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COST vs WMT: Costco Wholesale Corporation vs Walmart Inc. Stock Comparison [2026]

COST vs WMT — head-to-head comparison of Costco Wholesale Corporation and Walmart Inc.: P/E 0.00 vs 0.00, dividend 0.52% vs 0.79%, growth, risk, and which is the better buy by investor type.

By StockSignal24 AI··11 min read
COST vs WMT: Costco Wholesale Corporation vs Walmart Inc. Stock Comparison [2026]
📊 Data as of June 24, 2026 · Refreshed weekly
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A head-to-head, data-driven comparison of COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) and WMT (Walmart Inc.) — covering valuation, growth, dividends, risk, and which one fits your portfolio. All metrics pulled from live market data.

If you're choosing between COST and WMT, the answer depends on what kind of investor you are. Both are watched closely in the Consumer Defensive sector, but they look different on almost every metric that matters: P/E, growth rate, dividend, balance-sheet quality, and volatility.

Below we break down the head-to-head numbers, name a winner on each dimension, and give a clear recommendation by investor type. Want to run this comparison live with charts and 50+ metrics? Use the free interactive COST vs WMT comparison tool.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

Consumer Defensive · Discount Stores · NASDAQ

Costco Wholesale Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Australia, Spain, France, Iceland, China, and Taiwan. It offers branded and private-label products in a range of merchandise categories. The company offers sundries, dry groceries, candies, coolers, freezers, liquor, and tobacco and deli products; appliances, electronics, health and beauty aids, hardware, garden and patio products, sporting goods, tires, toys and seasonal products, office supplies, a…

Walmart Inc. (WMT)

Consumer Defensive · Discount Stores · NASDAQ

Walmart Inc. engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications. The company offers grocery and consumables, including dairy, meat, bakery,…

Quick Verdict

Better for Growth
Tie
growth profiles are roughly comparable
Better for Value
Tie
both trade at similar earnings multiples
Better for Income
WMT
0.79% yield vs the other name's lower payout
Better for Safety
WMT
beta 0.66 and D/E 0.00 make it the more defensive name

How to Read This COST vs WMT Comparison

Stock comparisons can be misleading if you focus on a single metric. A "cheaper" P/E doesn't automatically make a stock a better buy — slower-growing companies should trade at lower multiples. The right framework is to score each name on four independent dimensions and weight them according to your investing goal.

The Four-Dimension Framework

  • Growth — How fast is the business expanding? We look at year-over-year revenue and EPS growth. Faster growers earn premium multiples but carry execution risk.
  • Value — Are you paying a fair price? P/E, P/B, EV/EBITDA, and free cash flow yield tell you what the market is charging per dollar of business performance.
  • Income — Does the stock pay you to wait? Dividend yield, payout ratio, and dividend history matter for retirees, FIRE investors, and anyone funding ongoing expenses.
  • Safety — How much can you lose if things go wrong? Low beta, manageable debt-to-equity, and high ROE indicate a more durable business.

No single stock wins on all four. COST and WMT likely each lead on at least one dimension. The "right" answer is the one that matches your portfolio gap — if you already own a basket of high-growth tech, the cheaper, lower-volatility name probably adds more diversification value than another momentum bet.

Side-by-Side Metrics: COST vs WMT

Metric COST WMT
Price $871.86 $118.47
Market Cap $387.03B $944.54B
P/E Ratio (lower is cheaper) 0.00 0.00
EPS $0.00 $0.00
Dividend Yield 0.52% 0.79%
Beta (volatility vs market) 0.98 0.66
ROE (higher is better) 0.00% 0.00%
Debt/Equity (lower is safer) 0.00 0.00
Revenue Growth (YoY) 8.17% 4.73%
EPS Growth (YoY) 9.88% 13.22%
52-Week High $1078.23 $121.62
52-Week Low $844.06 $79.81
Sector Consumer Defensive Consumer Defensive

Which Stock Has Better Growth?

COST grew revenue 8.17% and EPS 9.88% year-over-year. WMT grew revenue 4.73% and EPS 13.22%.

Roughly tied — growth profiles are roughly comparable.

Which Stock Is Cheaper on Valuation?

COST trades at a P/E of 0.00, while WMT trades at 0.00. ROE for COST is 0.00% versus 0.00% for WMT.

Roughly tied — both trade at similar earnings multiples.

Which Stock Pays More Income?

COST yields 0.52%; WMT yields 0.79%.

WMT wins — 0.79% yield vs the other name's lower payout.

Which Stock Is the Safer Bet?

COST has a beta of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.00. WMT sits at beta 0.66 and D/E 0.00.

WMT wins — beta 0.66 and D/E 0.00 make it the more defensive name.

Where COST and WMT Sit in Their 52-Week Range

Price action over the last 12 months gives important context. A stock near its 52-week high has momentum on its side but limited room before profit-taking; one near its low may be a value opportunity or a structural problem.

