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Costco Stock Rises 1.1% After $30 Special Dividend
Why is Costco stock up today?
Costco (COST) stock rose about 1.1% on Wednesday to $1,078 after the retailer declared a record $30-per-share special dividend, about $13.3 billion, and renewed its $4 billion buyback.
Key numbers
| Special dividend per share | $30double the $15 paid in 2023 |
|---|---|
| Total dividend payout | $13.3Blargest in company history |
| Renewed buyback | $4Bruns through Nov 2030; $3.1B used on old plan |
| COST share price (Wed) | $1,078+1.1% vs Tuesday close of $1,066 |
| COST year to date | +25%market value about $478B |
| Cash at Aug 30 | $20.2Bbefore the dividend |
What happened
Costco (COST) stock rose about 1.1% on Wednesday to $1,078 after the retailer declared a record $30-per-share special dividend, about $13.3 billion, and renewed its $4 billion buyback. A special dividend is a one-time cash payment to shareholders, on top of the regular dividend. People who own the stock on November 24 get paid on December 4. The last special payout was $15 per share, so this one is double. Costco held $20.2 billion in cash at the end of August.
Why it matters
Costco is paying out more cash in one go than it ever has, which suggests it has more money than it needs to run the business. The new $4 billion buyback, where a company buys its own shares, is a second way of returning cash to owners. Shareholders get paid on December 4, but a share price usually adjusts down by about the payout once the dividend is paid, so it is not extra value on its own.
Who this affects
- MarketbullishLow impact
- Costco shareholders get cash; market reaction mildly positive.
- CompanybullishMedium impact
- Shareholders receive $13.3B; Costco's cash pile shrinks.
- CompetitorsneutralLow impact
- Walmart and BJ's traded lower; no direct effect.
- IndustryneutralLow impact
- Shows cash-rich retailers can pay big one-time dividends.
Costco vs Walmart, BJ's Wholesale, Target
How we got here
Costco holds $20.2 billion in cash and equivalents at fiscal year-end.
Board declares $30 special dividend and reauthorizes $4 billion buyback.
Costco shares trade about 1.1% higher, near $1,078.
What to watch
- Record date: shareholders on the books this day qualify for the $30 payment.2026-11-24
- Payment date: $30 per share, about $13.3 billion, goes out to shareholders.2026-12-04
Educational content only. Not investment advice.
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