Czech National Bank increased its position in Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST – Free Report) by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 126,281 shares of the retailer’s stock after acquiring an additional 5,395 shares during the period. Costco Wholesale comprises about 0.6% of Czech National Bank’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest holding. Czech National Bank’s holdings in Costco Wholesale were worth $118,132,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of COST. Gunpowder Capital Management LLC dba Oliver Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Costco Wholesale during the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Mcguire Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Costco Wholesale during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Lifetime Wealth Management P.C. purchased a new stake in shares of Costco Wholesale during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Costco Wholesale by 750.0% in the 1st quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC now owns 34 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the period. Finally, Entrust Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of Costco Wholesale in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.48% of the company’s stock.
Key Stories Impacting Costco Wholesale
Here are the key news stories impacting Costco Wholesale this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Strong July sales support the investment case. Costco reported July net sales of $23.12 billion, up 10.7% year over year, while sales for the first 48 weeks of the fiscal year rose 10.1% to $273.55 billion. The results indicate continued customer traffic and spending momentum and are likely the main reason the stock has increased. Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports July Sales Results
- Positive Sentiment: Comparable-store sales also improved in July. MarketWatch reported that Costco’s same-store sales increased, suggesting that growth was not driven solely by new warehouse openings. Broad-based comparable sales are generally viewed favorably because they indicate stronger underlying demand and member engagement. Costco Same-Store Sales Rise in July
- Positive Sentiment: Costco’s brand strategy continues to attract attention. Lord & Taylor is reportedly pursuing a Costco-like model, including greater emphasis on private-label merchandise. The comparison highlights the strength of Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand and the competitive advantages of its membership and private-label ecosystem. Formerly bankrupt department store bets on Costco strategy
- Neutral Sentiment: Analysts remain focused on valuation. A TipRanks review noted that COST has risen about 10% year to date while inflation remains a concern. Strong sales support earnings expectations, but the stock’s high earnings multiple leaves less room for disappointing results or slowing growth. Is Costco Stock Still a Good Buy After Its July Sales Report?
- Neutral Sentiment: Articles about student benefits, new groceries, and higher-income consumer spending provide lifestyle or industry context but do not materially change Costco’s earnings outlook. Costco Student Discount
- Negative Sentiment: A proposed tax-sharing agreement connected to a potential Costco and gas-station development has drawn opposition from local residents. The issue appears localized and is unlikely to affect Costco’s near-term financial results, but it could create permitting or reputational friction. Residents Oppose Tax-Sharing Agreement
Costco Wholesale Stock Up 0.8%
Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 28th. The retailer reported $4.93 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.94 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $70.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $70.12 billion. Costco Wholesale had a net margin of 3.01% and a return on equity of 28.04%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $4.28 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Costco Wholesale Corporation will post 20.42 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Costco Wholesale Dividend Announcement
The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 7th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 24th will be given a $1.47 dividend. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 24th. Costco Wholesale’s payout ratio is presently 29.58%.
Insider Activity at Costco Wholesale
In other news, Director Kenneth D. Denman sold 885 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $957.45, for a total value of $847,343.25. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 4,779 shares in the company, valued at $4,575,653.55. The trade was a 15.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.
Analyst Ratings Changes
A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada started coverage on shares of Costco Wholesale in a report on Monday, July 13th. They issued a “sector perform” rating and a $1,000.00 price objective on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their target price on shares of Costco Wholesale from $1,192.00 to $1,194.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, May 29th. DA Davidson reiterated a “neutral” rating and issued a $1,000.00 price target on shares of Costco Wholesale in a research report on Thursday, June 4th. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on shares of Costco Wholesale from $1,100.00 to $1,160.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 19th. Finally, TD Cowen reissued a “buy” rating and set a $1,175.00 price objective on shares of Costco Wholesale in a research report on Wednesday, June 3rd. Twenty-two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $1,059.53.
Read Our Latest Report on COST
Costco Wholesale Company Profile
Costco Wholesale Corporation operates a global chain of membership-only warehouse clubs that sell a wide array of merchandise in bulk at discounted prices. The company’s product mix includes groceries, fresh and frozen food, household goods, electronics, apparel, and seasonal items, augmented by its prominent private-label brand, Kirkland Signature. Costco’s business model centers on annual membership fees and high-volume, low-margin sales, designed to drive repeat purchasing and strong customer loyalty among both consumers and small-business buyers.
Beyond merchandise, Costco provides a range of ancillary services that complement its warehouses, including gasoline stations, pharmacy and optical services, hearing aid centers, photo services, and travel and insurance products.
Read More
- Five stocks we like better than Costco Wholesale
- Sandisk Just Delivered a Blowout Quarter—Here’s Why the Stock Is Falling
- 4 Oil and Gas ETF Plays as Prices Stay Sky-High
- What Tesla Stands to Lose If It Walks Away From China
- Disney Sets Up for a Magical Year in 2027
Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COST? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST – Free Report).
Receive News & Ratings for Costco Wholesale Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Costco Wholesale and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
