Costco's 9.8% Same-Store Sales Growth in Q3 2026 Shows Why Investors Love the Retail Stock So Much

Costco reported strong Q3 2026 results with 9.8% same-store sales growth and 11.6% revenue increase to $70.5 billion. The company's durable business model, scale advantages, and ability to navigate economic challenges have driven a 634% 10-year return. However, the stock trades at a P/E ratio of 48, significantly higher than Nvidia's 34, reflecting investor preference for safety and stability over growth.