Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)

Over the past 10 years, COST outperformed VTI — 20.06% vs 14.44% annualized total return (price plus dividends).

A side-by-side comparison of Costco Wholesale Corporation and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: COST is classified in Consumer Defensive; VTI is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnCOST vs VTI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 25y
COST +3118.8%VTI +898.9%COST compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $10020062011201620212026$3,219$999
COST VTI

Metrics side by side

Did COST beat VTI?

Over the past 10 years, COST outperformed VTI — 20.06% vs 14.44% annualized total return (price plus dividends).

Total return (annualized)

MetricCOSTVTI
Total return (1Y)2.44%17.56%
Total return CAGR (3Y)19.96%18.52%
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.31%11.48%
Total return CAGR (10Y)20.06%14.44%

VTI is an index fund, so valuation, profitability, and per-company growth metrics don't apply — the head-to-head here is total return (price plus reinvested dividends).

Frequently asked

Has COST beaten VTI?
Over the past 10 years, COST outperformed VTI — 20.06% vs 14.44% annualized total return (price plus dividends).

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.