Costco vs Lowe's
Costco and Lowe's are examined side by side in this page, which compares their business models, financial performance, and market context in clear, accessible terms for readers. By presenting differences and similarities, it aims to inform without judgement and to illuminate how each company operates within its sector. Educational content, not financial advice.
Costco and Lowe's are examined side by side in this page, which compares their business models, financial performance, and market context in clear, accessible terms for readers. By presenting differen...
Why It's Moving
Costco stock slides after mixed holiday-quarter metrics and analyst trims shake confidence
- Preliminary Q4 sales: Costco reported fiscal fourth-quarter comparable-sales growth that beat consensus for the period but showed November’s monthly comps cooling versus October, signaling the holiday cadence may be losing momentum for U.S. shoppers.
- Analyst actions: Several firms trimmed price targets or adjusted coverage in the last week, reflecting concern that slower comps and a rich valuation compress near-term upside for the stock.
- Macro/strategy readthrough: Management is still expanding warehouses and pushing e-commerce and international growth as offsetting drivers, but the recent slowdown shifts investor focus from long-term growth projects to whether U.S. consumer demand holds through the rest of the season.
Lowe's Powers Through Q3 with Pro Growth and Key Acquisition Boost
- Adjusted EPS climbed 5.9% to $3.06, beating prior-year figures and underscoring operational strength despite softer retail comps.[1]
- Total sales hit $20.8 billion, up $0.6 billion year-over-year, fueled by 11.4% online growth and double-digit gains in home services and Pro segments.[1]
- Completed $8.8 billion Foundation Building Materials deal adds 370+ locations to enhance Pro assortment, fulfillment speed, and trade credit in high-growth regions.[1]
Costco stock slides after mixed holiday-quarter metrics and analyst trims shake confidence
- Preliminary Q4 sales: Costco reported fiscal fourth-quarter comparable-sales growth that beat consensus for the period but showed November’s monthly comps cooling versus October, signaling the holiday cadence may be losing momentum for U.S. shoppers.
- Analyst actions: Several firms trimmed price targets or adjusted coverage in the last week, reflecting concern that slower comps and a rich valuation compress near-term upside for the stock.
- Macro/strategy readthrough: Management is still expanding warehouses and pushing e-commerce and international growth as offsetting drivers, but the recent slowdown shifts investor focus from long-term growth projects to whether U.S. consumer demand holds through the rest of the season.
Lowe's Powers Through Q3 with Pro Growth and Key Acquisition Boost
- Adjusted EPS climbed 5.9% to $3.06, beating prior-year figures and underscoring operational strength despite softer retail comps.[1]
- Total sales hit $20.8 billion, up $0.6 billion year-over-year, fueled by 11.4% online growth and double-digit gains in home services and Pro segments.[1]
- Completed $8.8 billion Foundation Building Materials deal adds 370+ locations to enhance Pro assortment, fulfillment speed, and trade credit in high-growth regions.[1]
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
Retail Hybrid Model Growth Trends 2025
Costco's impressive sales growth, fueled by a 26.1% jump in digital demand, highlights the power of blending physical and online retail. This trend creates an investment opportunity in the e-commerce platforms, payment processors, and logistics companies that enable this successful hybrid model for all retailers.
Published: October 9, 2025
Explore BasketValue Retail Stocks (Budget-Conscious Consumer Play)
With consumer sentiment falling, particularly among budget-conscious households, spending habits are shifting towards value-focused retailers. This theme identifies companies poised to attract customers who are looking to stretch their dollars on essential goods.
Published: September 14, 2025
Explore BasketJob Market Strength Fuels Consumer Spending
Recent data shows jobless claims have fallen for six consecutive weeks, signaling a resilient labor market. This trend suggests continued economic stability and creates potential opportunities in companies that benefit from strong consumer spending.
Published: July 27, 2025
Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
Retail Hybrid Model Growth Trends 2025
Costco's impressive sales growth, fueled by a 26.1% jump in digital demand, highlights the power of blending physical and online retail. This trend creates an investment opportunity in the e-commerce platforms, payment processors, and logistics companies that enable this successful hybrid model for all retailers.
Published: October 9, 2025
Explore BasketValue Retail Stocks (Budget-Conscious Consumer Play)
With consumer sentiment falling, particularly among budget-conscious households, spending habits are shifting towards value-focused retailers. This theme identifies companies poised to attract customers who are looking to stretch their dollars on essential goods.
Published: September 14, 2025
Explore BasketJob Market Strength Fuels Consumer Spending
Recent data shows jobless claims have fallen for six consecutive weeks, signaling a resilient labor market. This trend suggests continued economic stability and creates potential opportunities in companies that benefit from strong consumer spending.
Published: July 27, 2025
Explore BasketThe Great Retail Price Divide
This collection of stocks represents retailers capitalizing on Amazon's price increases by offering better deals on everyday essentials. These companies were carefully selected by our analysts for their potential to attract budget-conscious shoppers looking for more affordable alternatives.
Published: July 21, 2025
Explore BasketLow-Cost Leaders
These companies have mastered the art of operational efficiency, allowing them to offer highly competitive pricing that attracts loyal customers. Handpicked by our analysts, this collection features businesses positioned to thrive even during economic uncertainty.
Published: June 17, 2025
Explore BasketEveryday Essentials
These companies power our daily lives by offering must-have products at wallet-friendly prices. Carefully selected by our analysts, this collection features retail giants with business models built to thrive even when consumers are watching every penny.
Published: June 17, 2025
Explore BasketGen-X Core Holdings
These iconic brands shaped the digital revolution and suburban lifestyle we know today. Our analysts have carefully selected these enduring market leaders for their proven track records and strong positions in technology, retail, and automotive sectors.
Published: June 17, 2025
Explore BasketInvestment Analysis
Costco
COST
Pros
- Costco has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, with sales reaching $275 billion in 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand and successful international expansion.
- The company maintains a robust balance sheet, with over $14 billion in cash and equivalents, supporting ongoing store development and operational resilience.
- Costco's membership model delivers high customer retention and recurring revenue, contributing to stable profitability and predictable cash flows.
Considerations
- Costco's shares trade at a high valuation, with a trailing P/E ratio above 50, making the stock appear expensive relative to historical and sector averages.
- The company faces margin pressure from increasing competition in grocery and general merchandise, as well as rising operating costs.
- Costco's growth is increasingly dependent on new store openings, which may slow as the company approaches market saturation in key regions.
Lowe's
LOW
Pros
- Lowe's maintains a strong domestic market position in home improvement, benefiting from ongoing demand for renovation and repair projects.
- The company offers a relatively attractive dividend yield of over 2%, providing income support for investors in a volatile sector.
- Lowe's has a lower valuation compared to peers, with a P/E ratio around 19, suggesting potential for value-oriented investors.
Considerations
- Lowe's revenue growth has been modest, with limited international presence and exposure to cyclical swings in the housing market.
- The company faces intense competition from rivals like Home Depot and online retailers, which may constrain pricing power and market share.
- Lowe's profitability is sensitive to commodity price fluctuations and changes in consumer spending, particularly during economic downturns.
Why invest with Nemo?
Zero Commission
Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.
Trusted & Regulated
Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.
6% Interest on Cash
Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.
Discover More Comparisons
Costco vs TJX
Costco vs TJX
Costco vs Nike
Costco vs Nike: a neutral business comparison
Costco vs Toyota
Costco vs Toyota: A comparison of business models