AMI Asset Management Corp Has $19.88 Million Stock Holdings in Costco Wholesale Corporation $COST

AMI Asset Management Corp lessened its holdings in shares of Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) by 2.5% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 23,058 shares of the retailer’s stock after selling 599 shares during the period. AMI Asset Management Corp’s holdings in Costco Wholesale were worth $19,884,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in COST. Hurley Capital LLC lifted its position in Costco Wholesale by 120.0% in the 3rd quarter. Hurley Capital LLC now owns 33 shares of the retailer’s stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Costco Wholesale during the 3rd quarter worth about $34,000. Collier Financial acquired a new position in shares of Costco Wholesale during the 3rd quarter worth about $35,000. AXS Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of Costco Wholesale during the 3rd quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Imprint Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Costco Wholesale during the 3rd quarter worth about $36,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.48% of the company’s stock.

Insider Buying and Selling at Costco Wholesale

In other Costco Wholesale news, EVP Claudine Adamo sold 730 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,003.02, for a total transaction of $732,204.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 6,121 shares in the company, valued at $6,139,485.42. This represents a 10.66% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP James C. Klauer sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $939.00, for a total transaction of $1,408,500.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 44,837 shares in the company, valued at $42,101,943. This represents a 3.24% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 3,538 shares of company stock worth $3,416,416. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Costco Wholesale Stock Down 1.8%

Shares of COST opened at $980.85 on Tuesday. Costco Wholesale Corporation has a 52 week low of $844.06 and a 52 week high of $1,067.08. The firm has a market cap of $435.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 51.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.92 and a beta of 0.99. The firm’s 50-day simple moving average is $995.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $943.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 1.06.

Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 5th. The retailer reported $4.58 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.55 by $0.03. Costco Wholesale had a net margin of 2.99% and a return on equity of 28.57%. The business had revenue of $69.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $68.96 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $4.02 EPS. Costco Wholesale’s quarterly revenue was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Costco Wholesale Corporation will post 18.03 earnings per share for the current year.

Costco Wholesale Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 30th were given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 30th. Costco Wholesale’s dividend payout ratio is presently 27.04%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group restated a “buy” rating and set a $1,050.00 price objective on shares of Costco Wholesale in a research note on Thursday, March 5th. Evercore set a $1,100.00 price objective on shares of Costco Wholesale in a research note on Monday, March 2nd. Citigroup restated a “neutral” rating on shares of Costco Wholesale in a research note on Friday, February 20th. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on shares of Costco Wholesale from $1,050.00 to $1,100.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price objective on shares of Costco Wholesale from $1,171.00 to $1,088.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 6th. Twenty-two investment 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. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $1,043.13.

Trending Headlines about Costco Wholesale

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

• Positive Sentiment: Higher gas prices are boosting store traffic and March sales, which helps gasoline margin and ancillary in-club spending — a near-term sales tailwind for Costco. Higher Gas Prices Are Already Having a Positive Impact on Costco’s Sales
• Positive Sentiment: Costco recently raised membership fees (first increase in seven years), which should lift recurring revenue and margins given high renewal rates. This supports longer‑term cash flow even if it pressures membership-sensitive customers. Costco Raised Membership Fees for the First Time in 7 Years. Here’s What Investors Learned From It.
• Positive Sentiment: International sales (especially Other International) are accelerating versus the U.S., shifting Costco’s growth mix and reducing reliance on domestic comps. That diversification can support revenue growth expectations. Costco’s International Sales Surge Signals Shift in Growth Mix
• Positive Sentiment: Brand strength in Japan (local bestsellers and a differentiated “American” offering) underscores Costco’s international merchandising and membership appeal, supporting long-term expansion potential. Costco Japan’s top-selling product baffled execs — until they watched shoppers open it and sniff. Here’s what they said
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst coverage remains constructive but cautious — DA Davidson reiterated a neutral rating, signaling no immediate analyst-driven catalyst. Costco Wholesale’s (COST) Neutral Rating Reiterated at DA Davidson
• Neutral Sentiment: Profiles and rankings (Zacks, Fool) continue to highlight Costco as a strong growth/quality name, which supports investor interest but is unlikely to move the stock alone. Here’s Why Costco (COST) is a Strong Growth Stock
• Negative Sentiment: Broader retail-sector volatility and recent weakness (retail stocks have lagged the market) can weigh on Costco’s multiple as investors de-risk consumer names, contributing to the down move today. 1 Consumer Stock to Research Further and 2 We Ignore

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.