Costco Wholesale Corporation $COST Shares Acquired by QRG Capital Management Inc.

QRG Capital Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) by 42.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 117,027 shares of the retailer’s stock after buying an additional 34,608 shares during the quarter. Costco Wholesale comprises approximately 0.8% of QRG Capital Management Inc.’s portfolio, making the stock its 22nd largest position. QRG Capital Management Inc.’s holdings in Costco Wholesale were worth $109,475,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Sarasin & Partners LLP lifted its position in Costco Wholesale by 6.9% in the second quarter. Sarasin & Partners LLP now owns 214,194 shares of the retailer’s stock valued at $200,372,000 after buying an additional 13,795 shares during the last quarter. Perryman Financial Advisory Inc. AD purchased a new stake in shares of Costco Wholesale in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $9,300,000. Nissay Asset Management Corp Japan raised its stake in shares of Costco Wholesale by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Nissay Asset Management Corp Japan now owns 158,416 shares of the retailer’s stock valued at $148,193,000 after acquiring an additional 6,200 shares during the period. Hyperion Asset Management Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Costco Wholesale by 9.0% in the 2nd quarter. Hyperion Asset Management Ltd now owns 68,762 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $64,325,000 after acquiring an additional 5,656 shares during the last quarter. Finally, R Squared Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Costco Wholesale during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,413,000. 68.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts recently weighed in on COST shares. DA Davidson reiterated a “neutral” rating and issued a $1,000.00 target price on shares of Costco Wholesale in a report on Thursday, September 3rd. HC Wainwright restated a “buy” rating on shares of Costco Wholesale in a research report on Monday, June 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Costco Wholesale from $1,088.00 to $1,159.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, May 29th. Oppenheimer reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $1,160.00 price objective on shares of Costco Wholesale in a report on Wednesday, September 16th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a “buy” rating and set a $1,091.00 target price on shares of Costco Wholesale in a research note on Friday, September 4th. Twenty-two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $1,052.65.

Costco Wholesale Stock Up 0.6%

Costco Wholesale stock traded up $5.29 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $904.70. 2,279,427 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,182,632. The company has a quick ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. Costco Wholesale Corporation has a twelve month low of $844.06 and a twelve month high of $1,096.50. The company has a market cap of $401.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.51, a P/E/G ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a fifty day moving average of $935.54 and a 200-day moving average of $969.45.

Costco Wholesale Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 7th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 24th were paid a $1.47 dividend. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 24th. Costco Wholesale’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.58%.

Key Headlines Impacting Costco Wholesale

Here are the key news stories impacting Costco Wholesale this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Analysts remain constructive: BTIG reaffirmed a Buy rating and a $1,125 price target, citing Costco’s durable traffic, membership and sales growth. BTIG reiterates Buy rating and $1,125 price target
• Positive Sentiment: Q4 expectations remain strong, with one preview forecasting approximately $94 billion in sales and $6.59 in earnings per share. Robust traffic, engaged members, digital momentum and membership-fee income could support the results. Costco Q4 preview
• Positive Sentiment: Costco’s nationwide same-day delivery rollout through DoorDash expands member convenience and could increase order frequency, digital engagement and sales reach. However, delivery economics will need to be demonstrated. Costco nationwide same-day delivery
• Neutral Sentiment: Higher gasoline prices may lift Costco’s fuel revenue and traffic, but they can also pressure consumers’ discretionary budgets. Investors will watch the net effect in the earnings report. Costco Q4 preview and gasoline prices
• Neutral Sentiment: Options markets imply elevated volatility around earnings, increasing the likelihood of a substantial post-report move. A potential special dividend is also a topic of investor speculation, not a confirmed announcement. Expected Costco earnings move
• Negative Sentiment: The benefit from Costco’s 2024 membership-fee increase may be largely reflected in results after Thursday’s report. Because membership fees contribute roughly half of operating income, slower fee-income growth could weigh on future earnings momentum. Costco membership fee boost
• Negative Sentiment: Investors remain concerned about Costco’s premium valuation, margin pressure and macroeconomic uncertainty. Commentary that the stock is “acting poorly” reflects weakened sentiment ahead of the earnings catalyst. Buy, hold or sell Costco before earnings

About Costco Wholesale

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates membership-based warehouse clubs that offer a broad selection of merchandise at generally competitive prices. Its product range includes groceries, fresh foods, apparel, appliances, electronics, furniture, jewelry, hardware, and seasonal goods, along with private-label products sold under the Kirkland Signature brand.

The company also provides a variety of ancillary services, including gasoline stations, pharmacies, optical centers, hearing-aid centers, food courts, tire centers, and travel services.