  • COST currently trades at $871.86, near its 52-week low — either a value opportunity or a falling-knife scenario; check whether fundamentals are deteriorating (52-week range: $844.06–$1078.23).
  • WMT currently trades at $118.47, near the upper end of its 52-week range — momentum is strong but the easy gains may be behind it (52-week range: $79.81–$121.62).

Key Risks for COST and WMT

Every stock has tail risks that the headline numbers don't capture. Here's what stands out from the available metrics:

  • COST: no obvious red flags in the headline metrics, but always read the most recent 10-K and earnings call before sizing a position.
  • WMT: no obvious red flags in the headline metrics, but always read the most recent 10-K and earnings call before sizing a position.

This is a quick heuristic risk scan, not a full risk assessment. Always read the "Risk Factors" section of each company's most recent 10-K filing before investing.

COST vs WMT — Best Pick by Investor Type

  • Long-term holder (10+ years): Lean toward WMT; durability and balance-sheet strength matter more than the next-quarter print.
  • Income / dividend-focused: WMT — higher yield, but always check payout sustainability before chasing.
  • Aggressive growth: either name works — faster top-line and EPS expansion at the cost of richer multiples.
  • Value-oriented: either name works — paying less per dollar of earnings, with the trade-off of slower growth.

The Bottom Line: COST vs WMT

On balance, WMT wins on 2 of 4 dimensions, making it the slightly better all-around pick for a generalist investor.

If you're the kind of investor who hates picking, the easiest answer is to own both names in equal weight inside a sector basket and rebalance once a year. That way, you capture the winner without having to predict it, and you pay the lowest possible behavioral cost (no second-guessing, no FOMO).

If you must pick one, anchor on the dimension that fixes your biggest portfolio gap — not the one with the most exciting headline. Tilting toward defensive names when you already own three growth winners adds more risk-adjusted return than another momentum bet.

Metrics Glossary — What Each Number Means

If you're new to fundamental analysis, here's a plain-English reference for every metric in the table above:

  • P/E Ratio (Price-to-Earnings): Share price divided by earnings per share. Tells you how many years of current earnings the stock costs. Lower = cheaper, but slow growers should have lower P/Es.
  • EPS (Earnings Per Share): Net income divided by shares outstanding. The per-share slice of company profits.
  • Market Cap: Share price × shares outstanding. The market's total valuation of the company's equity.
  • Dividend Yield: Annual dividend per share ÷ current price, expressed as a percent. A 3% yield means you receive $3 per year for every $100 invested at today's price.
  • Beta: Volatility relative to the broader market (S&P 500 = 1.0). Beta of 1.5 means the stock historically moves 1.5× the market, both up and down.
  • ROE (Return on Equity): Net income ÷ shareholder equity. How efficiently the company turns equity capital into profit. Above 15% is generally considered high quality.
  • Debt-to-Equity: Total debt ÷ shareholder equity. Lower ratios mean less leverage and lower interest-rate risk.
  • Revenue Growth (YoY): Percentage change in revenue versus the year-ago period. The single best top-line health check.
  • EPS Growth (YoY): Same comparison but for earnings per share — captures both revenue growth and operating leverage.
  • 52-Week High / Low: The trailing 12-month price range. Useful for context on current price (e.g. a stock near its 52-week high is in an uptrend; near the low is in a downtrend or value zone).

Run a Live COST vs WMT Comparison

The numbers above reflect the latest available data, but markets move every minute. For a real-time, interactive head-to-head with price charts (1D to YTD), all 50+ metrics, and AI-powered insights, use our free tool — it's free, no signup required, and shareable:

Compare COST vs WMT live →

Related Stock Comparisons

Continue your research with these head-to-head comparisons involving COST or WMT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Is COST

