Costco Wholesale Corporation vs Eaton Corporation plc — how do they compare? Costco Wholesale Corporation trades at $921.4 (market cap $408.78B), while Eaton Corporation plc trades at $418.62 (market cap $161.35B). The key difference: Costco Wholesale Corporation is far larger — about 2.5× Eaton Corporation plc's market cap, and Eaton Corporation plc pays the higher dividend (1.06%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| COST | ETN | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $408.78B | $161.35B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Technology |
52-Week High | $1.09K | $435.78 |
52-Week Low | $849.63 | $315.82 |
Enterprise Value | $396.92B | $182.43B |
Dividend Yield | 0.64% | 1.06% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
COST trades at $926.43, up 1.11% today, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals. Revenue grew to $275.24B in 2025, with net income up to $8.10B, and March 2026 sales surged 11.3% year-over-year (Costco report, April 8, 2026). Valuation ratios are elevated, with a P/E of 46.6, while analyst consensus is bullish with a $1,120 price target. Recent membership fee hikes and institutional buying support growth prospects.
Outlook remains positive due to steady revenue growth and high membership renewal rates, but risks include rich valuations and competitive pressures. The stock offers long-term value if pullbacks occur, with earnings momentum key for upside. Bearish technicals suggest near-term caution, though fundamentals underpin investor confidence.
Eaton Corporation (ETN) trades at $402.85, down 1.09% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The stock exhibits strong fundamentals, including a 13.99% net income margin and consistent quarterly earnings beats, most recently in Q1 2026. Recent news highlights growth in data center and aerospace markets, supported by strategic acquisitions and a $2.1 billion R&D investment in 2025.
The outlook remains positive, driven by robust analyst sentiment with a $449.50 consensus price target and no sell ratings. Key opportunities include exposure to high-growth infrastructure and AI-related power demand. Risks involve elevated valuation multiples, such as a P/E of 40.66, and potential execution challenges from recent investments, with Q2 2026 earnings on July 31, 2026, serving as a near-term catalyst.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
The leading warehouse club, Costco has 815 stores worldwide (at the end of fiscal 2021), with most sales derived in the United States (72%) and Canada (14%). It sells memberships that allow customers to shop in its warehouses, which feature low prices on a limited product assortment. Costco mainly caters to individual shoppers, but roughly 20% of paid members carry business memberships. Food and sundries accounted for 40% of fiscal 2021 sales, with non-food merchandise 29%, warehouse ancillary and other businesses (such as fuel and pharmacy) nearly 17%, and fresh food 14%. Costco's warehouses average around 146,000 square feet
Read more on COST →Eaton is a global power management company providing energy-efficient solutions for electrical, aerospace, and industrial sectors. It focuses on improving sustainability through intelligent power technology.
Read more on ETN →