performance added to investor confidence in Costco's future prospects.
• Kroger's challenges such as store closures and failed merger attempts have highlighted the competitive struggles in the grocery sector, potentially redirecting investor attention and capital to stronger performers like Costco.

COST Price Chart

COST Technical Analysis

COST News

Costco Rallies on Strong December Sales and Tariff Relief Hopes

Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) saw its shares surge after reporting stronger-than-expected December sales, confirming the success of its membership-driven model. Analysts from Jefferies and Oppenheimer highlighted strong membership trends and accelerated comparable sales growth. The company anticipates further positive momentum, potentially from a favorable U.S. Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

https://www.tradingview.com/news/gurufocus:46fd33d75094b:0-costco-rallies-on-strong-december-sales-and-tariff-relief-hopes/

Study ranks best US grocery stores. See where Kroger lands

A recent study by Dunnhumby, the Ninth Annual Retailer Preference Index for U.S. Grocery, ranked the best US grocery stores, emphasizing that shoppers are increasingly prioritizing both savings and quality. Texas-based H-E-B topped the list for strongest customer value, while Cincinnati-based Kroger, a major supermarket chain, landed at number 18, a drop of one spot from the previous year. The report also highlighted that savings are critical in the US due to an "affordability crisis" leading to widespread food insecurity.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2026/01/08/study-ranks-best-us-grocery-stores-supermarkets-customers-kroger-cincinnati-ohio/88081477007/

Appliances Help Costco Make Strides in December

Costco Wholesale Corp. reported significant net sales and comparable sales growth in December, with net sales reaching $29.86 billion, an 8.5% increase year-over-year. The growth was driven by strong performance in non-food categories, particularly small and major appliances, and an 18.3% increase in digital comparable sales. The company operates 923 warehouses worldwide and continues to expand its e-commerce presence.

https://www.homepagenews.com/retail-articles/appliances-help-costco-make-strides-in-december/

Costco stock maintains Buy rating at UBS after strong December comps

UBS has maintained its Buy rating and $1,205.00 price target on Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) following strong December comparable sales performance, which saw a 6.3% increase in core U.S. comparable sales. Costco's two-year stacked comparable sales growth exceeded 16%, demonstrating consistent performance despite tougher year-over-year comparisons. Other analysts like Jefferies and DA Davidson also reiterated their ratings and price targets, with mixed sentiment on future prospects.

https://www.investing.com/news/analyst-ratings/costco-stock-maintains-buy-rating-at-ubs-after-strong-december-comps-93CH-4437733

Legendary grocery chain starts to close 60 stores after abandoning $24.6b merger

Kroger, a major grocery chain, is set to close approximately 60 underperforming stores over 18 months, with closures potentially continuing into December 2026. This decision follows the abandonment of a $24.6 billion merger deal with Albertsons in late 2024, which was blocked by a judge due to concerns about consumer benefits and competition. Kroger plans to reallocate resources to stronger-performing stores and will offer affected employees other roles within the company.

https://www.the-sun.com/money/15751184/kroger-closing-underperforming-stores-albertsons-meger-fallout/

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Costco Wholesale Corporation Price History

08.10.2024 - COST Stock was up 5.1%

• At the end of today's trading session, Costco's stock closed at $890.17, marking a +0.46% shift.
• Over the past 6 months, the stock has gained 17%, showcasing investor confidence in its membership model and pricing power.
• Analyst recommendations, like Jim Cramer's endorsement of CyberArk Software Ltd., might have positively influenced investor sentiment towards Costco.
• Ongoing industry comparisons and analyses between Costco and its competitors could also be fueling the bullish momentum of the stock.

08.00.2026 - COST Stock was up 4.8%

• Costco's stock saw a strong bullish movement following positive December sales results, with an 8.5% increase in net sales to $29.86 billion and comparable sales up 7.0%.
• Analysts reiterated their positive outlook on Costco, citing the company's strong fundamentals, growth potential, and durable membership model.
• Despite the positive momentum, Costco's shares dipped slightly after hours, possibly due to concerns about post-holiday spending trends and online shopping shifts.
• The market movement could be attributed to a combination of strong sales figures, analyst recommendations, and investor sentiment regarding Costco's future performance and competitive positioning in the retail sector.

08.00.2026 - COST Stock was up 5.1%

• Strong December sales and a positive outlook on tariff relief were factors that contributed to the bullish movement in Costco's stock price.
• Costco's focus on non-food categories like appliances and robust digital sales growth influenced its net sales and comparable sales positively.
• Positive ratings and price targets from analysts post-December sales performance added to investor confidence in Costco's future prospects.
• Kroger's challenges such as store closures and failed merger attempts have highlighted the competitive struggles in the grocery sector, potentially redirecting investor attention and capital to stronger performers like Costco.

27.07.2024 - COST Stock was up 2.7%

• The bullish movement in Costco's stock may be linked to positive analyst calls and updates, including mention of the company's new membership crackdown and digital trends by Goldman Sachs.
• The ongoing court battle between Kroger and Albertsons over merger plans could indirectly benefit Costco, with investors potentially viewing competitor consolidation as favorable for the company's market position.
• Despite the overall market decline, Costco's stock rise and the market's reaction to it may reflect investor confidence in the company's resilience and effective navigation of challenges.

