Costco vs Walmart (COST vs WMT)
Costco (COST) vs Walmart (WMT) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Costco (COST) and Walmart (WMT) compete in retail. Here are Costco and Walmart side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Costco or Walmart.
Costco vs Walmart: the figures
| Figure | Costco | Walmart |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $1,046.47 (November 4, 2026) | $129.17 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $463.7 billion | $1.03 trillion |
| P/E (TTM) | 50.4x | 46.8x |
| Forward P/E | 41.8x | 40.0x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +11.1% | +5.9% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 3.0% | 3.0% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | Net cash | 1.4x |
| Dividend yield | 0.58% | 0.79% |
| Beta | 0.85 | 0.53 |
Costco and Walmart figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Costco or Walmart figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Costco and Walmart
- Debt: Walmart owes 1.4x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Costco holds more cash than debt.
- Volatility: Costco stock moves more (beta 0.85) than Walmart (beta 0.53); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Growth: Costco grew sales +11.1% year on year in its latest quarter, against +5.9% for Walmart.
Costco or Walmart: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Costco is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Walmart pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Costco has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Walmart trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Costco nor Walmart wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Costco and Walmart make money
Costco (COST)
Costco runs membership warehouse clubs where shoppers pay an annual fee, and those fees drive a large share of profit. It sells groceries, fresh food, electronics, gasoline and its Kirkland Signature private label, also online. It reports United States and Puerto Rico, by far its largest segment, Canada, and Other International. Full Costco analysis.
Walmart (WMT)
Walmart reports three segments: Walmart U.S., the largest, with supercenters where groceries are the top category; Walmart International, including Walmex in Mexico, Flipkart in India and operations in Canada and China; and Sam's Club membership warehouses. It also earns from e-commerce, advertising and the Walmart+ subscription. Full Walmart analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Costco vs Walmart
Is Costco or Walmart the better stock?
Choosing between Costco and Walmart depends on what you are looking for. Costco is growing faster right now, and Walmart trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Costco or Walmart: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Costco or Walmart?
As of November 4, 2026, Walmart yields 0.79% and Costco yields 0.58%. Also check how much of their profit Costco and Walmart pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Costco or Walmart?
On P/E, Costco (50.4x) is more expensive than Walmart (46.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Costco and Walmart?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Costco and Walmart, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Costco or Walmart.
More comparisons with Costco or Walmart
More companies like Costco and Walmart: retail stocks. Educational content about Costco and Walmart, not investment advice.