Independent Advisor Alliance reduced its position in Costco Wholesale Corporation by 2.1% during the third quarter, according to its latest SEC filing. The fund sold 686 shares, bringing its total holding to 32,229 shares. At the end of the period, Costco represented approximately 0.8% of the Alliance’s portfolio and ranked as its 20th largest position, with holdings valued at $29.83 million.

Several other institutional investors adjusted their Costco exposure in the second and third quarters. Peterson Wealth Services added 72 shares, lifting its stake to 13,616 shares worth $13.48 million. Fishman Jay A Ltd. MI increased its position by 575 shares to 16,888 shares valued at $16.72 million. Silver Oak Securities boosted its holding by 49.3%, acquiring 1,248 additional shares to reach 3,780 shares. Permanent Capital Management initiated a new position worth $874,000, while Wealthspire Advisors added 312 shares, for a total of 15,799 shares valued at $15.64 million. Overall, 68.48% of Costco’s stock remains in the hands of hedge funds and institutional investors.

In its most recent quarter, Costco reported $4.34 in earnings per share, exceeding the consensus estimate by seven cents. Revenue climbed 8.3% year-over-year to $67.31 billion, topping analyst expectations by $280 million. The company delivered a net margin of 2.96% and a return on equity of 29.35%, while same-store sales growth in the U.S. and Canada remained in the mid-single-digit range. Analysts now forecast full-year EPS of 18.03 for the current fiscal year.

Costco announced a quarterly dividend of $1.30 per share, payable on February 13th to shareholders of record as of January 30th. This marks an annualized dividend of $5.20 and translates to a yield of 0.6%. The company’s dividend payout ratio stands at 27.85%, reflecting its commitment to returning capital while maintaining sufficient cash flow for ongoing warehouse expansion and ancillary service investments.