Costco Investors Will Get A “Special” Treat For Christmas

Core Viewpoint - Costco Wholesale is expected to announce a special dividend this December, potentially exceeding $10 per share, with a yield of approximately 1% to 1.5% [2][3] Financial Performance - In FQ4, Costco achieved 8.1% year-over-year revenue growth, surpassing market expectations, driven by a 6.4% system-wide comparable sales increase and growth in membership [2][3] - Net income rose nearly 10% and GAAP earnings increased by 11%, indicating strong cash flow to support capital spending and special dividends [4][5] Membership and Growth Metrics - Membership increased by 6.3%, and digital sales grew by 13.6%, contributing to overall growth [3] - The company plans to open up to 35 new stores in FY2026, representing a 3.8% increase in store count [4] Balance Sheet Strength - Costco's cash reserves increased by 43% in F2025, with current assets rising by $4.1 billion (12%) and total assets by $7 billion (10%) [5] - The company's leverage remains low, with total liabilities approximately 1.6 times equity, supporting its ability to pay special dividends [6] Analyst Sentiment and Stock Forecast - Analysts maintain a Moderate Buy rating for Costco, with a 12-month price forecast averaging $1,069.58, indicating a potential upside of 16.77% [7][8] - Institutional ownership stands at 58%, with a bullish trend in buying activity throughout the year [9] Technical Outlook - The stock is currently holding above critical support levels, with expectations of a rebound as dividend hunters enter the market [10] - A move to new highs could initiate a sustained rally, potentially reaching the analysts' high-end target near $1,225 [11]