Key Highlights

● Costco Wholesale closed at $989.11 on October 16, trading below the analyst target.

● The consensus 12-month price target is $1,066, implying about 7.77% upside.

● Analysts are split 25 Buy, 13 Hold, and 2 Sell on the stock.

● Targets range from $770 to $1,315 across 40 analysts.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) closed at $989.11 on October 16, 2026 on the Nasdaq and is a constituent of the S&P 500. The average analyst price target is $1,066, which implies 7.77% upside from the latest close if the consensus proves accurate. Strong September sales have kept the retailer in focus, with the average analyst target implying upside from the latest close.

What Is the Latest Analyst Price Target?

According to market data, the average price target for COST is $1,066, with a median of $1,072. The highest target is $1,315 and the lowest is $770, drawn from 40 analysts. The consensus rating is Buy. Price targets are forecasts, not guarantees, and the consensus target suggests where analysts think the shares could trade over roughly the next twelve months rather than where they will go. The consensus data is dated October 16, 2026.

What Are Analysts Saying?

The rating split is 25 Buy (20 Strong Buy, 5 Buy), 13 Hold, 2 Sell (1 Sell, 1 Strong Sell). The picture is positive but not unanimous: 13 of 40 analysts rate the shares Hold and two rate them Sell. Targets range from $770 to $1,315, reflecting differing views on how much of the company's premium valuation is justified.

Tigress Financial reiterated Buy and raised its target from $1,065 to $1,250 on October 15, 2026. Bernstein maintained Buy at $1,143 on 14 October, Bank of America maintained Buy at $1,095 on 9 October, and RBC Capital reiterated Hold at $1,000 the same day, alongside Guggenheim at Hold.

What Could Help the Stock Reach the Price Target?

Costco reported fiscal 2026 revenue of $303.15 billion, up 10.14%, with net income of $9.23 billion and EPS of $20.76, up 14%, on September 24, 2026. September net sales were $30.02 billion, up 13%, with comparable sales up 11.4% (about 7.5% excluding gas and currency) and digitally enabled sales up 19%. One Barron's piece noted that part of the surge came from one-off, lower-margin boosters.

Sustained comparable-sales growth, digital expansion and membership strength could support earnings and the higher targets such as Tigress's $1,250.

What Could Prevent the Stock Reaching the Target?

Some of September's strength may not recur, and a premium valuation leaves the shares exposed to any slowdown. Hold-rated brokers such as RBC, with a $1,000 target, see limited upside. Consensus targets can also be revised downwards quickly, and broader market conditions, interest rates and sector sentiment may affect the shares regardless of company performance.

What Should Investors Watch Next?

Costco's next monthly sales update and its fiscal first-quarter results, which have not been dated in the sources reviewed, are the next catalysts. Investors may also watch for further target revisions, changes in rating and any updates to company guidance, since these tend to move the consensus figures.

A Modest Case for Patience

With COST at $989.11 and an average target of $1,066, the consensus target suggests 7.77% upside, within a range of $770 to $1,315.