Costco Wholesale Corporation
Stock: COST
Rating: Good
Author: Waleed M. Tariq
Summary
- Costco stock has outpaced the market 52 weeks ago and YTD.
- The company has solid fundamentals, a great business model, and good management.
- I recommend this firm a ‘hold’ due to its high valuation multiples. I expect it will get cheaper, giving investors an entry point.
Bullish
- The company has excellent fundamentals, a terrific business plan, and effective management.
- Costco’s 52-week and YTD returns beat the S&P 500 and its competitors by 63% and 2.5%, respectively.
- The corporation has 17 straight years of dividend growth.
Bearish
- Current values make returns for investors iffy at best.
Sustainable membership model
- Despite a greater merchandise-sale intake, most of the company’s income comes from membership dues.
- By offering bulk products at lower prices, the company may undersell competitors and retain customers.
- The company’s bottom line benefits from the membership program’s lack of advertising.
- Average Costco member household income is approximately $93,000, leading to over 91.3% retention.
Effective management
- The company’s efficient resource use is industry-leading. Costco’s steady improvement screams dependability.
- Advertising cuts boost profits. Costco’s operating margin would be around $3 billion at 0.5% marketing.
- Costco’s personnel management practices are exemplary.
- Better-than-competitor figures suggest the organization attracts and retains better employees, leading to low turnover and high revenue per person.
Valuation
- PCF, PS, PE, and PBĀ all beat Walmart’s. These facts show that despite the company’s remarkable achievement, the market will adjust.
Conclusion
- COST stock has potential at $578. High valuation multiples could hurt investor sentiment and drive the price down, creating an entry point.