AMZN vs COST: Amazon.com, Inc. vs Costco Wholesale Corporation Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This AMZN vs COST comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Amazon.com, Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corporation side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Amazon.com, Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corporation have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1997 to 2025 (29 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 29-year comparison period, Amazon.com, Inc. outperformed Costco Wholesale Corporation in 19 years, while Costco Wholesale Corporation outperformed Amazon.com, Inc. in 10 years.
AMZN - Amazon.com, Inc.
COST - Costco Wholesale Corporation
Overall Winner: AMZN with an average annual return of 69.29% (vs 16.01% for COST)
Understanding AMZN vs COST Performance
When comparing Amazon.com, Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corporation, investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in Amazon.com, Inc. grew to $16,548,060, compared to $1,196,424 for Costco Wholesale Corporation over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | AMZN Return | AMZN Cumulative | COST Return | COST Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1998 | +156.38% | $25,638.25 | +83.08% | $20,619.58 | +73.31% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 1999 | +979.83% | $276,849.57 | +64.06% | $33,829.01 | +915.77% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2000 | +28.68% | $356,262.78 | +27.62% | $43,173.37 | +1.06% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2001 | -82.59% | $62,034.57 | -10.25% | $38,746.87 | -72.33% (COST) | COST |
| 2002 | -22.02% | $48,375.78 | +7.75% | $41,750.19 | -29.77% (COST) | COST |
| 2003 | +72.35% | $83,377.61 | -36.87% | $26,355.68 | +109.23% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2004 | +168.88% | $224,186.51 | +28.16% | $33,778.17 | +140.72% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2005 | -14.66% | $191,314.45 | +34.25% | $45,346.49 | -48.91% (COST) | COST |
| 2006 | +5.91% | $202,616.27 | +4.29% | $47,292.76 | +1.62% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2007 | -17.07% | $168,037.80 | +6.94% | $50,572.89 | -24.00% (COST) | COST |
| 2008 | +139.38% | $402,248.63 | +33.30% | $67,412.06 | +106.08% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2009 | -46.72% | $214,309.70 | -22.18% | $52,459.18 | -24.54% (COST) | COST |
| 2010 | +147.46% | $530,333.73 | +12.50% | $59,015.66 | +134.96% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2011 | +34.43% | $712,920.60 | +23.18% | $72,695.00 | +11.25% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2012 | -6.04% | $669,886.80 | +16.32% | $84,561.74 | -22.36% (COST) | COST |
| 2013 | +40.13% | $938,694.64 | +26.45% | $106,931.43 | +13.67% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2014 | +54.98% | $1,454,828.95 | +18.57% | $126,785.66 | +36.42% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2015 | -22.02% | $1,134,523.09 | +21.70% | $154,295.10 | -43.71% (COST) | COST |
| 2016 | +119.07% | $2,485,455.69 | +19.06% | $183,707.62 | +100.01% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2017 | +17.72% | $2,925,899.33 | +1.51% | $186,481.06 | +16.21% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2018 | +55.17% | $4,540,119.14 | +22.66% | $228,743.60 | +32.51% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2019 | +26.32% | $5,735,126.67 | +9.31% | $250,033.35 | +17.01% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2020 | +20.06% | $6,885,446.11 | +44.95% | $362,432.26 | -24.90% (COST) | COST |
| 2021 | +71.60% | $11,815,225.48 | +33.77% | $484,834.15 | +37.82% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2022 | +4.64% | $12,362,897.01 | +50.48% | $729,555.46 | -45.84% (COST) | COST |
| 2023 | -50.71% | $6,094,225.08 | -18.91% | $591,608.25 | -31.80% (COST) | COST |
| 2024 | +77.04% | $10,789,519.66 | +50.06% | $887,781.39 | +26.98% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2025 | +46.33% | $15,788,119.97 | +41.65% | $1,257,508.93 | +4.68% (AMZN) | AMZN |
| 2026 | +4.81% | $16,548,060.26 | -4.86% | $1,196,424.39 | +9.67% (AMZN) | AMZN |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means AMZN outperformed COST that year.
Company Profiles
Amazon.com, Inc.
AMZN
Amazon.com, Inc. is a global technology leader that has transformed from an online bookstore into the world's largest e-commerce marketplace and a dominant force in cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. The company operates through a diverse ecosystem that includes its massive retail platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS), digital content production via Amazon Studios, and physical retail through subsidiaries like Whole Foods Market. Amazon is recognized for its customer-centric business model and its 'Day 1' philosophy of continuous innovation.
Key Innovations
- ✓1-Click Ordering technology
- ✓Amazon Prime (subscription-based loyalty and logistics program)
- ✓Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure
- ✓Kindle E-readers and E-ink display technology
- ✓Alexa and Echo voice-activated AI ecosystem
- ✓Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) logistics network
- ✓Just Walk Out technology (cashierless physical retail)
- ✓Prime Air (drone delivery initiatives)
Business Segments
- North AmericaFocuses on retail sales of consumer products, advertising, and subscription services (like Amazon Prime) through North America-focused online and physical stores.
- InternationalOperates the company's retail business for consumer products, advertising, and subscriptions for internationally focused online stores across Europe, Asia, and other global regions.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)The world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 fully featured services including compute, storage, databases, analytics, machine learning, and AI to startups, enterprises, and government agencies.
Costco Wholesale Corporation
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation is an American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only big-box warehouse clubs. The company offers a wide range of quality, brand-name merchandise at discounted prices to its members.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered the membership-only warehouse club model, offering bulk quantities of merchandise at competitive prices.
- ✓Developed a strong private label brand, Kirkland Signature, known for its quality and value.
Business Segments
- WarehousesOperates membership-only warehouse clubs that offer a wide variety of products.
- Ancillary BusinessesIncludes self-service gasoline stations, pharmacies, optical centers, food courts, and other services offered at or near warehouses.
- E-commerceOperates online retail websites, primarily in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.