COST Expected Move Calculator
Calculate the expected price range for Costco Wholesale (COST) based on implied volatility and time to expiration.
Costco options carry low IV reflecting consistent membership revenue and predictable same-store sales growth.
Options premiums are relatively cheap, and expected moves tend to be small. This makes it a cost-effective time to buy options if you expect a catalyst.
Quote refreshes every 6h. Use as context — not a real-time price.
IV typically expands into earnings and crushes on the report. Plan your position size and expiration accordingly.
Enter stock price, implied volatility, and days to expiration, then click Calculate expected move to see the expected price range.
For educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Read full disclaimer
Expected Move for Similar Tickers
Trading COST Options & Expected Move
Costco's expected move is famously tight because monthly comparable sales releases continuously update the market, leaving little new information at the quarterly print. Membership fee growth and renewal rates are the swing factors that have produced occasional larger moves. Options chains are liquid in monthlies with reasonable weeklies, though the high dollar price keeps individual contract premiums elevated and favors spread structures. Traders often sell premium here precisely because realized moves tend to underperform implied. The annual fee-hike announcement is a unique non-earnings catalyst that has produced multi-percent gaps. Skew leans slightly to puts during consumer-spending worries. When using the expected move, factor in that monthly sales reports can dampen the earnings reaction itself.
Recent COST Earnings History
Last 4 quarters of EPS estimate vs actual.
| Quarter | Estimate | Actual | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2026 | $4.65 | $4.58 | Miss -1.54% |
| Q1 2026 | $4.36 | $4.50 | Beat +3.28% |
| Q4 2025 | $5.92 | $5.87 | Miss -0.82% |
| Q3 2025 | $4.32 | $4.28 | Miss -0.98% |
EPS values from Finnhub. Refreshes daily.
Expected Move Formula
Expected Move = Price × IV × √(DTE / 365)
1σ Range: Price ± Expected Move (≈68% probability)
2σ Range: Price ± 2 × Expected Move (≈95% probability)
How to Use This Calculator for COST
- Enter COST's current stock price — check your broker or a financial data site for the latest quote.
- Enter the implied volatility — use the at-the-money IV for the expiration you're targeting. Your broker's option chain will show this.
- Enter days to expiration — the number of calendar days until the options expire.
- Click Calculate — see the 1σ and 2σ expected ranges for COST.
- Apply to your trade — use the ranges to select strikes, evaluate iron condors, or decide if options premiums are fairly priced.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the expected move for COST?
- The expected move for COST (Costco Wholesale) is the price range the market expects the stock to stay within over a given period, based on its current implied volatility. Enter the stock price, IV, and days to expiration above to calculate it.
- How is COST's expected move calculated?
- Expected Move = Stock Price × IV × √(DTE / 365). The 1 standard deviation range covers approximately 68% probability, and the 2 standard deviation range covers approximately 95%.
- What does COST's implied volatility tell me?
- COST's IV reflects the market's consensus on how much the stock will move. Higher IV means options are more expensive and the expected range is wider. IV often rises before earnings and falls after (vol crush).
- Should I buy or sell options on COST?
- That depends on whether IV is elevated or depressed relative to historical levels. When IV is high, selling strategies (covered calls, iron condors) can be more profitable. When IV is low, buying options is cheaper. This calculator helps you understand the expected range before deciding.
- How accurate is the expected move?
- The expected move is a statistical estimate, not a guarantee. Historically, stocks stay within the 1σ expected range about 68% of the time and within the 2σ range about 95% of the time. Earnings announcements, news events, and market crashes can cause moves well beyond the expected range.