Is COST a better buy than WMT in 2026?
It depends on your investment goal. For growth investors, Both COST and WMT are roughly comparable on this dimension has the edge — COST grew revenue 8.17% versus 4.73% for WMT. For value investors, Both COST and WMT are roughly comparable on this dimension looks more attractive on earnings multiples (P/E 0.00 vs 0.00). For income, WMT pays a higher yield (0.52% vs 0.79%). For safety, WMT has the more defensive profile (beta 0.98 vs 0.66).
What is the P/E ratio of COST vs WMT?
COST trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 0.00, while WMT trades at 0.00. A lower P/E means you pay less per dollar of current earnings — WMT is the cheaper name on this metric. However, a higher P/E often reflects faster expected growth, so don't pick on P/E alone.
Does COST or WMT pay a higher dividend?
COST currently yields 0.52% and WMT yields 0.79%. WMT pays the higher current yield. Always verify payout ratio and dividend history before treating yield as guaranteed income — a high yield can also be a warning sign of a falling share price.
Which stock is more volatile, COST or WMT?
COST has a beta of 0.98 and WMT has a beta of 0.66. A beta above 1.0 means the stock historically moves more than the broader market; below 1.0 means it moves less. COST has been the more volatile name based on historical price action.
What is the market cap of COST vs WMT?
COST has a market capitalization of $387.03B and WMT is at $944.54B. Market cap is share price multiplied by shares outstanding and reflects the total equity value the market assigns to the company.
Should I buy COST or WMT for long-term investing?
For a long-term holder (10+ years), the safer-quality name usually wins because compounding requires durability. WMT screens better on safety metrics here: lower beta, more conservative debt levels, and stronger return on equity. That said, COST is growing faster, so a long-term investor may want both — or split allocation 60/40 toward the safer name.
Which has higher growth, COST or WMT?
COST is the faster grower right now. COST grew revenue 8.17% year-over-year and EPS 9.88%; WMT grew revenue 4.73% and EPS 13.22%. WMT's slower growth often comes with a lower valuation — it's the classic growth-vs-value trade-off.
Is COST overvalued compared to WMT?
COST trades at a higher P/E than WMT, which can mean the market is pricing in faster expected growth. Whether that premium is justified depends on whether COST can actually deliver the implied earnings expansion. Cross-check P/E with PEG ratio (P/E ÷ growth rate) — a PEG under 1.5 is generally considered reasonable, over 2.0 starts to look stretched.
What sector are COST and WMT in?
COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) operates in the Consumer Defensive sector, specifically the Discount Stores industry. WMT (Walmart Inc.) is in the Consumer Defensive sector, specifically the Discount Stores industry. Because both are in the same sector, this is a true head-to-head comparison.
How do I decide between COST and WMT?
Start with your goal. (1) If you need income, weight the higher-yield name. (2) If you want growth, weight the faster top-line and EPS grower. (3) If you want capital preservation, weight the lower-beta, lower-debt, higher-ROE name. (4) If you're unsure, the most common professional approach is to own both in a sector basket so you don't have to predict the winner — and rebalance annually.

Disclaimer: This comparison is generated from live market data for informational purposes only. It is not investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or a substitute for the analysis of a licensed financial advisor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always read the most recent 10-K and consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions. StockSignal24 is not responsible for losses incurred from trading decisions made based on this content.

COST vs WMTStock ComparisonCOSTWMTConsumer DefensiveCOST stockWMT stock

Frequently Asked Questions

Is COST a better buy than WMT in 2026?

It depends on your investment goal. For growth investors, Both COST and WMT are roughly comparable on this dimension has the edge — COST grew revenue 8.17% versus 4.73% for WMT. For value investors, Both COST and WMT are roughly comparable on this dimension looks more attractive on earnings multiples (P/E 0.00 vs 0.00). For income, WMT pays a higher yield (0.52% vs 0.79%). For safety, WMT has the more defensive profile (beta 0.98 vs 0.66).

What is the P/E ratio of COST vs WMT?

COST trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 0.00, while WMT trades at 0.00. A lower P/E means you pay less per dollar of current earnings — WMT is the cheaper name on this metric. However, a higher P/E often reflects faster expected growth, so don't pick on P/E alone.

Does COST or WMT pay a higher dividend?

COST currently yields 0.52% and WMT yields 0.79%. WMT pays the higher current yield. Always verify payout ratio and dividend history before treating yield as guaranteed income — a high yield can also be a warning sign of a falling share price.

Which stock is more volatile, COST or WMT?

COST has a beta of 0.98 and WMT has a beta of 0.66. A beta above 1.0 means the stock historically moves more than the broader market; below 1.0 means it moves less. COST has been the more volatile name based on historical price action.

What is the market cap of COST vs WMT?

COST has a market capitalization of $387.03B and WMT is at $944.54B. Market cap is share price multiplied by shares outstanding and reflects the total equity value the market assigns to the company.

Should I buy COST or WMT for long-term investing?

For a long-term holder (10+ years), the safer-quality name usually wins because compounding requires durability. WMT screens better on safety metrics here: lower beta, more conservative debt levels, and stronger return on equity. That said, COST is growing faster, so a long-term investor may want both — or split allocation 60/40 toward the safer name.

Which has higher growth, COST or WMT?

COST is the faster grower right now. COST grew revenue 8.17% year-over-year and EPS 9.88%; WMT grew revenue 4.73% and EPS 13.22%. WMT's slower growth often comes with a lower valuation — it's the classic growth-vs-value trade-off.

Is COST overvalued compared to WMT?

COST trades at a higher P/E than WMT, which can mean the market is pricing in faster expected growth. Whether that premium is justified depends on whether COST can actually deliver the implied earnings expansion. Cross-check P/E with PEG ratio (P/E ÷ growth rate) — a PEG under 1.5 is generally considered reasonable, over 2.0 starts to look stretched.

What sector are COST and WMT in?

COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) operates in the Consumer Defensive sector, specifically the Discount Stores industry. WMT (Walmart Inc.) is in the Consumer Defensive sector, specifically the Discount Stores industry. Because both are in the same sector, this is a true head-to-head comparison.

How do I decide between COST and WMT?

Start with your goal. (1) If you need income, weight the higher-yield name. (2) If you want growth, weight the faster top-line and EPS grower. (3) If you want capital preservation, weight the lower-beta, lower-debt, higher-ROE name. (4) If you're unsure, the most common professional approach is to own both in a sector basket so you don't have to predict the winner — and rebalance annually.

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