Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) is set to pay its shareholders $1.47 per share on November 13, 2026. This dividend payout is scheduled for all shareholders on record as of October 30, 2026. However, the dividend yield of 0.6% is relatively low compared to other consumer goods stocks, such as Coca-Cola at 2.3%, Procter & Gamble at 2.7%, and PepsiCo at 4.6%.
The primary reason to consider investing in Costco before October 30 is its strong track record of outperforming the broader markets. The company's stock has returned 13.4% this year, slightly better than the S&P 500's 13.1% return. Over the past five years, Costco's shares have risen 116%, compared to the S&P 500's 73% increase. This historical performance suggests that Costco could continue to generate significant returns for long-term investors.
Costco is also expanding its footprint, with plans to increase its number of warehouses from 914 in fiscal 2025 to 967 by the end of fiscal 2027. This expansion could drive further revenue growth and investor enthusiasm, potentially pushing the stock price higher. Additionally, Costco has a history of issuing special dividends, the last of which was $15 per share in 2024.
While the quarterly dividend yield may not seem significant, the combination of stock price appreciation, special dividends, and quarterly dividends can offer substantial total return potential for long-term shareholders. However, it's important to note that Costco was not included in The Motley Fool Stock Advisor's list of top 10 stocks for investors to buy now, which has historically outperformed the market.