07.02.2025 - COST Stock was down 5.3%

• Second-quarter earnings for Costco had mixed results, with revenue surpassing expectations while adjusted earnings per share fell short of analyst predictions. This discrepancy likely played a role in the stock's bearish movement.
• The CEO highlighted concerns regarding tariffs' impact on the business and the potential effects of inflation on consumers. This apprehension might have unsettled investors, leading to the stock's decline.
• Despite Costco's confidence in navigating challenges through global purchasing power and supplier relationships, market reactions to economic uncertainties and possible obstacles facing the company could be influencing the stock price.
• Discussions on earning estimates and their implications on stock performance may have influenced investor confidence, contributing to the bearish movement in Costco's stock.

07.02.2025 - COST Stock was down 7.9%

• Costco's shares were affected by a bearish movement today due to the company's Q2 earnings falling short of expectations, with EPS at $4.02. Despite a 9.1% increase in net sales and significant e-commerce growth, profit concerns led to a decline in the stock price.
• The strong sales of Costco's large-sized TVs during the holiday season were not sufficient to counterbalance the impact of the earnings miss on the stock performance.
• The CEO of Costco remains optimistic about the company's capability to address challenges like tariffs and inflation. However, the market response to the earnings shortfall indicates investor wariness regarding the short-term prospects of the stock.
• Analysts observe that Costco continues to surpass its competitors and is gaining profitability in the market, suggesting that the earnings miss might be perceived as a temporary setback rather than a long-term issue.

07.02.2025 - COST Stock was down 6.5%

• Costco's revenue increased by 9% year-over-year and saw a substantial 20.9% rise in e-commerce comparable sales. However, the stock faced a downward trend following lower-than-expected Q2 earnings.
• Concerns regarding profit margins post earnings miss, despite outperforming industry peers, likely impacted the stock negatively.
• Costco's ability to navigate tariff impacts through its global purchasing power and supplier relationships may have reassured investors. Nevertheless, market sentiment appears more influenced by the disappointing earnings report.
• The holiday popularity of Costco's large 100-inch TVs and the positive feedback on platforms like TikTok demonstrate the company's appeal to affluent members. Still, this positive news may not have offset the market's reaction to the earnings shortfall.

11.06.2024 - COST Stock was down 3.3%

• The bearish movement in COST stock today might be linked to market reaction following the membership fee hike announcement, despite an initial 2.5% increase in pre-market trading.
• Concerns among investors about the impact of the fee raise on customer retention and acquisition could have prompted the sell-off of Costco shares.
• The decline in stock price after markets opened suggests that the fee hike news overshadowed positive sales results from June, leading to investor uncertainty.
• Observing the stock's performance in the following days will be crucial in understanding the long-term effects of the fee increase on Costco's financial well-being and investor confidence.

04.03.2025 - COST Stock was down 5.1%

• Despite the surge in gold prices and the positive impact of selling gold bars on Costco's business, the unusual bearish options activity on the stock indicates a lack of confidence among financial giants.
• The surge in gold prices might have attracted investors away from traditional stocks like Costco, leading to a bearish movement in the stock.
• The conflicting sentiments between bullish and bearish traders suggest uncertainty in the market regarding Costco's future performance, contributing to the strong bearish movement in the stock today.

10.03.2025 - COST Stock was up 6.5%

• Costco's stock experienced a strong bullish movement today, with a notable increase in trading volume and a 6.2% rise in its stock price.
• The positive momentum can be attributed to Costco's impressive March sales results, showing an 8.6% increase in net sales compared to the previous year.
• Additionally, the bullish sentiment towards Costco is reinforced by the decrease in the short percent of float and the bullish approach adopted by deep-pocketed investors, indicating confidence in the company's future performance.
• Despite the recent fall in the market, Costco's resilience and positive market sentiment suggest that the stock may continue its upward trajectory in the near term.

08.03.2025 - COST Stock was up 5.4%

• Despite a slight decline in short interest, deep-pocketed investors have shown a bullish sentiment towards Costco, indicating confidence in the company's future prospects.
• The recent dip in Costco's total comps for March and deceleration in traffic and digital sales growth may have initially caused some concerns among investors.
• However, the positive outlook on Costco's long-term growth potential, together with the company's consistent performance, likely contributed to the bullish movement in the stock today.
• Investors should carefully consider Costco's premium price against its growth trajectory to make informed investment decisions amidst market volatility.

31.06.2025 - COST Stock was up 1.4%

• Today, Costco's stock showed significant upward momentum, likely influenced by its strong balance sheet, high cash reserves, and low debt levels, demonstrating financial stability in the retail sector.
• Comparisons between Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM) and Costco may have shaped investor sentiment, as SFM has outperformed COST so far this year due to its focused growth strategies, digital initiatives, and increased demand for fresh produce.
• The positive market movement could also be linked to discussions around Costco and Target (TGT), where Costco's resilient business model and growing sales make it a more attractive retail choice compared to Target's cautious stance and softer demand.
• In conclusion, Costco's strong financial position and competitive standing in the retail sector appear to have boosted investor confidence, driving the bullish market activity today.