Costco Stock Stumbles at Close—Then Explodes Higher in After-Hours Surprise

Costco Stock Takes a Dive Before a Stunning After-Hours Comeback
Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) gave investors a rollercoaster ride on Wednesday, with a day marked by losses turning sharply positive in a dramatic post-market turnaround. The stock ended regular trading at $982.09, down 0.38% or $3.75, but what happened next took Wall Street by surprise.
Opening High, Intraday Slide
The day began with promise as Costco stock opened at $988.39, its intraday high. However, optimism quickly faded. Sellers dominated the session, pressing the price down to an intraday low of $972.28 before settling under Tuesday’s closing figure of $985.84. The pressure pointed to broader market uncertainty or profit-taking after a strong recent run.
Post-Market Reversal Ignites Buzz
At exactly 4:00 PM ET, just as regular markets closed, a surge in after-hours buying flipped the narrative. Costco shares rocketed upward in seconds, quickly climbing back to the $990 range—wiping out the day’s losses in a matter of minutes. The spike created a sharp V-shaped recovery on the 1-day chart, catching the attention of both retail and institutional investors.
Key Metrics: Strong Valuation and Yield
Despite the volatility, Costco remains fundamentally strong. The company trades with a P/E ratio of 55.71, indicating investor confidence in future earnings growth. Meanwhile, a dividend yield of 0.53% adds appeal for long-term holders. The stock continues to perform in the upper tier of its 52-week range, which spans from $793.03 to a high of $1,078.24.
Pre-Market Momentum Hints at Bullish Continuation
Looking ahead to Thursday’s open, early pre-market data paints a bullish picture. Costco is quoted at $988.99, marking a $6.90 (0.70%) rise over Wednesday’s close. If momentum holds, the stock could challenge new resistance levels and reignite interest from growth-focused investors.