Costco Wholesale Corporation (Nasdaq: COST) has officially declared an increase in its quarterly cash dividend on common stock, raising it from \(1.16 to \)1.30 per share ($5.20 on an annualized basis). This decisive dividend hike, announced on April 16, 2025, demonstrates the company’s robust financial fundamentals and long-term commitment to maximizing shareholder value. The upcoming dividend will be payable on May 16, 2025, to shareholders of record as of May 2, 2025 (source).
Costco’s global footprint continues to expand, now operating 904 warehouses—623 are located in the United States and Puerto Rico, with major international presences in Canada (109), Mexico (41), Japan (37), the United Kingdom (29), Korea (19), Australia (15), Taiwan (14), China (7), and additional sites across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. E-commerce platforms are also live in multiple countries, supporting multichannel growth and further strengthening the company’s revenue streams (Costco 8-K, 2025).
Costco’s steady dividend appreciation is underpinned by strong key performance indicators (KPIs) and technical metrics such as consistently rising earnings per share (EPS), net sales, and operating cash flow over recent quarters. According to the company’s latest financial filings, this dividend increase represents a 12.1% growth over the previous quarterly payout—showcasing a high payout ratio and robust free cash flow, hallmarks of an elite retail operator.
For context, as of FY2024, Costco reported revenue per share exceeding $1,000, an operating margin above 3%, and a steadily increasing return on equity, speaking to their capital efficiency and operational discipline (SEC Filings; Morningstar). Industry observers note: “Costco’s relentless focus on operational efficiency and member value continues to deliver for stakeholders, even amid volatile macroeconomic conditions” (Morningstar, 2025).
The press release emphasizes that certain forward-looking statements are subject to risks—including global economic volatility, exchange rate fluctuations, cybersecurity incidents, and changes in consumer spending patterns. Notably, Costco has cited the impact of inflation, labor costs, supply chain issues, and evolving regulatory environments as ongoing considerations that could affect future results (Costco 8-K).
Costco Wholesale Corporation’s latest dividend increase highlights its financial robustness, global expansion strategy, and unwavering shareholder focus. Investors and analysts view this move as a tangible indicator of Costco’s enduring profitability and operational strength, reinforcing the company’s leadership in the wholesale retail sector.
For full details and source material, view the official SEC filing here.
Contact Information: Costco Wholesale Corporation, David Sherwood (425⁄313-8239), Josh Dahmen (425⁄313-8254), Andrew Yoon (425⁄313-6305).