Costco Still Has Plenty 'Up Its Sleeve.' Its Stock Is Rising After a Downbeat 2025.

Core Insights - Costco Wholesale's shares have been declining for nearly a year but saw a 5% increase recently due to positive sales announcements [1] - December sales rose 8.5% year-over-year, with same-store sales increasing by 7% [1] Sales Performance - The food category, particularly bakery, meat, and candy sales, drove the sales growth last month, along with strong performances in jewelry, tires, and small appliances [2] Investor Sentiment - Investors appreciate Costco for its value, and there is optimism regarding potential stock splits and special dividends, contributing to the recent rise in share prices [3][6] - Analysts from William Blair noted that the recent sales figures could provide a much-needed boost after a 10% decline in shares over the past six months due to valuation concerns [4] Analyst Ratings - Sell-side analysts maintain a generally positive outlook on Costco's stock, with a mean price target of around $1,035, indicating a 17% premium over recent closing prices, though it remains below record highs of approximately $1,080 [5] Market Expectations - Recent investor discussions have included speculation about a stock split or special dividend, which could further enhance stock performance [6] - Analysts from UBS noted that expectations for same-store sales growth were between 3% and 5%, which Costco exceeded, indicating strong business performance [7][8]