Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

Over the past six months, Costco's stock has seen a -4.29% change. Key events include the announcement of Q4 and fiscal year 2025 operating results, where net sales increased but the stock experienced downward pressure due to high valuation. The worldwide membership renewal rate eased to 89.8% due to online sign-ups. Costco opened four new warehouse locations and began offering GLP-1 medications at its pharmacies. Several analysts adjusted their price targets for Costco, and EVP Teresa A. Jones sold 600 shares of Costco stock.

Costco's products and services experience seasonal demand patterns typical of the retail industry. Increased demand is seen during major shopping holidays, back-to-school season, and warmer months for home improvement products. Costco offers a rotating selection of seasonal items, and membership renewals and gasoline prices can impact sales figures. The retail sector often experiences higher sales in the fourth quarter due to holiday shopping.

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates membership-only big-box warehouse clubs, providing high-quality, brand-name merchandise and private-label products at lower prices. Its sector is Consumer Discretionary, and its industry is Department/Specialty Retail Stores. Costco offers groceries, electronics, apparel, home goods, health and personal care items, and various services like gas stations and pharmacies. A significant portion of its profits comes from annual membership fees.

As of September 2025, Costco operates 914 warehouses worldwide, primarily in North America (85% in the United States, Canada, and Mexico). It has 629 warehouses in the United States and Puerto Rico, 110 in Canada, and 42 in Mexico. Internationally, it has a presence in Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Sweden, Iceland, and New Zealand. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in several regions and plans to open 35 new locations in fiscal year 2026.

Costco has a strong brand reputation for customer satisfaction, employee treatment, and financial results. Its private label brand, Kirkland Signature™, is known for quality and low prices. A slight dip in the membership renewal rate was noted but attributed to expanding reach to a new demographic. The expansion into GLP-1 medications could enhance its reputation as a comprehensive value provider. Consistent strong financial performance reinforces its reputation for delivering value and maintaining member loyalty.

Costco is primarily owned by institutional investors, who hold over 70% of its shares. The largest institutional shareholders include The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Corporation. Individual owners, specifically company insiders, own 0.18% of the company's stock.