Is Costco owned by Walmart?

Ownership. Costco is mainly owned by institutional investors, who own over 70% of shares. The largest shareholders as of September 2024 are: The Vanguard Group (9.40%)

Is Costco connected to Walmart?

Sam's Club is a subsidiary of Walmart, while Costco is a publicly traded company. Costco is considered the original warehouse store, because it began a discount warehouse in 1976 under the name Price Club. Costco as it is known today, opened its doors for the first time in 1983–the same year as Sam's Club.

Who is bigger, Walmart or Costco?

Walmart continues to top the list with 2024 U.S. retail sales of $568.70 billion, representing 7% growth for the retailer. Amazon retained its No. 2 spot with U.S. sales of $273.66 billion, followed by Costco Wholesale ($183.05 billion), The Kroger Co.

What company did Costco merge with?

Over the next decade, both Price Club and Costco Wholesale continued to innovate and grow, and in 1993, the two mega-retailers merged, creating a gifted leadership team that soon made Costco the world's most successful warehouse club.

Who owns Sam's and Costco?

If you've ever wandered the wide aisles of a warehouse club, you may have wondered whether you get better deals at Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) or Sam's Club, which is owned by Walmart Inc. (WMT). While both retail giants promise bulk savings and exclusive deals, the differences extend far beyond the price tag.

COSTCO vs WALMART SUPERCENTER Who’s Cheaper? Compare my top 10 items!

Who actually owns Costco?

Ownership. Costco is mainly owned by institutional investors, who own over 70% of shares. The largest shareholders as of September 2024 are: The Vanguard Group (9.40%)

Is Sam's still owned by Walmart?

A division of Walmart Inc., we are the membership warehouse club solution for everyday living. Our President and CEO is Chris Nicholasopens in a new tab and our headquarters is in Bentonville, AR. For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2023, Sam's Club's total revenue was $84.3 billion.

What did Costco used to be called?

The History of Costco. The company's first location, opened in 1976 under the Price Club name, was in a converted airplane hangar on Morena Boulevard in San Diego.

Who are the top owners of Costco?

How much is a Costco membership?

$65.00 Annual membership fee* Includes a free Household Card. Valid at all Costco locations worldwide.

Why is Walmart better than Costco?

Costco primarily targets middle to upper-middle-class consumers who are willing to pay a membership fee for access to bulk discounts and perceived higher quality goods. Walmart caters to a broader demographic, including budget-conscious consumers seeking everyday low prices.

Who owns Walmart?

The Waltons are the richest family in America thanks to their stake in Walmart, the world's largest retailer by sales. An estimated 45% of Walmart's stock is held by the families of seven heirs of founders Sam Walton (d. 1992) and his brother Bud (d. 1995).

Can you go to Costco without a membership?

Costco requires you to show your membership card to even get inside, so if you don't have one, you'll have to speak to the employee at the front door to gain entrance.

Who is the CEO of Costco?

Ron VachrisPresident, CEO and Director

Ron M. Vachris has been a director of the Company since February 2022, and Chief Executive Officer and President since January 2024. Mr. Vachris previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer from February 2022 to January 2024.

Is Costco owned by Target?

Costco is not part of the Target Corporation (or vice versa) whereas Sam's Club is a division of Walmart Stores.

Who is Costco CEO's salary?

Since becoming CEO of the wholesale club in January, Ron Vachris received a compensation package worth more than $12.2 million in the 2024 fiscal year, according to the company's latest proxy statement filed Wednesday with the SEC.

What is the religion of the owner of Costco?

Sinegal: I was raised and educated as a Catholic. I would not suggest to you that I am a practicing Catholic today, although I still consider myself a Catholic. I am involved in many Catholic charities, mainly because I have that background. I am a trustee on the board of Seattle University, a Jesuit University.

Which country has Costco?

Countries with just one lone Costco location include Sweden, Iceland, and New Zealand. Despite that, Australia has 15 warehouses. Along with their physical stores, Costco also offers online storefronts in their larger markets, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and some countries in Asia.

What is Costco's net worth?

Costco has a market cap or net worth of $418.34 billion as of August 29, 2025. Its market cap has increased by 9.38% in one year.

What is Costco called in America?

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST), which is Costco for short, is an American operator of discount stores known as warehouse clubs or wholesale clubs. Abundance of products are sold with deeply discounted prices to club members who need to pay annual membership fees.

Who owns Walmart now?

It is a publicly traded family-owned business (the largest such business in the world), as the company is controlled by the Walton family.

Which is better, Costco or Sam's Club?

General Trend: Sam's Club tends to have slightly lower prices overall, especially on packaged foods and everyday basics. Costco often offers higher quality, especially on fresh foods and their Kirkland Signature products.

Why are people boycotting Sam's and Walmart?

Walmart's DEI Rollback Fuels Outrage

The first major reason behind the boycott is Sam's Club's connection to Walmart, which in late 2024 scaled back its diversity policies following political pressure.