Retail is one of the largest industries on the planet, but it's also highly competitive. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global retail market is forecast to expand to $27.3 trillion this year, with an annualized growth rate topping 6% through 2030.
Costco Wholesale (COST -0.84%) is one of the most successful retail stocks in history. It launched its IPO in 1985 at a split-adjusted $1.67 per share, meaning it has risen 575-fold during its 40-year trading history.
Costco Wholesale Corporation is a high-quality, fast-growing retailer, but it currently trades at a significant premium to peers and the S&P 500. COST's upcoming FQ4 2025 earnings are expected to show strong growth, but high expectations leave little room for error given mixed consumer trends. The stock is rated Hold with a $1,000 price target, reflecting strong fundamentals but limited upside ...
Costco Wholesale Corp (COST -0.84%) has proven itself to be a winner for both shoppers -- helping them to save money -- and investors -- helping them to make money -- over time. The company is known for its $1.50 hotdogs, $5 rotisserie chicken, and a wide variety of grocery and general merchandise sold for rock bottom prices.
After a monster run in recent years, Costco Wholesale (COST -0.81%) has lagged the broader market in 2025. As of the latest close, the stock is up roughly mid-single digits year to date while the S&P 500 is up by low double digits, a gap that naturally tempts investors to revisit the story.
As the S&P 500 hovers near its all-time high, it might seem smarter to trim a few positions than to buy new stocks. However, the market's most resilient stocks tend to keep rising over the long term -- so cautious investors who book their profits today could miss out on some big gains.
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